Fall in Love with These Top 10 Autumn Travel Destinations

Fall is a magical time for travel. As the summer heat fades and the crisp, cool air settles in, the world seems to burst with color, from the vibrant reds and oranges of autumn leaves to the warm golden hues of the harvest. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking foliage, lively festivals like Oktoberfest, delicious seasonal foods, or budget-friendly destinations, there are countless places to explore. Here are our Top 10 best fall travel destinations based on weather, foliage, crowds, food options, and cost.

Some locations on this list were taken from Airbnb’s 2024 fall travel trends report.

1. Asheville, North Carolina, USA

• Weather: Mild temperatures in the 60s-70s °F (15-25 °C).
• Scenery: Asheville is known for its stunning autumn foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers scenic drives with vibrant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves.
• Crowds: Moderately busy, as fall is a popular time for tourists; however, the city’s many outdoor spaces provide ample room for exploration without feeling crowded.
• Food & Drink: Asheville’s farm-to-table dining scene is bursting with autumn flavors. Visit local breweries and cideries to enjoy seasonal craft beers and warm apple cider.
• Cost: Moderate. Affordable accommodations are available, especially if booked in advance, and local food and drink options cater to a range of budgets.

2. Munich, Germany

• Weather: Cool, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 °F (5-15 °C).
• Scenery: Bavarian countryside offers a charming backdrop of colorful autumn leaves.
• Crowds: Very busy, especially during Oktoberfest, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world.
• Food & Drink: A foodie’s paradise in the fall, Munich offers hearty Bavarian dishes like pretzels, sausages, schnitzels, and plenty of beer. During Oktoberfest, you’ll find traditional Bavarian fare in abundance.
• Cost: Higher than average due to the popularity of Oktoberfest. However, you can save on costs by staying in nearby towns and using public transportation to commute to Munich.

3. Kyoto, Japan

• Weather: Pleasant temperatures in the 50s-70s °F (10-25 °C).
• Scenery: Kyoto is famous for its beautiful fall foliage, with temples, gardens, and parks adorned in shades of red and gold, creating a serene and picturesque landscape.
• Crowds: Quite busy during peak foliage season, particularly at popular temples and gardens. Visiting early in the day or mid-week can help avoid crowds.
• Food & Drink: Fall is an excellent time to enjoy seasonal Japanese cuisine, like matsutake mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, and grilled sweet potatoes. Kyoto’s traditional kaiseki dining offers exquisite seasonal dishes.
• Cost: Moderate to high, depending on your accommodation and dining choices. Public transportation in Kyoto is affordable and efficient.

4. Quebec City, Canada

• Weather: Cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 °F (5-15 °C).
• Scenery: The surrounding regions of Quebec offer some of the most stunning fall foliage in North America. The nearby Laurentian Mountains and Montmorency Falls are must-see spots.
• Crowds: Less crowded than major U.S. cities, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Food & Drink: Quebec City is known for its French-inspired cuisine, with hearty dishes perfect for fall. Try poutine, tourtière, and delicious maple-based desserts.
• Cost: Affordable compared to many European destinations, with a variety of accommodation options ranging from cozy B&Bs to luxury hotels.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Weather: Mild, with temperatures ranging from 50-60 °F (10-15 °C).
• Scenery: The canals and parks of Amsterdam are surrounded by trees that turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a romantic autumn atmosphere.
• Crowds: Less crowded than the summer season, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s canals, museums, and cafes.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy Dutch seasonal treats like apple pie, pumpkin soup, and stamppot, a traditional dish made with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and sausage.
• Cost: Moderate. Fall is a shoulder season in Amsterdam, so you may find better deals on flights and accommodations.

6. New England, USA (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts)

• Weather: Cool, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 °F (5-15 °C).
• Scenery: New England is world-renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage, with scenic drives and hiking trails that provide panoramic views of the changing leaves.
• Crowds: Busy in popular tourist towns like Stowe, Vermont, and the White Mountains, New Hampshire, but less crowded in smaller, off-the-beaten-path towns.
• Food & Drink: Think apple cider donuts, clam chowder, pumpkin pie, and hearty farm-to-table meals. Many towns host fall harvest festivals with local produce, craft beers, and artisanal cheeses.
• Cost: Varies widely depending on the destination. Smaller towns may offer more affordable accommodations, while popular spots can be pricey during peak foliage season.

7. Santorini, Greece

• Weather: Warm and sunny, with temperatures around 60-75 °F (15-24 °C).
• Scenery: Santorini’s stunning sunsets and fewer crowds make it a unique fall destination.
• Crowds: Less crowded compared to summer, making it an excellent time to visit popular sites like Oia and Fira without the peak-season crowds.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and souvlaki, with a focus on seasonal produce.
• Cost: Lower than in the peak summer months, with discounts on flights, accommodations, and dining.

8. Bruges, Belgium

• Weather: Cool, with temperatures in the 40s-50s °F (5-15 °C).
• Scenery: Bruges offers a fairy-tale setting with its canals and cobblestone streets, surrounded by trees that turn golden and amber in the fall.
• Crowds: Less crowded than in summer, making it easier to explore this charming medieval city.
• Food & Drink: Indulge in Belgian waffles, chocolate, and hearty dishes like Flemish stew, paired with local beers.
• Cost: Moderate. Fall is shoulder season in Bruges, so flights and accommodations are generally more affordable.

9. Moab, Utah, USA

• Weather: Pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 60-75 °F (15-24 °C).
• Scenery: The red rock landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are stunning against the clear blue fall skies. Some cottonwood trees near the riverbeds turn a lovely yellow.
• Crowds: Less crowded than in summer months, especially in late October and November, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Food & Drink: Moab has a variety of local eateries offering Southwestern cuisine, BBQ, and plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans.
• Cost: Generally affordable, especially if you’re camping or staying in budget accommodations.

10. Walla Walla, Washington, USA

• Weather: Mild and dry, with temperatures in the 50s-70s °F (10-25 °C).
• Scenery: The rolling hills and vineyards surrounding Walla Walla are tinged with golden hues, providing a picturesque autumn backdrop.
• Crowds: Less crowded than many wine regions, making it perfect for a peaceful fall getaway.
• Food & Drink: Known for its farm-to-table dining, Walla Walla offers an array of gourmet restaurants and bistros. Pair your meals with local wines from the region’s many award-winning wineries.
• Cost: Moderate. The town offers a range of accommodations, from charming B&Bs to boutique hotels.

From the vibrant autumn leaves in New England and Asheville to the lively Oktoberfest celebrations in Munich and beyond, fall offers a range of exciting travel opportunities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, indulge in local cuisines, or enjoy cultural festivities, there’s a destination waiting for you. Pack your bags, grab a cozy sweater, and get ready to explore the magic of fall!