Ten destinations to visit this fall

Autumn can be one of the best times to travel. With fewer crowds, comfortable temperatures, and often more vivid landscapes, it’s a season that allows you to experience destinations at a more relaxed pace. Here are ten destinations to visit this fall.

Greece

Miles of turquoise coastline, sun-bleached ancient ruins, great food and a passionate people. Experience our Greece from the tavernas of the Greek islands to the monasteries of Meteora; from the oracle of Delphi to the Acropolis in Athens; from the hills and ravines of Crete to the sheer cliffs of Santorini; from the village paths of Paros and Naxos to the quiet island of Evia. Come and discover Greece with us!

Malta and Gozo

Malta and Gozo are compact islands with a lot to see. Gozo’s Ġgantija Temples date back over 5,000 years, and there are several walks and hikes that combine scenic views with quiet trails. On Malta itself, the architecture of Valletta, the character of the Three Cities, and the ancient temples of Haġar Qim and Mnajdra make the islands appealing for travellers interested in history and culture alongside coastal scenery.

Morocco

Soak up the bustling, exotic atmosphere in ancient souqs; join a camel trek into the Sahara; sleep under expansive star-studded skies; witness traditional lifestyles in kasbahs; walk to hamlets high up in the mountains; get lost in winding alleys. All that and more awaits you in Morocco. From Fez, the Islamic world’s largest mediaeval city, to the sea-side romance of Essaouira; from glorious Marrakech to the oases of the interior and from traditional bath houses to wonderful meals, Morocco is one country you will not want to miss.

South Africa

Lions and penguins, traditional African cultures and Western creature comforts, all the Big Five on one morning’s game drive, some of the best food and wine on the planet - all that is South Africa. From metropolitan Cape Town to safaris in the Kruger area, from hiking in the Drakensberg to scenic drives and boat rides along the Garden Route, come and see why this place has been called “The world in one Country”.

India

The moment you set eyes on the Taj Mahal, you know you are seeing an edifice unlike any other. India is like that - it stirs the soul, it challenges your conceptions, it changes you. It is a spectacular mix of people, traditions and landscapes, from Himalayan peaks to the hills, backwaters and beaches of the south, from the sacred Ganges to the deserts of Rajasthan. Temples, shrines and fortresses are everywhere, reminders of an ancient history and spirituality. One thing is for sure: you will remember your journey through this fascinating country long after you've left its shores.

Japan

Japan is a study in contrasts between traditional and modern. Large bustling cities like Tokyo are only a short journey from traditional villages. Pop culture exists next to the grace of a geisha, bullet trains next to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden. There is temple-rich Kyoto, beautified by cherry blossoms and fall colours; there are walks in the Japanese Alps and on pilgrim trails, followed by a long soak in a classic Japanese bath; there are stays at ryokans (traditional inns); and there is the food, made of the freshest of ingredients. This is Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun.

Vietnam

A breathtakingly beautiful country, Vietnam is at once incredibly exotic and utterly compelling. Gaze over the surreal limestone islands of Halong Bay, walk or cycle through rice paddies, soak up the street scenes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, get clothing tailored in Hoi An, dodge traffic in Saigon, enjoy delicious food, laze on long sandy beaches and mingle and laugh with the engaging locals. Vietnam is all that and more.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the Resplendent Isle, the Pearl of the Orient. Splendid temples, ancient ruins, welcoming people and flavourful food are all to be found within this small country. Search the jungles for elephant, leopard and water buffalo, walk among tea plantations and waterfalls to rainforest-covered peaks and take a spectacular train ride through the highlands. Top it all off with some time on the dazzlingly white and often untrod beaches.

Peru

Peru, the land where Spanish, indigenous, African and Asian influences mix, where trails wend their way through deep valleys and over high passes, past half-forgotten Inca ruins to reach the citadel at Machu Picchu. Fly over the geoglyphs etched into the desert at Nazca, visit remote communities and see how old ways live on at Lake Titicaca, explore colonial towns such as Cuzco and Arequipa and join the locals tasting the many culinary treats on offer in Lima.

Colombia

Welcoming, sophisticated people, epic scenery, timeless colonial towns and outdoor adventures galore, Colombia has been waiting to be discovered. From the cloud-forested mountains of the Andes to the jungles of the Amazon, from the gorgeous old town of Cartagena to the Lost City and from the pretty coffee plantations in the highlands to the palm-fringed beaches of the Caribbean, Colombia is one varied, fascinating country.

Travelling in autumn gives the chance to enjoy these destinations with fewer crowds and more comfortable conditions. Whether your interests lie in history, culture, hiking, wildlife, or simply quieter urban exploration, these ten destinations offer a variety of experiences that can be shaped to your pace and preferences. This fall is an opportunity to see places with a slightly different perspective—less hurried, more observant, and often with a closer connection to the local rhythm of life.