As summer winds down, the final quarter of the year offers travelers a chance to explore numerous destinations with fewer crowds, milder weather, and often more affordable prices. Experts highlight several regions in Europe, Asia, and North America where autumn brings vibrant landscapes and unique cultural experiences.
Japan, widely known for its spring cherry blossom season, also boasts impressive autumn foliage that transforms into vivid oranges and reds. Emma Otter of Travel Counsellors, a UK-based travel firm, notes that the autumn colors draw both domestic and international tourists but encounter far smaller crowds than the spring months. In addition to the changing leaves, Japan celebrates Chrysanthemum Day on September 9, marking a period when flower shows and exhibitions dedicated to chrysanthemums take place across the country until mid-November.
Malta remains lively in autumn despite the end of peak summer tourism. Otter describes the Mediterranean archipelago’s annual mid-September parade as a lively event complete with festive displays, including memorable flyovers by the Red Arrows aerobatic team. Temperatures in Malta during this period typically range from 14°C to 28°C, making it an appealing destination for families looking for warm weather and diminishing crowds. Otter particularly highlights Mellieha Bay, known for its sandy beach, as an ideal spot outside of the busy school holiday season.
In the French Alps, the town of Chamonix offers more than its usual winter skiing attractions during autumn. Alexander Blunt, co-founder of the travel company Heidi, encourages visitors to take advantage of pleasant weather for hiking, with routes providing spectacular views of Mont Blanc, including the famous Tour du Mont Blanc trek. Ski lifts remain operational through autumn, allowing casual walkers and more serious hikers alike to access mountain trails and enjoy the alpine scenery alongside meals and other leisure activities.
Austria’s autumn calendar features the Almabtrieb, a traditional ceremonial cattle drive where farmers bring cows down from summer mountain pastures, dressing them up for festivities that include food, music, and local culture. Blunt recommends Zell am See, an Alpine town on Lake Zell, as a scenic base to enjoy the season. Besides the golden colors of fall foliage, swimmers can still take a dip in the lake in September, and several lakeside lidos remain open. The availability of e-bikes in towns like Zell am See further expands access to the surrounding alpine trails, making it accessible for visitors of varying physical abilities.
These destinations exemplify the benefits of shoulder season travel—combining natural beauty, cultural richness, and quieter environments that allow for a more relaxed and potentially cost-effective experience.