Fall Is Coming! Here Are Some Destinations To Check Out This Season

Love it, like it or hate it, summer is wrapping up and fall will soon be knocking on the door. But don’t despair. It’s a pleasant season usually, with temperatures mild enough to let you get away with wearing shorts and T-shirts at least during the day. What comes to your mind during this time of year? Red, yellow and orange leaves falling. Shorter days. Hoodies. Halloween. Even if you’re a fan of hot weather, these sound tolerable, right?

Depending on the kind of traveler you are, here are some destinations to consider this fall.

The Hiker

Hiking is a fantastic activity all year round and there are so many places to do it in the US.

As Conde Nast Traveler notes, “the temperature is perfect, the leaves are changing,  and as the foliage drops, you get clear views of the American countryside—from its majestic lakes to forest-covered ridges—while also getting a healthy dose of fresh air.”

If you need a break from the city rush for a few hours, drive or take Metro North from NYC to Cold Spring. The Breakneck Ridge loop leads to Mount Beacon, the tallest peak in the Hudson River Valley. It’s not for chumps, that’s for sure, but the views at the very top are worth the hustle.

You can also check out North Carolina’s Whiteside Mountain, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the red rock formations of Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona.

Canada offers a slew of hiking opportunities particularly in British Columbia and Alberta.

The Biker

Whether you like flat roads or inclines that’ll have your legs screaming, there are many options.

Looking for something flat? The pathway along the Hudson River in New York is split for runners/walkers and cyclists. You can start in the Bronx and go all the way down to the southern tip of Manhattan.

Aside from New York, other cities which rank highly for this activity are Portland, Chicago and San Francisco.

In Europe, the Spanish island of Mallorca has been attracting the attention of casual and seasoned cyclists.

The Algarve in Portugal is another great site, to say nothing of the legendary French Alps and historic Austria.

Last but not least, there’s The Netherlands, specifically Amsterdam. You’ll find more bikes on the road than cars!

The Romantic One

When the sun sets and there’s a chill in the air, it’s the perfect time for cuddling.

You can rent an AirBnB like the ones listed here, and take in the forest views from your own terrace.

Craving a bit more action? Hey, action can be romantic. The suffocating heat of New Orleans tends to wear off come fall. There’s the beautiful architecture, the spontaneous music in the streets, and the tasty food.

Want to wander off the grid a bit? Check out Jekyll Island off the coast of Georgia, an island of oak trees and five beaches, including Driftwood Beach.

Paris always scores well for romance. It’s easy to navigate on foot, is mostly flat and just about everywhere can be a great background for an Instagram shot.

The Foodie and Oenophile

Some travelers are really serious about their food and wine. They’ll structure their itinerary around restaurants and wine tours.

For the foodie: New York is definitely a US leader. You’ll find Chinese, Ethiopian, French and Jamaican food on the same block, not to mention countless pubs and bars. New Orleans, Austin and Chicago also deliver on the culinary front.

For the Oenophile: there’s Napa and Sonoma Valley in California, The Finger Lake region of New York, Tuscany, Bordeaux, Burgundy and for the legendary sweet wine, visit Porto in Portugal.

The "This Chill Ain't It- Let's Go Someplace Hot" Type

Some travelers are turned off by even the slightest chill (this writer included).

Why not fly out to the Caribbean? If you’re looking for something budget friendly, try Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.

Want to splurge? St. Barts and Turks & Caicos have some jaw-dripping private villas. Want access to more beaches than you can possibly see in one visit? The Bahamas.

Mexico could be a good choice, if you don’t mind a bit of rain in October. Cancun is one of the top travel destinations there along with Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Punta Mita.