10 Of the Best Fall Vacation Spots for 2022
New England seems to receive all the attention when it comes to fall vacation spots. This well-known and endearing location for leaf-peeping is quite fine, although it’s not really innovative. Here are our travel experts’ recommendations for the greatest places to vacation this fall, whether you’re looking for beach vibes or fall foliage, from Scotland to Zambia.
Nova Scotia
We strongly advise visiting southern Nova Scotia in the fall. Due to the area’s scattering of small towns and tiny fishing villages, there are many picturesque driving routes, fantastic prospects for leaf-peeping, and stunning opportunities for waterfront photography.
Yarmouth is home to a number of ancient lighthouses, and a visit to the Cape Forchu Lighthouse is a must. It’s a rare instance of a lighthouse that you can climb, and the views are quite gorgeous from there. The area is renowned for its produce as well as its fresh fish, and you can find fresh apples at every farmers’ market, making them ideal for autumnal snacks. The list of entertaining pursuits is completed by going whale watching, touring local museums, and attending church suppers. Autumn fundraising events are frequently held by churches and community organizations, and they are frequently delectable affairs that include turkey dinners, bake sales, and home-made treats like fudge.
Zambia
The indigenous Brachystegia tree, which dominates the miombo forests of Central and Southern Africa, is one of Zambia’s most recognizable trees. Early spring (September) is when Brachystegia trees display an abundance of beautiful “autumnal” colors. Their leaves start with a rich burgundy color before gradually changing yellow and finally becoming green as our dry season approaches.
Durango, Colorado
Visit Durango, Colorado in the fall for the changing leaves, unique Southwestern culture, and an enjoyable mountain train journey. The finest of various worlds can be found in Durango, which is situated in the Four Corners region close to the intersection of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona. Along with the warm climate of the Southwest United States, it is also home to the stunning Animas River, the surrounding San Juan Mountains, and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which travels through the mountains to the charming hamlet of Silverton.
Scotland
Scotland is less crowded with tourists, and the mysterious atmosphere created by the fall air and fog enhances the beauty of the surroundings. It’s the only place I’ve gone in the world where the fog becomes necessary to the scene rather than making me wish it were a sunny day, even if it does cover a large portion of the area.
There is a ton to do, including climbing (the Cairngorms and Ben Nevis are my top recommendations), seeing historic castles, traveling to surrounding islands like Isle of Muck and The Orkneys, viewing Highland cows, and, of course, traveling the whiskey path!
Brewery Park At Tumwater Falls, Washington
Watching the salmon run in the Pacific Northwest is one of the most popular autumn activities. Just south of Olympia, Washington, in Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls (previously Tumwater Falls Park), visitors enjoy watching this titanic struggle for life and death. To spawn, thousands of salmon travel up the Deschutes River.
For a number of reasons, this is among the best locations to experience it. The fish hatchery on the property is the first, and it has many interpretive signs that describe what you may view. Second, the river’s surroundings have amazing fall foliage. Third, there is a loop route with two bridges from which you may see fish trying to scale waterfalls. Nothing compares to hearing the applause of onlookers when one reaches the summit.
Aruba
Any time of year is a wonderful opportunity to visit Aruba. The beaches are stunning, the weather is warm, and the food is delicious. Palm Beach, where high-rise hotels like the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino are located, is one of my favorite areas on the island. While unwinding at their H2Oasis adult-only outdoor pool, you can really lean into your zen holiday mood. After a day of sunning, enjoy a romantic beachside dinner at Atardi with your toes on the sand. Finally, stop into the Stellaris Casino and play a few games to see if you can win.
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Near the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan, Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron. While most people believe that the summer is the best time to visit Mackinac Island in Michigan, you should also go in the fall since September brings in a calmer, more colorful season. There are unique stay-and-play options that make visiting this classic National Landmark affordable when there are less visitors.
The romantic classic Somewhere in Time was made on Mackinac Island, and every October, the Grand Hotel conducts a Somewhere in Time weekend that is ideal for individuals who wish to understand the insider secrets of the film and have the opportunity to interact with people who were involved in it.
Billings, Montana
With a view from The Rimrocks or Four Dances Recreation Area, begin exploring Billings, Montana. The vistas are highlighted by the shimmering Yellowstone River and the autumnal hues.
Live music venues abound in downtown Billings, which also has Montana’s only walkable brewery area. To be eligible for prizes from the Billings Brew Trail, choose at least two places. On Friday during ArtWalk, visit the Yellowstone Art Museum and art galleries.
The animals at ZooMontana enjoy cooler weather and become more active as the temperature drops. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, located two hours southeast of Billings, is another place where you may enjoy nature. At Ok-A-Beh Marina, you can rent boats or bring your own. The Yellowstone River below Afterbay Dam offers world-class trout fishing to anglers.
Turks And Caicos
Turks and Caicos is experiencing a boom. TCI was not well known up until a few years ago. But more recently, due to the island’s stunning beaches and constantly changing culinary scene, A-list celebrities such as Drake, Justin Bieber, Kevin Durant, and the Kardashians have been known to vacation in Turks and Caicos. Only nine of the forty low-lying coral islands that make up [it] are inhabited. The hub of the action is Providenciales, also known as “Provo.” Traveling to Provo this fall to see some of the city’s newest attractions is a wonderful idea.
Spas come in different varieties, including the MRVL Spa. With cutting-edge technologies like infrared sauna therapy, it stands apart from the competition. Sweat it out while lying in the space-age capsule, or use cryotherapy to relax. Take advantage of its specialization, Blue Scorpion Peptide technology, together with a combination of IV therapies, therapeutic body treatments, and other methods. Modern wellbeing is the focus of the ultra-luxurious spa.
Iceland
In Northern Europe is Iceland. We adore it because, while being on Earth, it feels like moon landing. Fantastic scenery can be found there, and one of the most amazing sights is seeing the northern lights.
There are many outdoor activities available, including horseback riding, hiking, and, of course, watching for the northern lights! You can also enjoy some of the most incredible fish you’ll ever eat and ride a dog-drawn sled. Watch for the Iceland Airwaves event, which takes place in early November and features three days of performances by local performers.