Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love
Fall is a cozy and colorful time of year: We rake leaves, we carve pumpkins, we watch football, and, of course, pumpkin spice lattes are back! But it can also be the perfect time of year for those of you looking to travel without the crowds, slow down the pace a bit, get more bang for your buck, and/or simply extend your summer a few more days (or weeks). Check out 5 of our favorite destinations to travel to this fall.
Incredible Ireland
Maybe the ultimate fall destination, Ireland feels most like Ireland when there’s a little chill in the air. How else are you going to cozy up to a big bowl of Guinness beef at a rustic farmstead after a hike along the Cliffs of Moher? As the Emerald Isle begins to take on shades of orange, red, and yellow, you can tour the Aran Islands by Land Rover, sing along to Irish folk songs, and hear local lore from your host or go foraging with a local chef and Irish wolf hounds in Donegal. So, pack your coziest sweater and your hiking books and prepare for the ultimate autumnal adventure!
Spectacular Spain
If you hate to say goodbye to the sun so soon, look no further than Spain. After September, the crowds dissipate but the locals love to welcome in a slow traveler and show them their ways. Spend time in an old monastery that was converted into a small winery, dining on a delicious Andalusian tapas lunch with the vintners. After, you can venture over to an Iberian pig farm and spend the day learning about the animals and what a sustainably, ethical farm operation looks like. Enjoy a tasting of the most renowned cured meats in the world!
Majestic Morocco
The best time to immerse yourself in the Sahara is later in the fall, when you can stay in a tented desert camp under a blanket of stars. You won’t need a telescope to take in the Milky Way when there’s zero light pollution around you! After some playtime and R&R in the desert, make your way into the city for exotic spice market visits and a buzzing energy that you can only experience in the animated medinas of this fascinating African melting pot of culture.
Crazy for Croatia
Nothing beats diving into the cooling waters of Hvar a day after hiking along the turquoise lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park in early October! Croatia is growing in popularity for its immense natural beauty but come autumn, you won’t have to battle the masses to enjoy it. Take some time to go on a peaceful truffle hunting expedition in Istria and be sure to try some Croatian wines that are rising in popularity, like Plavac Mali. Croatia is another terrific way to keep the summer vibes going strong.
Tantalizing Tanzania
If you’re looking to venture into the Southern Hemisphere this Fall, Tanzania’s magic is waiting for you. From the glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro to the crystal-clear beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is not your typical safari destination. Most importantly, we have a partner who can connect you to the nomadic tribes in meaningful ways. Witness their traditions and take part in activities like bow & arrow shooting, medicine walks, jewelry making, and even join in on a goat feast!