6 days ago
Autumn Adventures: Why You Should Travel in September & October
Travelling in the autumn brings a welcome shift in atmosphere. As summer crowds ease, destinations across Europe and beyond become more enjoyable to explore, with milder weather, vibrant scenery and a more relaxed pace. It's an ideal time to experience both familiar favourites and long-haul discoveries at their most rewarding.
Here are some inspiring destinations to consider for your next autumn escape.
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda stays bright and tranquil with a laid-back atmosphere that allows for relaxed exploration of its scenic beauty and lakeside towns.
Essential travel experiences: Take a leisurely boat trip on Lake Garda, stopping to explore Limone sul Garda, with its lemon-scented streets, the elegant cafés and piazzas of Riva del Garda, and Malcesine, where cobbled lanes lead to the medieval Scaliger Castle. From Malcesine, a scenic cable car ride offers stunning views across the lake and surrounding peaks. Lake Garda also makes an excellent base for day trips to Verona and Venice, both rich in history and architectural beauty.
Canada
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Canada, with colourful foliage, crisp air and a calmer pace. The Maple Leaf Trail is especially scenic, connecting forests, lakes and historic towns.
Essential travel experiences: Take a boat to the base of Niagara Falls for close-up views of this iconic landmark. Wander Québec City's cobbled Old Town and admire Château Frontenac. In Montréal, highlights include the Notre-Dame Basilica and the Museum of Fine Arts. Toronto offers the Royal Ontario Museum, St. Lawrence Market and panoramic views from the CN Tower.
Tenerife, Spain
Visiting Tenerife at this time of year means fewer crowds and milder temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the island's varied landscapes and cultural heritage.
Essential travel experiences: Visit Mount Teide National Park for sweeping views over volcanic terrain. Discover colonial charm in La Laguna, and enjoy the character of Icod de los Vinos and Garachico. Stargazing is especially rewarding at this time of year, thanks to the clear skies and high-altitude viewpoints.
European Rivers: Danube, Douro & Rhône
A river cruise in the autumn offers a tranquil way to explore some of Europe's most scenic and culturally rich regions.
Essential travel experiences: Sail through Portugal's Douro Valley to sample local wines and admire its terraced hillsides. On the Danube, visit capitals cities like Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, each with its own blend of imperial architecture and cultural charm. The Rhône flows through Lyon, Avignon and Arles, where Roman ruins, museums and Provençal markets reflect the deep history and character of southern France.
South Africa
It's actually spring in South Africa, bringing a renewed energy to the landscape. Blooming scenery and warm weather make it perfect for cultural discovery and wildlife experiences.
Essential travel experiences: In Cape Town, take the cable car up Table Mountain for sweeping views of the city and coastline, and visit Robben Island to reflect on its historical significance. A Cape Peninsula tour offers dramatic scenery and coastal landmarks. Follow the Garden Route for varied landscapes and local heritage. Go on safari to see the Big Five in their natural habitat.
Cannes & the Côte d'Azur, France
With summer visitors gone, the French Riviera becomes quieter and more refined, yet the weather stays pleasantly warm.
Essential travel experiences: In Cannes, explore the old quarter and browse local markets. Visit Antibes for its art museums and seafront charm. In Nice and St-Paul-de-Vence, enjoy galleries, architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. Just outside Nice, the Rothschild Villa on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is a cultural gem with themed gardens and sea views.
Estoril, Portugal
The Lisbon Coast takes on a slower rhythm, with warm days and fewer visitors, making it perfect for relaxed discovery.
Essential travel experiences: Stay in Estoril and explore nearby Sintra, where palaces and gardens reflect centuries of Portuguese heritage. Visit the marina at Cascais and stroll along the promenade. In Lisbon, wander through the Alfama district and take in landmarks such as São Jorge Castle, Lisbon Cathedral and Belém Tower, where the city's layered history is especially vivid.
Montenegro
With the summer crowds gone, Montenegro becomes peaceful and inviting, especially along its coastal towns.
Essential travel experiences: Walk through the old town of Kotor and enjoy the views across the bay. In Budva, visit the walled centre and seaside promenade. Drive the Serpentine Mountain Road to Cetinje, the former royal capital, and stop in Njeguši Village for a glimpse of traditional life. Across the country, historic towns, monasteries and coastal scenery reveal its cultural richness.
India
As the monsoon draws to an end, India offers cooler temperatures, lush landscapes and ideal conditions for travelling between regions in comfort.
Essential travel experiences: In Delhi, visit historic landmarks such as the Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar. Agra is home to the iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, both showcasing Mughal grandeur. In Jaipur, explore the City Palace, Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. Jodhpur offers the impressive Mehrangarh Fort and a lively old town filled with markets and blue-washed houses. In Udaipur, enjoy the lakeside setting and the grandeur of the City Palace.
September and October offer particularly enthralling opportunities for enriching travel experiences, with the added benefit of fewer crowds and a more comfortable climate. It's a wonderful time to enjoy cultural and natural highlights at a gentler pace and connect more deeply with worldwide destinations.
For nearly 30 years Belfast Telegraph Travel in association with Travel Department, has been creating expertly guided holidays around the globe. With hundreds of destinations to choose from, every holiday includes flights, accommodation, transfers and guided tours led by an expert local guide.
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