Even though in our minds, summer just started, fautumn is already upon us. Gone are the endless summer nights, gone are the careless Sundays spent at the beach. The leaves have started to fall, temperatures are dropping quite a bit and all we want to do is snuggle up under a blanket with a roaring fire in front of us. And we bet you do too. Yet before we all get in hibernation mood, it may be worth mentioning that autumn has actually a lot more to offer than just cozy evenings.
Of course, we’re not suggesting you drop those evenings spent by the fire. Those are part of the whole autumn tradition and should live on forever, especially if they’re paired with hot chocolate, apple pie and whipped cream. Yet instead of moping inside the rest of the day, complaining about the weather and so on, we suggest you step outside. Maybe you just go for a stroll in the park, maybe you take a daytrip to a destination somewhere close to where you live, maybe you make an actual vacation out of it. Yet one thing’s for sure: you can’t miss the painting-like landscapes this season has to offer. It’s almost as if those beautifully colored decorations were there just for us to enjoy. So, if you’re in a bit of a dip or if you just want to live life to its fullest, read on and be ready to pack your bags. Because these destinations are definitely worth a trip, especially now.
1. Joshua Tree, California, United States
One of the United States’ finest national parks, Joshua Tree National Park, is best visited during this time of year. You could of course have a look during the summer months but let’s be honest: you’ll be hot, at the brink of melting. In autumn, temperatures are a lot more bearable and chances are the number of tourists will also decrease. This might not be the colorful autumn trip you had in mind yet trust us, you won’t regret it. And if you plan it right, you’ll get all the color you want during sunset – make sure to take your camera with you!
2. Lugano, Switzerland
Over to something a bit more traditional when it comes to autumn tourism. The town Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, right next to a stunning lake. The trees on the hills around the lake and town get painted in all different hues of orange during autumn and Lugano doesn’t let that occasion slip by just like that. Every year, the Lugano Autumn Festival celebrates the season by letting visitors discover everything the region has to offer, from local cuisine to Swiss wine. At the market held for the occasion, you’ll find all kinds of handicraft and everything is seasoned with a portion of folk music. If you’re a true autumn fan, this is where you want to be.
3. The New Forest National Park, United Kingdom
A bit of forest can’t lack in this list, so we’re now heading towards the UK. The New Forest National Park was once proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror and is now one of the largest remaining forest areas in Southern England. A visit to the 28.924,5 hectares of nature is a guarantee for seeing autumn in its full splendor – including not only magnificently-colored trees, yet also fauna in full preparation for the coldest months of the year. Think squirrels collecting all the nuts they can carry and deer in full mating mode. Thanks to its surface, the park is perfect if you want to hike for several days in a row!
4. Telluride, Colorado, United States
Most of you will know Telluride as a skiing destination yet be prepared to change your mind about that. The mountainous surroundings are magnificent all year long and especially when the leaves start to change colors. For the adventurous amongst you, activity options are endless, from hiking to horseback riding and everything in between. And if you want, you could even make a gondola ride over the river in order to enjoy a different point of view on all that autumn splendor.
5. Tokyo, Japan
You might already have seen some pictures on Instagram, yet Tokyo truly is a perfect autumn destination. The Rikugi Garden in particular wraps itself in the most beautiful hues, which are then once again reflected in the water, enhancing the already breath-taking view. Another reason to visit Tokyo during September and October are the temperatures, which tend to be a lot nicer now than during the summer. Oh and by the way: chestnuts are quite the delicacy in Japan, so don’t hesitate to order some kind of chestnut flavored dessert while you’re there.
