With summer coming to a close, the crisp air mingled with bright colors brings new travel possibilities. While New England is a beautiful fall destination and the first that often comes to mind during this time of year, consider other vibrant destinations to charter a flight to.
Fall Vacation Ideas
Bhutan
A mountain kingdom in the Himalayas, Bhutan values happiness as much as it does traditional economic indicators. It’s also the only country in the world that includes the environment in its constitution, specifying the forest must cover 60 percent of the land. The country celebrates the autumn season with two festivals: Thimphu Tshechu and the Black-Necked Crane Festival. Held in mid-September at Tashichho Dzong, the famed monastery, and fortress, Thimphu Tshechu is one of Bhutan’s biggest festivals. The religious event runs for three days and includes dances, rituals, prayers and the cleansing of bad karma. The Black-Necked Crane Festival at the Gangtey Geonpa courtyard in Phobjikha Valley is held every November. It celebrates the arrival of the endangered species and raises awareness about the importance of conservation through dances, songs, and dramas.
Margaret River, Western Australia
Located a few hours south of Perth, Margaret River is a great place to extend your summer. The area is known for its beaches, surf breaks, boutiques, craft breweries, ancient caves and top-tier wineries. Visit in mid-November for the Gourmet Escape, a three-day, award-winning food and wine festival that gives you the opportunity to sample the area’s best cabernet sauvignons, chardonnays, and culinary offerings. The idyllic vacation spot also hosts migratory whales this time of year, which you can view from scenic Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Perthshire, Scotland
If you love leaf peeping, you’ll love Perthshire. Naturally beautiful, “Big Tree Country” transforms into a glorious canopy of colors that’s reflected in the area’s rivers and lochs. Some of the most impressive spots are near the Pass of Killiecrankie and Loch Tummel. If you enjoy hiking, you’ll love the views in Knock Hill’s woodlands. Take the steep trek up to the summit of the Highlands and prepared to be wowed at the viewpoint.
Zambia, Africa
Go on a safari in Zambia. September through November is a great time of year to see your favorite wildlife gather around waterholes and rivers. During this time of year, millions of migrating fruit bats also make their way to Kasanka National Park, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including several rare species. October and November are also perfect for wading in the pools at Mosi-oa-Tunya, or Victoria Falls. This is the only time of year when the water levels low enough for swimming at the edge of the abyss.
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
As the days in the U.S. grow shorter, you’ll welcome the light that comes with Jaipur’s Diwali festival. The five-day Hindu celebration of light takes place between mid-October and mid-November. Residents observe the main Diwali on the third day and the darkest night of Kartika, a month in the Hindu Lunisolar calendar. Rituals include lighting candles outside homes and shops, as well as draping strands of lights on monuments and temples. Fireworks illuminate the sky at night. See the glittering city glow from Nahargarh Fort. Jal Mahal, a palace in Man Sagar Lake, looks equally beautiful.