Interview with one of our local experts in Botswana
13 January 2025
Our recommendations for your next autumn holiday
|Travelling in autumn holds a certain kind of magic – and from the rugged beauty of Scotland’s Perthshire to the timeless romance of momiji in Japan, you’ll encounter unique landscapes, traditions, and experiences in every corner of the world. There’s never a bad time to travel during these cool and comforting months, as autumn brings with it endless shifts and surprises from September through to November. Time your trip to catch the first signs of autumn, to witness the season’s beauty in full swing, or to watch as the people and nature wind down and prepare their transition into winter. For some of the team here at TravelLocal, autumn has provided a rich backdrop for exploring the world, on trips that now rank amongst their most memorable. Here, they recommend their favourite autumn holiday destinations that you, too, should visit on your next break.
Patricia’s Perthshire, Scotland
Perthshire in Scotland is a stunning destination for an autumn holiday, offering a breathtaking display of foliage that transforms the landscape into a vibrant tapestry of reds, golds, and oranges. Imagine wandering through Faskally Forest, where the trees are ablaze with colour, or hiking the serene trails of the Hermitage and Killiecrankie, where waterfalls and ancient woodlands provide a picturesque backdrop. The region is renowned for its spectacular hikes, each path unveiling the beauty of nature in its autumnal glory.
Beyond the forests, the charming towns of Dunkeld and Pitlochry add to the appeal of Perthshire. Dunkeld, with its historic cathedral and quaint streets, is the perfect spot to soak in the autumn ambiance. Pitlochry, known for its lively cultural scene and scenic beauty, offers a warm welcome to visitors. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant landscapes or the inviting towns, Perthshire in autumn is a feast for the senses.
Natacha’s Turkey
Turkey‘s coastal towns of Kaş and Fethiye are perfect autumn destinations. Start your journey in Antalya, then head to Kaş, a beautiful town surrounded by pristine beaches. Kaş is very artsy, with galleries and charming shops. Don’t miss the nearby Lycian Way, an ancient trail with stunning views and old ruins. You’ll also want to visit the old Roman theatre and weekend food markets to indulge in delicious gözleme (Turkish crepe), as well as take a boat tour in the surrounding bay.
Next, I’d suggest heading to Fethiye, a local gem known for its great food and lively markets. There you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes in a charming setting. I highly recommend the hike from Kayaköy to Ölüdeniz’s milky-blue beach; the Saklikent Canyon is also absolutely stunning!
Both Kaş and Fethiye offer a mix of relaxation and adventure. With fewer tourists and more authentic experiences, autumn is the perfect time to explore these beautiful coastal towns in Turkey. The mild weather also ensures the sun will shine, and best of all, it’s still ice cream time.
Abbie’s France
September and November are an enchanting time of year to pay a visit to France, when city parks and natural spaces come alive with the golden and deep rust shades of autumn. Temperatures do drop but not too dramatically, so you’ll be treated to pleasantly mild conditions – perfect for those who still wish to explore the country’s beaches, nature parks, cliffs, and mountainous regions.
Perhaps most importantly, this is one of the best times of year for experiencing French food, as the forests burst with berries, mushrooms and nuts, root vegetables are pulled from the earth to be thrown into homely meals, and wild game such as pheasant and quail offers a rich taste of the French countryside. To the delight of oenophiles, autumn is also the season for wine, as the annual vendange takes place and sees vintners across the country work hard to harvest their grapes – you’ll likely witness no stronger symbol of French tradition.
Tim’s Japan
Although Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring, not a lot of people actually know about momiji (which means ‘red leaves’ in Japanese). This is the country’s autumn foliage season that starts in September and ends around November, lasting throughout the whole autumn season. If you visit at this time of year, you’ll see a lot of parks covered with colourful leaves. What’s more, a lot of autumn festivals would be taking place all around the country – I’d recommend the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in Fukushima, which takes place in the beginning of October and looks incredibly beautiful! Japan, and the Kansai region in particular, are pure joy during the momiji season in autumn!
Andre’s Portugal
Autumn is a great time to discover the enchantment of Portugal, where you’ll see fewer crowds and golden landscapes. You’ll want to visit the Douro Valley during the grape harvest for wine tasting and scenic views, and enjoy the serene beaches of the Algarve, perfect for leisurely walks and fresh seafood. I love the historic streets of Lisbon and Porto at this time of year, as they’re enhanced by falling leaves and the soft autumn light, as well as immersing myself in cultural festivals like São Martinho and drinking wine at one of the many grape harvest festivals.
Autumn in Portugal is also the time for wonderful seasonal culinary delights, from hearty stews to roasted chestnuts. The mild weather is ideal for hiking, cycling, and exploring national parks, too. Whatever it is you do, the unique blend of culture, nature, and cuisine makes for an unforgettable trip!
Emily’s Devon, England
Devon, in the southwest of England, boasts quintessential English countryside views, quaint towns and villages, and two stunning stretches of coastline. While beautiful year-round, the red and golden hues of autumn transform the countryside into a storybook scene. Mist blankets the moors of Dartmoor, evoking the atmosphere of an Agatha Christie novel – apt, given that she was Devon-born and many of her books are set in the area. The best way to embrace the season is to take a walk, whether it is across the mighty moors, through forests that are hundreds of years old, or simply through the fields around you.
Along the South Coast, the water remains warm enough (by English standards) to enjoy a dip at one of the many gorgeous beaches. Without the summer crowds, the beaches become serene, often allowing you to enjoy solitude. To warm up after your swim or walk, ensure you visit one of the local pubs where the fires have relit for the coming milder months, and enjoy a classic British roast or fresh seafood caught that morning – or maybe just a pasty and a pint of cider to warm your cockles.
Johanna’s Bavaria, Germany
My favourite autumn destination is Bavaria. I try to go every year for my “annual mountain air appointment”. It feels like chasing the last bits of summer throughout Germany. Early autumn in Bavaria is usually mild, even in the Alps. I love hiking and find the best time to do so when it’s not too hot but also not too cold. In Bavaria, I can usually get away with a t-shirt and a light rain jacket just in case. Hiking in the Bavarian Alps is always a treat because you can reward yourself with a delicious beer and a traditional meal at the top of most mountains. My number one experience, though, is petting the cows. If you’re respectful and approach slowly, some cows will be amenable to petting and it always sparks joy.
Make it happen
If you’re feeling inspired to plan an autumn getaway, speak to one of our local experts today – they’ll help you craft a tailor-made itinerary that suits your interests and desires.
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