Top fall destinations: 12 must-see spots across the globe

The long-awaited summer travel rush was more challenging than expected, to say the least.

Sounds like you're craving a peaceful autumn getaway, right? Somewhere with fewer crowds, more affordable prices, and a lot cooler weather (in the Northern Hemisphere). Hopefully, the experience is much less hectic too.

Considering transportation costs, a strong US dollar (which benefits American travelers abroad but not others), along with favorable weather, stunning scenery, and local events, here are some top recommendations for fall travel around the world in 2022:

Mexico City

Scott Keyes, founder of Scott's Cheap Flights, mentions that after the significant airfare hikes this spring, prices have started to drop. He anticipates even more reductions as fall approaches, which could be great news for those eyeing Mexico City.

North America's largest city remains under the radar for many travelers. However, with its rich history (National Palace), world-class museums (Palacio de Bellas Artes), and vibrant neighborhoods (Roma), Mexico City is worth exploring.

Food enthusiasts will be in heaven. The city boasts two of the top 10 restaurants in the world for 2022: Pujol and Quintonil, making it the only city to claim such a distinction.

The weather may surprise you. Mexico City sits at an impressive 2,255 meters (7,400 feet) above sea level. In October, as the dry season begins, daytime temperatures typically hover in the low 20s Celsius (low 70s Fahrenheit) and drop to around 10°C (50°F) at night.

Plan your visit around November 1 and 2 to witness Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) for an unforgettable experience, according to Elizabeth de Quillacq of Souvenir & Far travel agency.

Samoa

This destination is perfect for the adventurous traveler seeking a challenge. After a long pandemic delay, this independent Polynesian island paradise in the South Pacific reopened its borders to tourists on August 1.

Entry requirements feel like they’re from 2021: travelers aged 12 and up must show proof of full vaccination and a negative Covid-19 test result. Face masks are required during travel, and a second Covid test is needed within three days of arrival.

Your reward for overcoming these challenges? Pristine inland swimming holes, cascading waterfalls, stunning beaches, and an abundance of activities like cycling, hiking, fishing, and surfing. Plus, you’ll have bragging rights for being among the first wave of visitors to return.

Madrid

Scott Keyes is a big fan of Madrid this autumn. First, he’s spotting great flight deals to the Spanish capital. Secondly, he noted that Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport hasn’t experienced the same level of disruptions seen at other major European airports this summer.

Madrid and the rest of Spain are about to cool off after a scorching summer. As Keyes puts it, ‘I’d much rather visit in September or October than in July or August.’

Keyes recommends catching a Real Madrid match, as the season will soon begin. Additionally, the Museo del Prado is showcasing a special exhibit, ‘Reflections of the Cosmos,’ through October 16, featuring works by Diego Velázquez, El Greco, Francisco Goya, and others.

If vibrant fall foliage is what you're after, you’ll find it in the iconic El Retiro Park.

Greenville, South Carolina

New England may be known for its colorful autumns, but it’s not the only place to enjoy spectacular fall foliage. This charming city nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains offers a perfect base to witness the southern leaves showing off their colors.

Paris Mountain, Table Rock, and Caesars Head state parks are just a short drive away, though they’re far from the only mountain spots. The peak fall colors in this region typically arrive in late October, though the timing can vary each year.

For a change of scenery, head to Congaree National Park, just two hours south, where you can explore an ancient bottomland cypress forest.

You don’t even have to leave the city to have an unforgettable time. Downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods are packed with unique shops (like Mast General Store) and great restaurants (such as Kitchen Sync).

Falls Park – a remarkable redevelopment project that centered the city around the Reedy River Falls – presents breathtaking natural beauty right off Main Street.

Egypt

‘Egypt is my top destination for the fall,’ said Justin Smith of Evolved Traveler, a member of the Ensemble Travel Group. ‘The weather is cooling off, and the crowds have yet to return to Egypt.’

Based in Beverly Hills, California, Smith also appreciates how easy it is to get there.

‘Flights to Egypt are fairly straightforward, with convenient connections in Europe or Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul,’ he shared in an email to Dinogo Travel.

A few of Smith’s recommendations for things to do beyond the Pyramids and Great Sphinx:

• Take a break from the popular tourist spots and spend a peaceful afternoon or even a whole day unwinding in Luxor or Aswan.

• Explore Fayoum Oasis, located just under two hours south of Cairo. ‘It’s a fascinating spot with prehistoric remnants. It offers a completely unique experience,’ says Smith.

Smith’s advice on accommodation: Don’t try to save too much. ‘Budget travel isn’t ideal here; it’s best to opt for high-quality hotels in Egypt,’ he recommends.

Hanoi, Vietnam

While Asia as a whole has been slower to recover from the pandemic (with Japan, for example, still on the mend), Vietnam is ‘the real bright spot right now,’ according to Keyes. Autumn in Hanoi is especially pleasant, with dry and cool weather following the monsoon season.

Hanoi is a paradise for food lovers. Chả cá, a dish of fish cooked with turmeric and dill, is so beloved that a street is named after it. Another must-try is Hanoi-style banh tom, delicious shrimp cakes.

Make sure to wander through the Old Quarter, where you’ll find historic streets filled with shops offering jewelry, fabrics, and flowers. You can even tour the area on Soviet-era Ural sidecar motorcycles. For a truly authentic experience, venture to Dong Ngac, a peaceful ‘village of scholars’ on the outskirts of Hanoi that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

If the place where you stay matters to your experience, consider Hotel de l’Opera near the stunning Hanoi Opera House for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, for a more modern vibe, Maison d’Orient in the Old Quarter is an excellent choice.

John Reese of J5Travel, based outside Charlotte, North Carolina, is a fan of Southeast Asia at the moment. Meanwhile, Tesa Totengco from Travels with Tesa in New York City is captivated by the otherworldly charm of nearby Halong Bay.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, perched dramatically where the Atlantic and Indian oceans converge, stands as one of South Africa’s top travel destinations. As it is in the Southern Hemisphere, Cape Town is entering its spring season.

While iconic Table Mountain and Robben Island are must-see attractions, don’t miss the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, a cultural gem that showcases the best of African modern art.

Cape Town is a dream come true for wine lovers. Begin your journey in the scenic Franschhoek Valley with tastings at Haute Cabrière, a winery that has been crafting exceptional wines since 1982.

If you're in Cape Town between October 7 and 9, you might want to snag tickets for the Rocking the Daisies music festival, featuring an exciting lineup of both local and international artists.

US-Canada Atlantic cruises

Margo McDonough from Blue Skies Travel Center in Newark, Delaware, considers cruising one of the best value travel experiences today. She particularly recommends US-to-Canada cruises along the Atlantic coast for those seeking a perfect autumn getaway.

She highlighted several cruise options departing from Manhattan or Cape Liberty, New Jersey. For those on a budget, she recommends the affordable weeklong Carnival cruises, which stop at destinations like St. John and Halifax, Canada.

If you have a bit more to spend and time to spare, she also favors Royal Caribbean's Canada itineraries. One standout is the 10-night 'Fall Foliage Northbound' cruise that departs from Cape Liberty and concludes in Quebec City, along with other exciting options. She also suggests considering Holland America’s cruises, with additional departure points in Baltimore and Boston.

From Baltimore, Adam Wolf of Adventure Horizons LLC, an independent agency within the Avoya Travel Network, agrees with the suggestion.

He notes that 'Fall foliage cruises to New England and Canada during September and October – departing from various U.S. and Canadian cities – offer a fantastic opportunity to witness the colorful autumn leaves while exploring charming, historic ports like Newport (Rhode Island), Bar Harbor (Maine), and several maritime ports in eastern Canada.'

Bavaria, Germany

For those seeking a quintessential fall destination, Bavaria, Germany, is an unbeatable choice.

If you crave breathtaking views, picture the romantic Neuschwanstein Castle, located near the Austrian border, set against a backdrop of brilliant autumn leaves in shades of gold, orange, and red.

With the strong US dollar compared to the euro, Americans will find even more appeal in Bavaria. Additionally, its central location in Europe makes it a convenient getaway for millions of European travelers.

Buenos Aires

The fall 2022 roundup is a great pick for Spanish speakers, with Buenos Aires standing out as an exciting choice as it transitions into spring.

Keyes mentioned that he's spotting some great deals on flights to Buenos Aires.

Kareem George from Culture Traveler highlighted, 'With the current strength of the US dollar, both Argentina and South Africa offer remarkable value. Tourism hasn't fully bounced back to pre-pandemic levels yet, which means fewer crowds and enhanced service.'

In La Boca, Buenos Aires' vibrant original port, tango is a highlight. You don’t have to go to clubs – people dance the tango wherever there's space, including on the streets and in parks. The Buenos Aires International Tango Festival & Championship 2022 runs from September 6 to 18.

Dancing works up an appetite. A favorite among online reviewers is Fogón Asado, where you can enjoy a six-course tasting menu, complete with cocktail, dessert, and coffee (and yes, beef is included).

Hawaii

Keyes expressed more excitement about the Hawaiian Islands than any other destination. He noted that September is the least busy month for tourism in Hawaii, making it the ideal time to visit if you prefer to avoid crowds and love scoring great deals.

Lauren Doyle from The Travel Mechanic, part of the Ensemble Travel Group, concurs.

'Hawaii is perfect in the fall because most kids are back in school, whale watching is fantastic, and the crowds are smaller than in summer. It’s the ideal spot for relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both!'

If you're drawn to humpback whale watching, GoHawaii.com highlights that 'the Auau Channel, nestled between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, is one of the top whale-watching spots in the world.'

Looking for a tough hike? The stairs at Diamond Head State Monument provide a strenuous ascent, but the breathtaking views make it all worth the effort. It's so popular now that reservations are required.

The Azores

If Hawaii feels too distant, for Europeans, North Africans, and those along the Atlantic coast of North America, Keyes suggests 'the Hawaii of Europe,' the Azores.

The Azores are a stunning archipelago of nine islands situated in the heart of the Atlantic, and they are part of Portugal.

'The Azores are a stunning getaway, offering beautiful beaches, mountains, and excellent hiking opportunities,' says Keyes.

The islands' volcanic heritage is visible everywhere – from geothermal pools and lush calderas to crater lakes and geysers, all forming the island's breathtaking landscape.

For wine enthusiasts, Pico Island is worth exploring. The Cooperativa Vitivinicola in Madalena, the island’s capital, offers casual wine tastings. Additionally, the Grape Harvest Festival takes place in the second week of September.

While September marks the peak of hurricane season in the Atlantic, the Azores can experience storms. However, they tend to be less frequent and less severe than those affecting the Caribbean or the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the U.S., according to the Dinogo Weather team. It's wise to stay updated on weather forecasts, especially in early fall.

Autumn travel costs

Lower airfare prices are a great perk, but will the summer travel madness carry over into fall? 'I expect it to calm down,' Keyes shared.

'Flight cancellations will still happen in the fall, but they won’t be as widespread as during the summer. Even with storms, airlines will have more flexibility to handle delays since they won’t be operating at full capacity,' Keyes explained.

Fall road trips may be more feasible for budget-conscious travelers. After a global spike, gas prices have been dropping recently in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Fall travel may still be busy. Paula Twidale, senior vice president of travel at AAA, shared that the motor club and travel planning organization 'continues to witness strong booking activity across tours, cruises, flights, hotels, and car rentals, and we anticipate this trend to persist into the fall and throughout the holiday season. AAA advises travelers to have plans A, B, and C ready.'