12 Destinations Not to Be Missed This Autumn

For many popular holiday destinations, September to November is known as “shoulder season”; it’s a time when crowds thin out but temperatures remain pleasant, meaning you can hit some of your bucket-list spots for a more affordable price (and under far calmer conditions). If you’re looking for somewhere to escape to this autumn, here are Culture Trip’s top suggestions.

Paris slows down in October and November, so you’ll save money and be able to experience the romance capital without the hordes of tour groups. Breeze in and out of the Louvre, take up space on a boat tour of the Seine and stroll the cobbled side streets with plenty of room to breathe.

Head to the Green Mountain State in early September, and you’ll be greeted with serenity. The fall colours will just be starting to show, but throngs of snap-happy tourists don’t tend to turn up for foliage photo shoots until October.

Those who live in Rome consider October to be the best month of the year to experience the Eternal City. The weather is much more pleasant than in the hot summer, and there’s enough produce still in season to allow for tasting all the incredible delicacies on offer. The tourist crowds will have come and gone, and you can enjoy the Italian capital when it’s least crowded.

Visit this classic New England seaside spot after summer’s over, and you’ll be able to devour endless lobster rolls with enough elbow space to enjoy every bite. The breeze may feel cooler, but packing a jumper is worth it for a day on a near-empty beach.

Early autumn is the best time to visit this jewel of the Cyclades, owing to the thinner crowds and more affordable accommodation options. September weather is still warm enough for enjoying the water, but your view of the sunset won’t be interrupted by a torrent of iPhone camera flashes.

Europe’s biggest summer party unplugs most of its speakers after August, so you can take in the quieter side of this Balearic island. Sip your tinto de verano – one part lemonade, one part red wine – in peace, and watch the sunset from a quiet patch of beach. You may never want to visit in summer again.

Once school is back in session, the Aloha state becomes far more tranquil. You’ll find all the beauty that the islands have to offer, but with fewer people, more affordable prices and shorter queues for poké and malasadas.

Capri is always a splurge, but less so in September and October. Walk through the streets in peace, enjoy the beaches alongside locals (as opposed to thousands of tourists) and eat as much gelato as you want without having to wait in a queue. Many hotels and restaurants close for the season from 1 November, so be sure to bear that in mind.

October is the last month of Peru’s dry season, making it an ideal time to visit this popular South American country that features on many a bucket list. You’ll have toasty, dry days while trekking along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, exploring the Amazon or taking in the sights, sounds and flavours of foodie capital Lima.

For a well-priced slice of the French Riviera, head to Villefranche-sur-Mer in September. Just half an hour’s drive from Monaco and an hour’s drive from Cannes, a stay here puts you within easy reach of the glitz and glamour, while assuring that you avoid the crazy price tags.

Head to Lisbon in October if you want to avoid the queues for top attractions and bakeries selling the famously delicious pastéis de nata. The Portuguese capital is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for short breaks.

Vegas is always busy, but crowds recede slightly between mid-September and mid-October. This is a great time to grab a bargain deal on some of the city’s most lavish hotels and private vacation rentals – so that you’ve always got somewhere special to head back to no matter how your night turns out.