12 Destinations Not To Be Missed This Autumn

As the sun sets on summer, many feel that the holidays are over, but September, October and November are some of the best months of the year to travel. From Paris to Las Vegas, here are the best destinations for an autumn getaway.

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, France

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.

There’s more room to breathe at the Louvre in the fall

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.

Vermont is peaceful during the month of September

Rome, Italy

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.

October is the ideal month to visit Rome

Cape Cod, USA

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.

Fall in Cape Cod means crisp air and no more crowds

Santorini, Greece

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.

Visit the island of Santorini in early autumn for the best experience

Ibiza, Spain

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.

Take in the quieter side of Ibiza after August

Hawaii, USA

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.

Hawaii becomes far more tranquil once school is back in session

Capri, Italy

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.

Enjoy Capri in peace in September and October

Peru

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.

Villefranche-sur-Mer, France

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.

Lisbon, Portugal

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.

Visit Lisbon in October to avoid the queues

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

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.

Crowds recede slightly between mid-September and mid-October in Las Vegas

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.