Is there anything better than autumn travel?
The weather is cool but you’ve got the leftover rays of the summer sun to keep you warm. Everything in nature looks extra awesome because of the leaves changing and you get to enjoy most of the beautiful sights without a crowd of tourists. Perfection, right? We’ve found the best eight destinations that are perfect for an autumnal jaunt.
Mosey over to Munich
It’s no coincidence that one of Germany’s most famous traditional festivals is held in the gorgeous Bavarian city of Munich in the middle of autumn. Oktoberfest can conjure images of stereotypical bar maidens jostling comical sized steins over drunken tourists and well, that does happen. But this festival has been happening since the middle ages and has lots of traditions that don’t centre around cheap beer. From mid-September, travellers can also sample traditional German food, try kitschy fairground rides and see one of the world’s largest traditional costume parades.
Feeling Grandious in Gdańsk, Poland
The port city of Gdańsk has a fascinating history, enriched by its native Polish heritage, the city itself looks architecturally influenced by Austria, Germany, Holland and a number of other nations that invested in the city’s infrastructure. Poland in autumn is a wonderland with most of the main attractions for tourists within walking distance of the city centre. A few highlights include the medieval port crane Żuraw over the river Motława, walk along to the Long Market (Długi Targ) to visit the 1618 Golden House and the 1560 Green Gate buildings – both prime examples of Polish medieval excellence. Speaking of which, there are some amazing day trips to be had from Gdańsk, especially if you love a good castle in autumn. Grab a car and head out to the stunning medieval fortress of the Castle of the Teutonic Order in Malbork or stop in at Rzucewo Castle, built in 1840 the castle now houses a hotel and a fantastic restaurant that’s definitely worth a visit after wandering the grounds.
Roamin’ around in Rome
Everyone needs to see Rome at least once in their lifetime, the culture, the art, the history and the food make it the city with something for everyone. However, a lot of other travellers have had the same idea making it incredibly busy during the peak seasons. But in late September, October, November, the city of Rome has fewer crowds, fewer queues and cheaper prices for museums and other attractions. Visit the Orange Garden at the top of Aventine Hill for some fall foliage as well as a spectacular view over the city.
Automatic price updates on flights and hotels
With KAYAK, you have the option of creating a Price Alert. This gives you automatic updates on all requested price changes by email or as a push notification via the KAYAK Travel App.
Balance Brilliance in Budapest
Autumn in Budapest is a delightful 20°C, the perfect temperature to walk around the city and take in the atmosphere of the changing seasons. Relax and enjoy the city while attending the annual Wine Festival (7-10th Sept), held in the elegant grounds of Buda Castle a massive Baroque palace. If you fancy something a big cultural to go with your glass of wine then the CAFe Budapest Festival (6-22nd October) might be a bit more up your street, 110 events, from art, to music, to circus, invade the city to inject a bit of drama into the resident’s lives.
Flying High in the Isle of Skye
For the ultimate trip to the Scottish highlands, you’ll need a waterproof jacket, comfy walking boots, a partner or a friend and a good camera. Why? Because the Scottish Highlands really is the great outdoors, hill walking and hiking is as essential to the experience as drinking beer on a trip to Germany. However, you’ll also need some enthusiastic friends or a loving partner to will you up some of the more precarious routes – unless you’re the strong lone wolf type, of course. Finally, the camera will come in handy when you’ve tackled the mountains and you’ll be gifted with some of the most spectacular shots of the autumnal countryside. Breathe in that fresh air!
Pottering around in Piedmont
The hilly Piedmont region of Italy is famed for its vineyards and foodie delights. Autumn is the perfect time to hire a car and discover the vibrant towns and cities that inhabit the region, it’ll also give you an opportunity to watch the glowing red, orange and yellow colours of the countryside subtly change as you drive. Kick off in the medieval city of Alba, just an hour from bustling Turin, well known for its gastronomic delights and great Barbaresco wines. From there make sure you hit Canelli for excellent Italian sausage, Barola for more wine and finally Govone for elegant architectural delights. While the food and wine events in Piedmont seem endless in autumn, make sure to get a taste of the region’s famous white truffles.
Illustrious in Illustrated Innsbruck
Fall is truly the low season in Innsbruck. That’s the rumour anyway, the region itself is bustling with the Alpine Music Festival as people gather to hear traditional music set against the gorgeous backdrop of the mountain village of Ellmau. No matter what the season, there are the cultural Austrian delights, excellent beer, delicious food and, of course, scenery that really can’t be beaten. While many ski-lovers who typically populate the region will stay away, meaning that you won’t have to contend with any tourists, savvy skiers will know that glacial resorts like Hintertux Glacier is open 365 days a year and is perenially an excellent place to hit the slopes.
Grand Gran Canaria
Okay, enough with all this cultural, festival stuff – if you just want sun, sea and cocktails but you missed out or couldn’t afford peak season prices in summer, then Gran Canaria is your friend. A toasty average of 26°C in fall means that hanging out of at the beach and catching some rays isn’t out of the question at all – you’ll probably have it all to yourself. The Las Canteras beach is usually packed but you’ll find only savvy travellers there at this time of year; if you fancy a bit of adventure then head up to Bandama Natural Monument to Pico de Bandama to get a gorgeous view of the leaves changing in the forest.
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.uk on 18th August, 2017. The prices are quoted in GBP. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
