40 Sweet Spots for Fall Value

by  ShermansTravel Editorial Staff | Aug 15, 2013
Denver
Denver / knowlesgallery/iStock

In life, being in the right place at the right time can come down to serendipity, but in travel, it is almost always the result of good planning. To avoid crowds and inflated prices, we recommend the period between high and low seasons when the weather is fine, places are still open and happy to welcome travelers, and you can explore a destination at your own pace. We call this magical time and space continuum the Sweet Spot and make it a point to round up the best of them for you each season. We've covered the 40 best places to go this fall and grouped them by region. Our editors have even included picks for our favorite fall festivals, ranging from the fun to the downright funky – time your visit accordingly, and add some oomph to an autumn escapade. Follow the links to right to discover this season's Sweet Spots.

United States & Canada

Fall Forecast: Fall nudges the northern part of the U.S. and most of southern Canada into their climactic foliage-filled primes. It’s the Atlantic’s hurricane season, leaving Florida relatively empty of visitors (unless El Niño manages to keep away hurricanes and tropical storms) but teeming with deals. Out West, hot, dry Santa Ana winds and the harvest season mark the beginning of fall, while many Western ski resorts offer pre-Christmas deals in November. Early cold spells in November can put a damper on Canadian and northern U.S. travel.

1. ATLANTA
Like the blossoms that brighten this Southern belle's landscape every spring, Atlanta is a perennial rejuvenator, infusing her classic charm with modern style and welcoming visitors to her unique blend of history, dining, shopping, and adventure. Its grade-A Southern hospitality, historical roots (MLK was born here), modern-day attractions, and up-and-coming art scene are the city's major draws.

Why Go In Fall: With the summer heat gone, fall in Atlanta makes for enjoyable sightseeing, while the build up to the holiday season brings in throngs of shoppers from across the South.

Fall 2013 Events:  Pumpkin Festival (Sept. 27–Oct. 27); Atlanta Pride Festival (Oct.  12–13); Taste of Atlanta (Oct. 25–27)

2. CAPE COD, NANTUCKET & MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Visitors flock to Cape Cod and its neighboring islands for their quaint villages, hundreds of miles of beaches, clam shacks, and, of course, "sand dunes and salty air." This charming New England region draws family and East Coast weekenders en masse.

Why Go In Fall: As the summer crowds retreat, this quintessential slice of New England becomes much easier to navigate. Empty expanses of sand and mild, perfect-for-a-walk-on-the-beach temperatures pervade. Take advantage of historic B&Bs that offer rooms at half off come late October.

Fall 2013 Events: Provincetown 10 Days of Art 2013 Festival (on Cape Cod; Sept. 13–22); Nantucket Conservation Foundation Cranberry Festival (Oct. 12)Cape Cod Restaurant Week (on Cape Cod; Oct. 14– 20)

3. COLORADO
Colorado’s storied past as a territory of the Wild West is still evident in its mining towns, rustic dude ranches, Rocky Mountain switchbacks, and pioneer tradition. There is, however, more to the state than awe-inspiring mountain landscapes and cow herders. It’s also a land of thriving cosmopolitan towns like Denver, luxurious ski resorts, and outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and rafting.

Why Go In Fall: Fall weather is pleasant for sightseeing in Denver and accompanied by blazing fall foliage in the surrounding mountains. By mid-to-late October, the slopes are just beginning to open, and ski resorts often tout promotional packages that precede the holidays.

Fall 2013 Events: John Denver Week (Aspen; Oct. 9-14); Denver Arts Week (Nov. 1–9)

4. DISNEYLAND
Inaugurated under the Southern California sun in the summer of 1955, "the happiest place on Earth" is still the country’s premier family destination. Head here for the sunshine and to please the kids (or just the kid inside) . . . nothing makes 'em smile like Mickey and the gang.

Why Go In Fall:
With the season kicking off a back-to-school frenzy, weekday visits pretty much ensure that you’ll walk on to most rides with little or no lines. Special Halloween events add to the festive atmosphere.

Fall 2013 Events: Limited Time Magic: Unleash the Villains in New Orleans Square (Sept. 13–Sept. 16); Mickey’s Halloween Party (select dates in Sept. and Oct.)

5. THE HAMPTONS
Fifty miles of seashore with powder-fine sand, secluded bays, and colonial villages make the Hamptons a playground for beach lovers, glamour seekers, culture hounds, and the rich and famous. Dabble in Hollywood-esque glitz and glamour along the shore at pricey luxe hotels and reservations-required restaurants.

Why Go In Fall: Early fall weather, usually a balmy 60 degrees, is still warm enough for swimming, making the hotel discounts a real bargain. Beaches are nearly empty as families are city-bound for the school year.

Fall 2013 Events: Sag Harbor American Music Festival (Sept. 27–28); Hamptons International Film Festival (Oct. 10-14); Fall Festival on the Green (Montauk; Oct. 12)

6. HAWAII
Few places satisfy the urge for a carefree tropical vacation like the islands of Hawaii. Indeed, the 50th state’s stunning beauty is no secret – nowhere else in the U.S. boasts the combination of white-sand beaches, lush green landscapes, pounding surf, and rich culture found on these far-flung Pacific islands. But what’s less well known, especially for first-time visitors, is that there’s a lot more to the state than Oahu’s Waikiki Beach. In fact, of the eight islands in Hawaii, six are primed for tourists, each with different reasons to visit, from ecotourism and active volcanoes to beaches and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll find less people (and more available lodging) before the holiday rush. Powerful northern swells hit the islands in October, so the waves are well-suited for surfing. Long days offer extra sunshine to catch that one last wave of the day or to extend a romantic sunset stroll into evening. Approaching winter rains temper Hawaii’s otherwise oppressive summer humidity, and rooms are priced up to 20 percent less than peak-season rates.

Fall 2013 Events: Hawaii Food and Wine Festival (Oahu; Sept. 1–Sept. 9); Hawaii International Film Festival (Honolulu; Oct. 10–20); World Invitational Hula Festival  (Honolulu; Nov. 9–10)

7. LAS VEGAS
“Sin City,” “Lost Wages,” “The City That Never Sleeps” – call it what you will – this Nevada desert city will awe you from the moment you fly over its glittering expanse to the day you leave. But believe it or not, there's more to Las Vegas than debauchery, including a world-class restaurant scene, spectacular entertainment, and fantastic shopping.

Why Go In Fall: Barring no special events, you’ll get the best bang for your buck by visiting in October and early November, months that offer mild temperatures and generally better rates.

Fall 2013 Events: Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival (Oct. 11–13); Professional Bull Riders World Finals (Oct. 23–27); The Great Craft Festival (Nov. 1–3)

8. MIAMI
Sprawling, sexy, sometimes unruly, and occasionally outrageous, Greater Miami has become an urban mix unlike any other in America. The beach vacation city of Miami is one part sun-splashed resort playground, one part glamorama party capital, and one part bustling, Latin-flavored sprawl. Head here to party with beautiful people by night and recover on beautiful beaches by day.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll get the best deals in September and October, after the kids go back to school and before winter high season kicks into gear. Watch out for hurricane season, though, which runs from June to November – most hotels and airlines will accomodate date changes free of charge, however, should a storm throw a wrench in your travel plans.

Fall 2013 Events: Miami Short Film Festival (Nov. 8–15); White Party Week (Nov. 27–Dec. 2); Art Basel Miami Beach (Dec. 5-8)

9. MONTREAL
With a total population of 3.8 million, Montréal is the world's second largest French-speaking city after Paris. It’s a captivating mélange of old-world charm infused with the up-to-the-minute energy of North America's most modern cities. Set on the St. Lawrence River, this Canadian metropolis comprises an easily accessible patchwork of neighborhoods, each with its own unique joie de vivre. Visitors can still get their fix of Old World Europe (think small cafes, monument-filled plazas, and basilicas) without crossing the Atlantic, but a clutch of trendy new hotels, restaurants, shops, and clubs are the latest indication that this city will never become a stodgy artifact of past triumphs.

Why Go In Fall: Rooms are reasonably priced and easy to find. Fall also brings astonishing foliage, while temperatures vary from 50 to 70 degrees earlier in the season.

Fall 2013 Events: Black and Blue Festival (Oct. 9–15); Festival du Nouveau Cinema (Oct. 9–20)  

Caribbean & Mexico

Fall Forecast: As hurricane season begins, northern Caribbean hot spots will be battening down the hatches until late November. Look farther south to Aruba or west to the Pacific Coast of Mexico for more reliable beach weather, often at a discount.

10. ACAPULCO
One of the Mexican Riviera's most fabled destinations, Acapulco is deeply ingrained in the sun seeker's subconscious as a pilgrimage-worthy destination. Some say the resort has had its heyday, but like a fallen celeb pushing back into the spotlight, the "Queen of Mexican Beach Resorts" is staging a comeback. Come to enjoy nonstop nightlife, striking beaches, and reasonably-priced vacation packages at revamped hotels and resorts along the Pacific coast.

Why Go In Fall:
You'll get the best bang for your buck on hotel rates in November, just following the rainy and humid season, when the landscapes are lush and the crowds are few.

Fall 2013 Events: Day of the Dead (Nov. 2); Acapulco Air Show (Nov. 15)

11. ARUBA
Aruba’s allure is obvious: Iridescent waters loaded with sunken wrecks, sugary beaches along its shores, and a remarkably arid outback to draw visitors inland. Add to this its pleasant yearlong weather, cooling trade winds, and snappy flight times and it’s easy to see why Aruba is one of the most popular Caribbean destinations.

Why Go In Fall: You’ll get the best bang for your buck booking a package in early fall, when the weather remains glorious and fewer Americans flock to the island.

Fall 2013 Events: Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival (Oct. 4–5)

12. BARBADOS
Pear-shaped Barbados, long popular with fishermen and royalty alike, offers glittering beaches, equally sparkling resorts, and striking seascapes lined with hulking boulders and cave-strewn cliffs. From afternoon tea and cricket to landscaped gardens and preserved Victorian architecture, the island’s English heritage remains pronounced.

Why Go In Fall: While hurricanes disrupt the western waters of the Caribbean, this southeastern island remains relatively calm, with average daytime temperatures in the 80s and cooler nights. Rent a staffed beachfront villa at savings of up to 40 percent.

Fall 2013 Events: Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival (Nov. 22–25); Barbados Independence Day (Nov. 30)

13. CURACAO
Sophisticated Curaçao offers visitors a unique taste of cosmopolitan Dutch living in a Caribbean setting. The stunning capital, Willemstad, evokes 17th-century Amsterdam, but adds brilliant colors to its gingerbread roofs and wedding-cake trims; the lot is so remarkable that it's earned a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. With some 55 different cultures living here, you're more likely to find international cuisine and culture of the sort you'd expect of New York.

Why Go In Fall:
Well below the hurricane belt, this tiny, remote Caribbean island dodges the bulk of the devastating storms that plague the rest of the Caribbean. Though the island does experience its rainy reason after October, rains fall mostly in the evenings.

Fall 2013 Events: Amstel Curaçao Race (Nov. 2)

14. PUERTO VALLARTA
Flanked by jungle-covered slopes and fronted by the Bay of Banderas, colorful Puerto Vallarta – PV to the locals – has a romantic past (Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams was filmed here) and a reputation as one of Mexico’s most fabled resort towns. This enchanting colonial town fronting beautiful Pacific Coast beaches is an easy and affordable escape.

Why Go In Fall: To get the most for your money, and fewer crowds to boot, we recommend visiting in October. Weather is pleasant (low 70s to low 90s), establishments are open, and discounts are available at most hotels.

Fall 2013 Events: XIX Festival Gourmet International (Nov. 14-23)

 

Europe

Fall Forecast: Each autumn, this continent takes a collective breath as swarms of summer tourists return home, leaving only the wisest of the bunch to partake in fringe-season price reductions, more moderate temperatures, and pre-winter festivals. The coasts of Spain, Italy, and Greece are still churning out beach weather at bargain rates. In Eastern Europe, days can be chilly, but the off-peak rates help compensate. Transatlantic airfare typically falls between 25 and 40 percent below its summer high.

15. BALEARIC ISLANDS
This Spanish island chain includes Ibiza, which since the ‘60s has been attracting the hip and the trendy, from flower children dancing beneath the stars and sleeping on the beaches to the young elite of London, Berlin, and Milan mobbing the top discos and staying at chic, boutique hotels. Majorca (also spelled Mallorca), meanwhile, has long been a favored year-round destination for northern Europeans seeking sun and sea.

Why Go In Fall: Unless you’re looking to party hearty, you’ll get the most for your money in fall. The weather is warm and usually sunny (temps average about 70 degrees), and the islands practically crowd-free.

Fall 2013 Events: Oktoberfest Santa Ponsa (Mallorca; Oct. 4–14); Día de la Hispanidad (all islands; Oct. 12)

16. BELGIUM
With Dutch-influenced Flanders to the north and French-flaired Wallonia to the south, Belgium is a unique blend of languages and cultures brimming with historic charm, haute couture, and heavenly cuisine – including its world-famous mussels, fries, waffles, chocolate, and beer. Brussels is noted for its friendly folk, incredible edibles, and position as political capital of modern Europe, while Flemish-flavored Antwerp has come into its own as a center for fashion, art, and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: As fall advances, the weather in this small nation remains mild, if a bit overcast. No matter. Hotel prices will sink from summer highs and the crowds will disperse in the French-speaking south (Brussels, Liège, Spa) and the Flemish north (Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent). September marks the start of the prime season for mussels, one of the nation’s most treasured edible assets (don’t miss the heavenly beer and chocolate either).

Fall 2013 Events: Belgian Beer Weekend (Brussels; Sept. 6–8); Les Nocturnes du Sablon (Sablon by Night) (Brussels; Nov. 21–24)

7. BERLIN
Reminders of this once-divided city’s turbulent history coexist with ultra-modern glass and steel skyscrapers and reinvented urban centers. Packed with cultural treasures, hip clubs, cutting-edge dining options, and no less than three opera houses, Berlin is the Continent’s first true 21st-century metropolis.

Why Go In Fall: While late autumn can be cold, September and early October are usually marked by mild temperatures and an added bonus of colorful foliage. Package deals abound, while crowds and lines at attractions are refreshingly few.

Fall 2013 Events: Berlin Oktoberfest (Sept. 27–Oct. 13); Festival of Lights (Oct. 9–20); Winter World (Nov. 26–Dec. 26)

18. CROATIA
Croatia’s tourism board touts its stunning coast and 1,000-plus islands as “the Mediterranean as it once was” and, save some overdeveloped areas, it really is. Paired with little-explored inland regions and an affordable, non-Euro-based economy, this delightful Eastern European country is one of Europe’s hottest destinations. Dubrovnik boasts stunning seaside fortifications, a Mediterranean beach vibe, fresh seafood, and immaculate offshore islands.

Why Go In Fall: In early fall, Dubrovnik sits comfortably in the 80s, with surrounding beaches gloriously empty and the water temps in the 70s through late October. Hotels offer good shoulder-season rates – just go before the northeastern “Bora” wind whips up in November.

Fall 2013 Events: Zagreb Film Festival (Oct. 20–27)

19. FRANCE
France is a montage of thousands of sights, dishes, and tiny, charming towns. It's little wonder that this profoundly culturally rich country ranks as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Tourists flock here for arguably the best food and drink in the world, the beauty of Paris, the medieval cities and breathtaking sights, and the unparalleled café culture and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: Hotel and airfare prices are lower, temperatures are generally pleasant, and the crowds are refreshingly absent. September, October, and November bring grape and olive harvests, along with busy cultural calendars. If swimming is an objective, it's best to come in September for a dip along the French Riviera.

Fall 2013 Events: Nuit Blanche (Paris; Oct. 5); Dijon International Gastronomy Fair (Oct. 31–Nov. 11; www.foirededijon.com); Beaujolais Nouveau’s release (throughout France; Oct. 31–Nov. 11)

20. GREEK ISLANDS
Greece has some 6,000 islands and islets, of which only 227 are inhabited. The seven island groups – the Ionian, Argo-Saronic, Cyclades, Dodecanese, Sporades and Evvia, Northeast Aegean, and Crete – are marked by ancient monuments and ruins, beautiful scenery, and lively beach resorts.

Why Go In Fall: Unless nightlife is your goal, this is the best time to visit. Temps averaging about 70 degrees are reasonable, the sea is warm enough for swimming through September, and the beaches are not overcrowded. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions are open, yet devoid of crowds.

Fall 2013 Events:Depicting Transcendence”:From Byzantine tradition to modern art at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Andros (Andros; Through Sept. 29)

21. ITALY
The land of art, sun, and a thousand different types of pasta, Italy is packed with a variety of sights, sounds, and tastes that can keep even the most experienced traveler busy for months. Considering one can hop between the timeworn ruins of ancient Rome, the Renaissance glories of Florence, and the fashion-forward emporiums of Milan, the question really isn’t where to go, it’s which century to "visit."

Why Go In Fall: It’s by far the best time to go to Italy for value, weather, and crowd control. Throughout the country you’ll experience wine festivals and skip out on the oppressive heat and mobs that mark the high summer season. The Mediterranean remains warm into early fall for beachgoers along the Italian Riviera. Autumn foliage adds a scenic touch to Italian lake areas.

Fall 2013 Events: RomaEuropa Festival (Rome; Sept. 9–Nov. 24); Alba International White Truffle Fair (Alba; Oct. 12–Nov. 17)

22. MONTENEGRO
This little gem of a country on the southern Adriatic Sea – just coming into its own after the turbulent breakup of the former Yugoslavia – boasts an interior of soaring Alpine mountains, plus 200 miles of coastline. Tiny Montenegro is an exhilarating destination for lovers of the great outdoors, with four national parks and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The medieval fortress city of Kotor, on the lip of southern Europe’s largest fjord, is a picturesque home base for coastal and mountain day trips.

Why Go In Fall: Beach season lingers through October and temperatures fluctuate between the high 70s by day and the low 50s at night. With more elbow room than during the summer, autumn is an ideal time to explore the region’s churches and ruins. Hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions are open, yet not overrun.

Fall 2013 Events: Days of Siruna (Budva; Oct. 2)

23. ROMANIA
Romania has come a long way since 1989, when the people gave their iron-fisted dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, the boot. Today, ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Romania is on the rise: the outdoor cafés are buzzing, the restaurants are serving creatively prepared local cuisine as well as global fusion dishes, and recognizable shops like Hugo Boss and Escada are sprouting up. Of course, historic Romania maintains its appeal as well; give a nod to the fictitious Count Dracula as you submerge yourself in cobblestone streets, castles, and monasteries.

Why Go In Fall: Reasonable temperatures, fewer crowds, and better hotel deals make fall the best time to explore Romania’s major points of interest. The folklore of Count Dracula can make Transylvania a particularly appealing destination during Halloween, when special tours celebrate Bram Stoker's famous novel.

Fall 2013 Events: Astra Film Festival 2012 (Sibiu; Oct. 14–20); Kinofest (Bucharest; Sept. 27–29); Halloween in Transylvania (Oct. 31)

 

Central & South America

Fall Forecast: South America’s spring is ambiguous, blending indecisive rains and fluctuating temperatures with little consistency. Nevertheless, the Brazilian Amazon beckons to those who like their rain forests drier than usual, and Chilean skiers savor their final runs as diminishing winter snows give way to Patagonian hiking bliss. Avoid Central America travel, with the rainy and hurricane season well underway.

24. ARGENTINA
Home to tango, gauchos, and fútbol aficionados galore, Argentina rewards travelers to the Southern Cone with stunning scenery, sophisticated cities, and epicurean delights, all at surprising values. A sexy Latin vibe permeates the architecturally handsome Buenos Aires, South America's answer to Paris.

Why Go In Fall: Fall is a lovely time to visit larger cities like the flourishing Argentine capital at Buenos Aires, with reasonable hotel rates all across the city. In seasonal tourism areas, expect fewer crowds due to diminished opportunities for activities like skiing.

Fall 2013 Events: Day of the Gaucho (San Antonio de Areco; Nov. 10); Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival (Buenos Aires; Nov. 20– 25); Cambalache Festival (Buenos Aires; First week of Dec.)

25. BRAZIL
Boasting wonders as diverse as the Amazonian rainforest, Iguazu Falls (on the border with Argentina), the beaches of Bahia, and sultry Rio, Brazil is both geographically stunning and culturally fascinating. This melting pot of European and African immigrants and indigenous South Americans is the birthplace of Bossa Nova, caipirinhas, and the samba, not to mention the world’s wildest Carnaval celebration.

Why Go In Fall: October and November bring temperate spring weather and fewer tourists in the cities. In the Amazon, the best time for fishing is during the last months of the dry season, generally September and October, when water levels are lower. Expect thinner crowds and temperatures in the 70s and 80s at Iguazu Falls.

Fall 2013 Events: Festival do Rio (Rio; Sept. 26–Oct. 10); National Samba Day (Rio; Dec. 2)

26. CHILE
This skinny slice of South America will surprise the unsuspecting with its flourishing capital at Santiago, quaint villages, and striking geographic extremes – deserts, rainforests, glacial peaks – full of natural beauty and outdoor adventure opportunities (including the tail end of the ski season).

Why Go In Fall: Fall in North America means spring in South America, and in Chile that adds up to great values and mild temperatures in the northern deserts, new leaves in storied wine country, and fine skiing in the Andes (through October). Mountain retreats offer few price breaks but are among the only places to ski this time of year. Note that November is the start of high season across the country.

Fall 2013 Events: Sixth Festival of Birds in Chile (Santiago; Oct. 25-26); Chilean Independence Day (Sept. 18); Virgen de lo Vasquez pilgrimage (Valparaiso, Santiago; Dec. 8)

27. ECUADOR
Ecuador’s fascinating interior has long been overshadowed by the Galápagos Islands, with their attention-hogging archipelago. While package tours there threaten Darwin’s muses, the mainland has been humbly readying itself for the ball. With the revitalized colonial capital of Quito and distinctive retreats in the Amazon and the Andes, not to mention the Inca ruins of Ingapirca, it promises not to stay under the radar for long.

Why Go In Fall: In between the worst of the rainy season and the crowds of the dry season, you’ll find reasonable weather and great deals in Quito, the highlands, and along the coast (note the Galapagos, however, are best visited in May and June).

Fall 2013 Events: Ecuadorian Coat of Arms Day (Quito; Oct. 31); Nocturnal Flamenco Bullfighting Festival (Quito; Nov. dates TBD)

 

Asia & Middle East

Fall Forecast: Having been thoroughly saturated by summer monsoons, India is radiant in the fall, and a majority of tourists plan their visits accordingly. Rain and humidity have not loosened their grasp on the rest of Southeast Asia though, which is bursting at the seams with exotic orchids and off-season deals. Fall colors and clear skies make for an ideal mid-autumn stroll through some of Japan’s many traditional gardens. In the Middle East, temperatures can be moderately tolerable in the Gulf, but it comes down to luck. Hotel and air rates are generally lower at this time.

28. ANGKOR
You won’t be the first to discover the lost world of Angkor, but stepping into this famous vine-covered temple complex feels that way. The vast, thousand-year old ruins, which formed the capital of the Khmer empire between the 9th and 15th centuries, occupy an area of about 200 acres. Today, Angkor ranks as one of the great wonders of the travel world, with millions arriving annually by way of the former French colonial outpost of Siem Reap, which lies only 5 miles to the south.

Why Go In Fall: Autumn provides a short lull before the rush of peak season. The heat drops down to the 90s and the rains subside somewhat. This is the best time to take advantage of lower rates, fewer crowds, and the beautiful greenery, which is flush from rainy season showers.

Fall 2013 Events: Angkor Wat Bike Race and Rally (Nov. 30)

29. INDIA
The world’s largest democracy and second-most-populous nation, India is home to Bollywood, cricket, Darjeeling tea, and 15 officially recognized languages. Discover a diverse country whose national parks showcase tigers and elephants, and where urban centers are buzzing with history, culture, shopping, and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: An ideal time to visit the subcontinent, this pre-holiday season means you beat out the NRIs (non-resident Indians) and pricey airline tickets and hotel room rates. Dry heat and monsoon seasons draw to a close across the season just prior to fall, and it’s yet to become too hot and dusty.

Fall 2013 Events: Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur; Oct. 17–21); Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar; Nov.6–17); Ganga Mahotsav (Varanasi; Nov. 13–16)

30. MACAU
The West’s oldest outpost in the Orient, Macau has gone from a sleepy Portuguese enclave to the "Las Vegas of Asia," where towering casino hotels and garish neon lights coexist with centuries-old churches, Taoist temples, and a culinary heritage unique in the Far East.

Why Go In Fall: Weather-wise, warm and sunny fall days are the best times to enjoy Macau’s colorful sights. The crowds of mainland Chinese who come to take advantage of their summer vacation on the isle have finally returned home, leaving more room for those willing to take advantage of the fall weather.

Fall 2013 Events: Macau International Music Festivall (Oct. 2–Nov. 3); Macau Grand Prix (Nov. 14–17)

31. OSAKA
A vast, modern city, Osaka is the gateway to many of Japan’s most important tourist sites, including Kyoto, Nara, and Mount Koya. The city reflects its people who are outgoing, food-loving, shopping enthusiasts, with a business-oriented mindset.

Why Go In Fall: Autumn is a great time to visit Osaka as prices, not to mention humidity and temperatures, go down (though September is the peak season for typhoons).

Fall 2013 Events:  Hikohachi Festival (Sept. 7-8); Big Tea Ceremony at Kiyomizu of Kuroi (Oct. 13–14); Midosuji Kappo 2013 (early Oct.)

32. SEOUL
If cities have personalities, Seoul is a type A, on steroids. An insatiable appetite for money, a chaotic "me-first" street life, and a hurry-hurry approach to just about everything makes visiting the South Korean capital an entertaining, if occasionally jolting, adventure.

Why Go In Fall: The weather is pleasant during the fall shoulder season, when colored leaves and hotel discounts abound. Warning: during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) roads and airports teem with travelers.

Fall 2013 Events: Seoul Drum Festival (Oct. 3–4); Seoul International Fireworks Festival (Oct. 2013); Seoul Performing Arts Festival (Oct. 2–Oct. 26)

33. TEL AVIV
Israel’s Mediterranean metropolis glitters with gorgeous, clean beaches, multiple blocks of Bauhaus architecture, and smartly dressed Tel Avivians with a fierce appreciation for art, cuisine, and nightlife.

Why Go In Fall: The arrival of fall signals fewer crowds, more moderate weather, and better deals at hotels. This is Tel Aviv at its laid-back best.

Fall 2013 Events: Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 4–6); Spirit Film Festival (Tel Aviv; Oct. 23–26); Haifa International Film Festival (Sept. 19–28); Sukkot (Sept. 18–25)

34. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Comprised of seven states, the UAE is rapidly transforming the Middle East by pulling focus away from distressing regional conflicts and emphasizing commerce and tourism. Unassuming Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, is one of the region’s hidden gems with its sense of tradition, clear blue skies, year-round sunshine, and laidback lifestyle, while Dubai has emerged as the center of all things glamorous, replete with the world’s first “seven-star” hotel.

Why Go In Fall: Wedged in between the sweltering summer and the popular winter, fall visitors take advantage of discounts, filling hotels and attractions. It’s the best time to visit cities like Abu Dhabi, when temperatures average in the 90s and the skies are a perfect blue.

Fall 2013 Events: The Dubai World Championship (Nov. 14–17); National Day (Dec. 2)

 

Australia & Pacific

Fall Forecast: Pack a light jacket for a cooler-than-usual experience Down Under, but save on pre-peak airfare and miss out on the crowds during the southern hemisphere’s spring; temperatures in the mid-60s are comfortable, even if they don’t exactly provide for beachgoing weather. September and October are one of the most beautiful times to visit springtime New Zealand. Get to Tahiti before cyclone season begins in late November.

35. MELBOURNE
Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne has long lived in the shadow of glitzy Sydney. But scratch the surface and you’ll discover a delightfully decadent city that exudes soul and sophistication. From the finest galleries and museums, innovative theatre, and wonderful Victorian architecture to top sports venues, leafy parks, and accessible beaches, Victoria’s capital city is a smorgasbord for the senses.

Why Go In Fall: The best time to visit Melbourne is during their spring (September to November). Days tend to be clearer and the extremes of heat and cold are kept largely at bay, as are high room rates. The season also brings out the flowers and makes its mark with the horse race that stops the nation – the Melbourne Cup (held the first Tuesday in November).

Fall 2013 Events: Melbourne Fringe Festival (Sept. 18–Oct. 6); Melbourne Festival (Oct. 11–27); Melbourne Cup Carnival (Nov. 5)

36. NEW ZEALAND
For a small island nation, New Zealand sure packs a lot of punch – particularly in the scenery department. Blessed with unique and varied geography, it compensates for its relatively short human history with outdoorsy, adrenaline-pumping thrills. Its biggest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland, is blessed by beautiful geography – two magnificent harbors, an island-studded gulf, and the intriguing remnants of 50 volcanoes.

Why Go In Fall: Spring in New Zealand, particularly the South Island, brings a gleeful palette of flowers and fresh meadow grass. Prices in popular winter resorts like Queenstown have dipped nicely, although pesky random snowfalls can occur throughout September. Temperatures are moderate and you're likely to strike some showery days, but the sun is bound to make an appearance. Don’t plan on swimming during these months.

Fall 2013 Events: Kaikoura Seafest (Kaikoura; Oct. 5); Gisbourne Wine and Food Festival (Gisbourne; Oct. 2013)

37. SYDNEY
Think San Francisco and Rio de Janeiro mixed in with a heaping dose of small-town Aussie flavor. Sydney's distinctly individual appeal lies in its fantastic oceanside setting, laid-back attitude, stellar beaches, beautiful people, and eternally sunny subtropical climate.

Why Go In Fall: With its temperate subtropical climate Sydney is popular practically year-round, but fall sees slightly fewer visitors than high season. Temperatures average in the mid-60s.

Fall 2013 Events: Darling Harbour Fiesta (Oct. 12–13); Seven Bridges Walk (Oct. 27)

38. TAHITI
Tahiti, with its breathtaking blue-green water, sparkling white-sand beaches, and charming overwater bungalows, is one of French Polynesia's intoxicating 118 islands and atolls that are spread out over an area the size of Western Europe.

Why Go In Fall: The month of November falls between the high (dry) and low (wet) seasons on the island, and makes for a rare window of good weather, smaller crowds, and better hotel rates.

Fall 2013 Events: Hawaiki Nui Va'a (Huahine to Bora Bora; Nov. 6–8); Austral Islands Exhibition (Tahiti; Oct. 25–Nov.9)

 

Africa

Fall Forecast: Across northern Africa, fall's cooler weather moderates the region’s typically desert-like climate, making a paddle down the Nile or a hike in the Atlas Mountains an attractive proposition. The safari season is winding down in southern Africa as the rainy season begins in late October.

39. MOROCCO
Few countries possess Morocco’s exotic punch. From the heady cocktail of spices in the souks (markets) to the winding alleys of the ancient medina quarters and the seeming limitlessness of the Saharan sand dunes, every corner of this North African nation incites awe.

Why Go In Fall: By the end of September, the summer heat has dissipated and the crowds are thinner. In Marrakech, the average high in October sits around 80 degrees and drops to an idyllic 72 by November.

Fall 2013 Events: TANJAzz Festival (Tangier; Sept. 18–22); Erfoud Date Festival (Erfoud, Oct. Exact Date TBD); Tissa Horse Festival (Tissa, Oct. Exact Date TBD)

40. SOUTH AFRICA
Often referred to as “a world in one country,” South Africa is a land of beguiling contrasts and endless possibilities. Straddle two mighty oceans (Indian and Atlantic), view the first traces of humanity, tour one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world, and luxuriate in a boutique game lodge after scoring snapshots of the “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, rhino, and buffalo).

Why Go in Fall: October heralds South Africa’s Spring, and with it pleasant, 70-degree temperatures (in Cape Town) and the blooming wild flowers of the Western Cape Provinces. Great package deals can often be found during this time.

Fall 2013 Events: Hermanus Whale Festival (Sept. 20–24); Cape Town International Kite Festival (Nov. 2–3)

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