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 haven’t 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 2011 Events: Angkor Wat Bike Race and Rally (Dec. 3; www.villagefocus.org/bike); Angkor Festival (mid–Dec.; www.tourismcambodia.com)

29. INDIA
The world’s largest democracy and second-most-populous nation, India is home to Bollywood, cricket, Darjeeling tea, and 22 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 2011 Events: Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur; Oct. 12–16; www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org); Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar; Oct. 31 – Nov. 9; www.pushkarcamelfair.com); Ganga Mahotsav (Varanasi; Nov. 6 – 9; www.up-tourism.com)

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. There are slightly fewer crowds at this time, having just missed the hordes of mainland Chinese who come to take advantage of their summer vacation on the isle.

Fall 2011 Events: Macau International Music Festival (Oct. 7–Nov. 5; www.icm.gov.mo/fimm); Macau Grand Prix (Nov. 17–20; gp.macau.grandprix.gov.mo)

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 2011 Events: Midosuji Kappo 2011 (Oct. 9; www.osaka-info.jp); Hiraoka Festival (Oct. 14–15; www.osaka-info.jp); Big Tea Ceremony at Kiyomizu of Kuroi (Oct. 15 –16; www.osaka-info.jp)

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 2011 Events: Seoul Drum Festival (through Sept. 24; www.seouldrum.go.kr); Seoul International Fireworks Festival (Oct. 8; www.visitkorea.or.kr); Seoul Performing Arts Festival (Sept. 28–Oct. 31; www.encyber.com)

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 2011 Events: Spirit Film Festival (Tel Aviv; Nov. 3–5; www.spiritfestival.co.il) Rosh Hashanah (Sept. 28–30); Haifa International Film Festival (Oct. 13–22; www.haifaff.co.il); Sukkot (Oct. 12–19)

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 2011 Events: The Dubai World Championship (Dec. 8–11; www.dubaiworldchampionship.com); National Day (Dec. 2–3)