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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 2009 Events: Melbourne Fringe Festival (Sept. 23–Oct. 11); Melbourne Cup Carnival (Oct. 31–Nov. 7); International Arts Festival (Oct. 9–24)

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 2009 Events: Kaikoura Seafest (Kaikoura, Oct. 3); Adventure Quest (Queenstown; Oct. 3)

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 2009 Events: Seven Bridges Walk (Oct. 25); GlobalGathering (Nov. TBA)

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 2009 Events: Hawaiki Nui Va'a (Huahine; Nov. 20); Carnival de Tahiti (Papeete, Oct. 24–26)

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