Share the article
Last updated
It’s been a busy summer with record numbers of American travelers taking to the skies.
But fall is actually a much better time to travel if you’re not limited to summer travel.
The number of visitors is lower, prices are lower and the weather is also superior in many destinations.
Travel app Hopper reports that 93% of their users plan to travel in the next six months.
If you are planning a fall vacation, you may be wondering where to go?
Hopper put together their Fall Consumer Travel Index and found that these are the top 6 trending fall destinations for US travelers:
Shanghai, China
Beijing may be the capital and best-known city of China, but Shanghai is the country’s largest city and a destination that is very trendy at the moment.
Shanghai is a beautiful city thanks to its innovative architecture and rich history. I recommend you visit the Bund to discover the city’s colonial past.
Here you’ll find colonial-era buildings neatly arranged along a beautiful waterfront and it has a great atmosphere.
My favorite thing about visiting China is the food and in Shanghai you are spoiled for choice. There are a whopping 47 Michelin star restaurants here, but if you don’t have Michelin money, the street food options are epic too.
Head to Wujiang Road Food Street, where shengjianbao and congyoubing are two of the best delicacies on the menu! Shengjianbao are fried buns filled with pork and my personal favorite!
Osaka, Japan
Japan is having a real moment, as it has already been named one of the fastest growing destinations for American travelers.
And if you’re visiting Japan and want to let loose, there’s no better place to be than Osaka.
Osaka is known as Japanese cuisine and it’s a great place to eat and party.
But it also has its own rich culture, which doesn’t get nearly the credit it deserves.
Visit Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and surrounded by plenty of beautiful green space.
And it’s also worth noting that it’s only a short 24-minute train ride to Kyoto from Osaka.
This is the cultural heart of Japan, and it’s easy (I’d say essential) to explore both cities on the same trip.
My kids would never forgive me if I didn’t mention Universal Studios Japan (USJ), home of the largest and original Super Nintendo World.
It features 2 rides, character restaurants and an abundance of play options. It was the highlight of their trip (and attracted kids and big kids alike!)
Speaking of Nintendo, the new Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto this week, meaning gamers will be spoiled for choice for things to do while on holiday in Osaka! Tickets cost 3,300 yen ($23) per adult.
Nice, France
Located in the heart of the French Riviera, Nice may seem like an ideal destination for a summer holiday. But it is also a great place to visit in autumn.
The number of tourists drops significantly (Nice can feel overwhelmingly busy in the summer) and in October you’ll find the weather is still warm enough for beach days.
As an added bonus, room rates are also lower this time of year!
Art lovers should explore the Musée Matisse, which is dedicated to the work of Henry Matisse, a former resident of the city. Entrance costs 12 euros ($13) per person.
Autumn is also a great time of year to wander the city’s picturesque Old Town or even take a boat trip from the harbour.
Munich, Germany
Munich in autumn means only one thing: Oktoberfest!
The Oktoberfest in Munich attracts as many as 6 million people every year, making it the… the world’s largest beer festival and quite an exciting event to be a part of.
If you like beer or partying with your friends, then a visit to the original Oktoberfest should be on your bucket list.
But this is not the right autumn holiday for you if you are looking for lower prices and fewer visitors.
Both rise in October in Munich, with demand for rooms driving up hotel prices.
Munich is also a great place to enjoy fresh walks and autumn colours, and the city also boasts an abundance of fascinating museums if you want to take a break from the beer halls!
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich is a spectacularly beautiful city whatever the season, but it really comes alive in autumn.
Walking through the autumn foliage, enjoying wine tastings and exploring the medieval Old Town with a slight chill in the air are some of the highlights of an autumn holiday to Zurich.
Zurich is an excellent place for nature lovers thanks to its varied and beautiful landscape.
You will find the city on the shore of Lake Zurich, but the Alps are also nearby and form a backdrop to the city.
Why not visit the Swiss National Museum, located in the heart of Zurich?
This is a great way to learn more about this fascinating and culturally rich city. Tickets cost CHF 13 ($15.30) each.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and a lively, bustling, sometimes chaotic city.
It features an abundance of colour, incredible temples and some of the world’s best street food options.
Fall is an affordable time to be in the city because it is the end of the rainy season.
On average, Bangkok is one of the hottest cities in the world, so the benefits of visiting outside the hottest months really cannot be underestimated.
Fall is the perfect time of year to visit majestic temples like the Royal Palace and Wat Arun, so if you’re interested in cultural discovery, this is a great choice for fall travel.
It’s also worth noting that (if we put the price of plane tickets aside) Bangkok is an affordable destination to visit, making it a great fall travel choice for budget travelers.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
