It’s official: summer is over, autumn has begun. But rather than pine for beach barbeques and balmy nights, why not embrace autumn instead?
Get out and enjoy the turning of the trees which brings fiery reds, golden browns and bright yellow blazes of color to the mountains, hillsides and parks of the northern hemisphere.
Here are ten of the best places to sample the trees in all their fall glory, not to mention the pleasures of autumn's lower prices and lack of crowds.
Maine, USA
New England is one of the most popular fall foliage destinations in the United States. In Maine, fall colors come ablaze in the thick forests that cover much of the hilly, sometimes mountainous, landscape. The entire state can make for a perfect autumn getaway but certain places are extraordinary, like the western foothills with its old-fashioned charm or the Atlantic coast and Acadia National Park, where you’ll find an interesting mesh of maritime and seasonal traditions. Find cheap flights to Maine.
Lot Valley, France
Criss-crossed with walking, cycling and riding paths, the valley’s orchards and vineyards glow with golden leaves come autumn, making it an ideal spot for long walks through the wooded hills. Wildlife abounds here, with several species of birds of prey in abundance in this unspoilt region which is perfect for a quiet autumn retreat. Find cheap flights to France.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island on Canada’s east coast has a climate that allows for a very long fall foliage season. With the summer crowds gone, the island takes on an extra-relaxed persona in autumn, and visitors can bike, hike or horseback ride on the expansive network of uncrowded trails that wind through colorful woods. Visit Fall Flavours, a food and wine festival in and around Charlottetown that celebrates the culinary culture and harvest-time favorites of Canada’s smallest province. Find cheap flights to Charlottetown.
High Tatras, Poland
These eastern mountains are known for their skiing, but before the snow arrives, they explode into a world of color as the birch, larch and oak trees put on their autumn garb. Zakopane, a pleasant mountain town makes the perfect base for excursions into the mountains, where visitors can enjoy glacial lakes, wildlife and a good range of hiking trails. Find cheap flights to Poland.
Vancouver Island, Canada
Another Canadian location, but this time at the opposite side of the country,
