Every season is a good time to travel. Autumn is typically considered to be the end of the peak holiday season, so you can expect better prices and easier access to attractions. In the US, autumn is the time for Halloween, while Mexico is abuzz with the colourful Día de los Muertos. Dubai’s autumn weather is ideal for desert safaris, while Miami’s warm days encourage beachcombing and strolls through the historic Art Deco district. Marrakech offers vibrant souks and local festivals. Autumn is also harvest time: you can join the grape harvest in Napa Valley, watch the monarch butterflies migrate in Mexico and admire spectacular sunsets in the Maldives. For a slower-paced holiday, try a trip in autumn.
Alternatively, USA in the fall offers the ideal time to enjoy a stay in sunny Miami or San Francisco as it catches its breath after the tourist season. Of course, New York is a year-round destination and the Big Apple’s autumn landscape adds a touch of nostaligia to the metropolis.
New York
Love it hate it, but no-one can be indifferent to New York! The US’s largest metropolis hides many attractions, such as the world-famous Times Square. Lit up by billboards and crowded with people and the city’s famous yellow taxis, it’s easy to feel like an an actor on the set of a famous film. New York’s famous Statue of Liberty sits on Liberty Island, and you can take a ferry over to see it up close. Don’t forget to head to the observation deck hidden in the statue’s crown for stunning views. The Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center also guarantee a breathtaking panorama of the city, while a stroll along Fifth Avenue allows you to admire window displays in some of the most world’s most exclusive boutiques. For a breath of fresh air, head to New York’s green lungs, Central Park.
New York is also a city renowned for its art. Over on Broadway, iconic productions sit side-by-side with small, independent theatres. Need a quick coffee? Grab a takeout cup and make yourself comfortable on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum Of Art – head inside to visit the many exhibitions. A beautiful backdrop for nighttime photos is provided by the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, that connects Brooklyn and Manhattan. Another tourist destination is the Dumbo district, where you can take a photo with the bridge as a backdrop. Finally, don’t miss a visit to Wall Street, where you can see not only the Federal Hall and the New York Stock Exchange, but also the famous Charging Bull and Fearless Girl statues.
USA in the fall: San Francisco
San Francisco is a city made for public transport and walking, so ditch the hire car. No trip to San Francisco can be complete without a ride on its iconic cable car. As the historic vehicles pass along their scenic routes, you can observe the city’s architecture and the everyday life of its inhabitants. One of the most photographed streets in San Francisco is Lombard Street – its narrow, winding street is a challenge for drivers who patiently wait for their turn to exit. Admire a city panorama from the terrace atop Coit Tower, before heading to Chinatown for delicious flavours and a vibrant atmosphere.
While in San Francisco, it is worth planning a walk around Alamo Square, a unique district, distinguished by its architecture. The colourful Victorian houses positioned in a line provide postcard-perfect views. Speaking of views, it is impossible not to mention the symbol of this great city – the Golden Gate Bridge. Often shrouded in heavy fog from which the rusty-orange structure emerges, the bridge has been featured in countless films., Another city association is with Al Capone. It was here, at Alcatraz Prison, that he was incarcerated and you can now visit in person to see a glimpse of prison life. Entrance tickets to the facility must be purchased well in advance.
USA in the fall: Miami
Let us travel to sunny Miami, a unique landscape of skyscrapers, palm trees and murals. If you like street art, be sure to visit the Wynwood District. The derelict old halls here have gained a second life as a background for a rotating gallery of colourful murals created by artists from all over the world. Many people find themselves drawn to another famous Miami district – Little Havana. It is an oasis of Cuban rhythms and cuisine, and at its heart is Calle Ocho, a place that celebrates the best of Cuban culture including warm hospitality, a love of music and dancing, communal gatherings and a few games of dominoes too.
To explore Miami from the water, book a Biscayne Bay cruise. You can also catch a breath in Bayfront Park, while just an hour from Miami you can visit one of the great US national parks, the Everglades. However, Miami is above all, a place of beautiful beaches and partying until dawn, combined with excellent shopping in global boutiques. If you want to discover the city’s party soul, head to Ocean Drive and South Beach.
Exotic autumn holiday: Marrakesh
It’s time to head to Morocco and one of its largest cities, Marrakesh. Bathed in shades of red, which beautifully highlights its spectacular sunsets, be sure to visit the older areas of the city, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The heart of Marrakesh is Jemaa el-Fna Square, where you’ll find a maze of stands packed with handicrafts, souvenirs, spices and food stalls serving up snacks from all over the world. It is crowded, noisy and fascinating – don’t be surprised by a snake show taking place next to a snack stand, interspersed with enthusiastic merchants persuading you to buy their goods.
Marrakesh’s main monuments are all worth visiting. The Mosque of the Booksellers dates back to the 12th century; the Bahia Palace to the 19th century and the Saadian Tombs to the 16th century. The Jewish district of Mellah, the ruins of the El Badi Palace and the preserved historic city gates are all captivating in their own way. If you have the opportunity to visit more of the surrounding area, we recommend a day trip to Ouzoud Falls. Marrakesh is full of surprises – in addition to the many tastes and smells of this vibrant city, we must highlight the unique Majorelle Gardens. This oasis of greenery and blissful peace offers a respite from the everyday bustle of the city. Here you can admire rich exotic flora, capture beautiful photos against its coral-shaded background and visit the YSL museum. As it turns out, this place was a favourite of famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and it was he who restored the gardens to their former splendour. Such was his affection for the gardens that he had his ashes scattered here after his death in 2008.
Exotic autumn holiday: The Maldives
The Maldives boasts a landscape untroubled by photo retouching. Pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters and sheer tranquility await on these islands that are best known for their privacy and intimate atmosphere. A great choice for a honeymoon, a holiday in nature or a trip for water sports enthusiasts, you can spend your time very actively here. The coral reefs that surround the islands offer ideal diving conditions and you can also try your hand at surfing, water skiing, yoga and meditation. The list of attractions for guests is extensive and includes dolphin-watching cruises, night fishing or dinner on a glass-bottomed boat.
An island state of over 1,200 islands, The Maldives is formed from atolls and clusters with very few inhabited. So, which atoll should you choose? Excellent diving conditions can be found in Addu and Baa and the latter is also famous for another attraction – the glowing Mudhdhoo Beach. When it gets dark, Bioluminescence causes the beach to turn blue, creating a unique natural light show.
A similar phenomenon also occurs on the Raa Atoll island of Vaadhoo. If you wish to see the traditional Maldivian countryside, head to Guraidhoo Island in Kaafu Atoll. Here, you can l see everyday life in the capital, Malé. This small city is great for browing for souvenirs and handicrafts and you can also visit The Grand Friday Mosque which dates back to the 17th century. Finally, for the ultimate in privacy head to the island of Fuamulaku – but do note that you must obtain a permit to stay before you arrive.
Mexico
A part of the world with a fascinating history and incredible views, Mexico’s contrasts are stark. Futuristic metropolises sit side by side with historic ruins, and modernity has not displaced deep-rooted traditions. Mexico’s diverse culture is shaped both by its pre-Columbian heritage and its Spanish colonial influences. The air here is a mix of chilli, citrus and smoky aromas from traditional street cooking; in places you may also detect subtle notes of chocolate and vanilla from champurrado, a traditional chocolate drink. Autumn brings milder temperatures to Mexico, making it the ideal season for sightseeing.
Mexico is famous for its Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. From 31 October to 2 November, cities such as Oaxaca and Janitzio are transformed into vibrant centres of celebration, with colourful parades, altars and traditional foods. This is also harvest time in regions such as Jalisco, which is known for its agave plantations. Autumn is a good time to visit tequila distilleries and enjoy tastings. Over in Puebla, the Mole Festival takes place. A sauce prepared with ingredients such as chilli, chocolate, nuts and spices, mole is usually served with meat and there are various different versions to sample.
On the Yucatán peninsula, you can visit Chichen Itza, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, and the cenotes – natural limestone wells that were sacred to the Mayan. Another unforgettable experience is watching the migration of millions of Monarch butterflies to the Michoacán Biosphere Reserve. The butterfly migration begins in late October to early November, when the butterflies arrive at their winter grounds. This period is associated with the end of their long journey from the northern regions of the United States and Canada. Local markets, such as the Mercado de la Ciudadela in Mexico City, offer handicrafts and traditional products and art festivals, such as the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, attract artists from all over the world.
Dubai
In Dubai, futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside historic bazaars filled with exotic spices and incense. Pleasant autumn temperatures encourage desert safaris – camel rides, sandboarding and sunsets over the dunes are all unforgettable experiences. Visit the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Burj al-Arab, a sail-shaped luxury hotel.
Shopping in Dubai is a real treat. The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping mall, has more than 1,200 shops (!), a giant aquarium, an ice rink, fountain shows and an observation deck. It would probably take more than one holiday to see it all! Meanwhile, the Mall of the Emirates offers luxury boutiques and Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort. The traditional souks will appeal to lovers of traditional art and local crafts. The Gold Souk in Deira offers unique jewellery, while the Spice Souk sells aromatic spices and dried fruits. Stroll the streets and inhale the delicious aroma of freshly brewed coffee spiced with cardamom.
In autumn, Dubai hosts the annual Shopping Festival, which features fashion shows. Dubai’s museums are also well worth a visit. The Museum of the Future explores the innovations that are shaping our world, while the Dubai Museum, housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort, takes you on a fascinating journey through the region’s history and culture.
