While summer may reign supreme as the most popular season for travel, there’s something to be said for September, October, and November. Cooler temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere make for enticing seasonal sights. And along with the crisp autumn air comes lower travel demand, which leads to cheaper rates on everything from flights to hotels and more. Could the “offseason” be the best season for travel? If you’re headed to one of these five destinations, it very well could be.
1. Kyoto, Japan
When you think of Kyoto, the spring cherry blossoms might be the first thing that comes to mind. But don’t overlook the fall foliage. The fiery leaves falling amongst ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and bamboo forests make for a truly magical scene.
2. Yellowknife, Canada
Along with the rest of the Northwest Territories, Yellowknife is a bastion of unspoiled northern beauty. But the attraction here in the fall isn’t exactly terrestrial. You need to look skyward. Yellowknife is one of the best places in the world to spot the famous aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights.
3. Bermuda
You don’t have to put away your swimsuit just because fall is here. Just hop on a short plane ride from the US east coast to Bermuda and bask in 85-degree days on the pink beaches. The island is known for its incredibly luxurious resorts, so you can keep your summer holidays going well into October.
4. Sonoma, California
Fancy yourself a budding sommelier? Even if you think a port is nothing more than a place to moor a ship, you can still enjoy California’s wine country, and fall is one of the best times to do it. Tour wineries, go hiking, and sample gourmet seafood. Sonoma has something for everyone.
5. Tuscany, Italy
What if all the changing leaves you saw outside were grape leaves? If so, you might be in Tuscany in the fall. The picturesque rolling hills of Italy turn red as the region’s signature crop begins to go dormant and its grapes are harvested. Fall is also olive season in Tuscany, so be sure to bring your appetite.
The Right Travel Insurance for Your Destination
The best insurance for the best fall destinations depends on where you’re going and what your priorities are.
If you or your family are visiting the USA, visitors medical insurance is the coverage you need to have. USA healthcare is famously expensive, so it’s critical to have insurance that will be accepted at American doctors and hospitals. Visitors medical insurance is the only insurance option for most visitors to the United States.
If you’re traveling abroad to a destination outside the United States, get travel medical insurance. It can provide important medical coverage in case you get sick or injured in a foreign country, and most plans can even provide emergency medical evacuation coverage.