Traveling in autumn can mean less crowds, cooler temperatures and better bargains. It’s also a magical season around the world, filled with lively festivals, fresh food from local harvests, and breathtaking fall foliage. Experience North America’s East Coast when it’s bursting with red, orange and yellow leaves. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich and enjoy Bavaria’s splendid array of foliage. Go wine tasting in California’s Napa and Sonoma when the vineyards turn bright red. Or, journey to East Asia to see spectacular autumn colors in Korea, China and Japan. Wherever your heart takes you this season, here are ten fall hot spots you won’t want to miss!

#1 New England, US East Coast

Up and down the East Coast of the United States, trees explode in a spectacular display of color every autumn. Kick off a week-long tour beginning in New York City where you can experience world-famous Central Park during its most beautiful time of year. Then travel to the northeastern states, known as New England, and experience winding roads and forests as they transform in an arrange of yellow, orange, red and brown foliage. Take a scenic 1920’s steam train in Connecticut. Then, visit Martha’s Vineyard on this fall colors tour. Or, head to Acadia National Park on an unforgettable tour through Maine.

#2 Kyoto, Japan

Japan’s gardens, forests, and trees truly experience the four seasons throughout the year, from the enchanting cherry blossoms to snow-covered canopies. Fall is no different, offering a rich blend of orange and red across the country. Enjoy leaf peeping throughout Japan with fall foliage tours departing from Tokyo, Sapporo, Osaka, Nagoya or Kyoto. Go hiking in beautiful Hokkaido where fall color first appears and enjoy a three-day tour. If you’re traveling later in November, try Kyoto, home to dozens of historic temples and gardens, where you can experience autumn leaves illuminated on a night tour.

#3 East Coast Canada

Much like the East Coast of the United States, this region of Canada comes alive with autumn foliage. Wander through Algonquin Provincial Park and experience fall colors against the backdrop of beautiful lakes. Visit Quebec, one of the most beautiful autumn destinations in world. Witness spectacular fall foliage in Montreal and Quebec City. Fly over the Thousand Islands on a helicopter tour and see brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Enjoy the majesty of Niagara Falls when the leaves change. Or, travel to Cape Breton and the Maritime regions on this tour to enjoy the most beautiful coastline, bays, and hiking trails in Eastern Canada.

#4 Bavaria, Germany

Nothing says autumn like celebrating Oktoberfest in Germany. While Bavaria is most known for its world-famous festival in Munich, this rural region of Germany also offers stunning views of fall foliage. Escape from the city for a bit to explore the local towns (all of which also celebrate their own Oktoberfests) and hike along scenic trails beneath an array of fall leaves. If you’re looking for a comfortable day trip, travel from Munich to Neuschwanstein to see the fall colors wrapped around this fairy tale castle.

#5 Great Wall of China

The storied Great Wall is an amazing sight any time of year but it becomes even more exquisite when the leaves turn red in fall. Discover the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most famous and beautiful sections. From late September to late October, Badaling Forest Park’s yellow maples burst into a magnificent sea of red. While in China, be sure to visit Mt. Huangshan and Zhangjiajie National Park for more spectacular fall color.

#6 Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a masterpiece throughout the year, but fall offers that perfect gap between ice roads and heavy, summer crowds. Plus, the numerous hikes and trails transform with fall colors. Travel on a variety of Yosemite tours to enjoy an intimate and thorough tour of this beloved national park.

#7 South Korea

When autumn hits, South Korea is one of the most dazzling countries in the world. Explore amazing fall foliage in Seoraksan, Naejangsan, Jirisan and Bukhansan national parks, along with waterfalls, mountains and rock formations. Walk down tree-lined streets bursting with color in Seoul. See charming historical villages in Gyeongju full of red, orange and yellow leaves. Experience many of South Korea’s most famous attractions on this eight-day tour.

#8 Canadian Rockies

Discover majestic natural beauty in Western Canada. The Canadian Rockies is a treasure trove of hiking trails and scenic drives for fall enthusiasts. Like Yosemite, the Rockies are stunning throughout the year, but the shift from summer to winter offers a comfortable and enchanting season for hiking, day trips, and lake cruises. Take a drive along the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper for enchanting views of yellow and orange valleys.

#9 Wine Country – Napa Valley & Sonoma County

Trees aren’t the only thing brimming with autumn foliage in California’s Wine Country. Visit Napa Valley and Sonoma County when the grape leaves change and the vineyards burst with fall color. Located just about an hour drive from San Francisco, Wine Country can be experienced on a variety of full day tours. Enjoy wine tasting at three wineries before having lunch in historical Sonoma Square on this tour.

#10 Great Smoky Mountains

One of the most stunning fall destinations in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains remain a best kept secret among travelers and receive less crowds than some other fall hot spots. This breathtaking Southern mountain range runs along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. Peak fall foliage time is generally mid-October to early November. You can get here on tours departing from major East Coast cities including New York, Boston and Washington DC. If you’re already traveling through Tennessee, discover a one-day fall colors tour from Pigeon Forge.

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