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Writer's pictureAyah A.

The Best Vacation Destinations to Visit This Fall

Updated: Sep 13, 2023

Fall is coming. And that means many destinations will be experiencing their shoulder season–the period between peak season and off season. Traveling during this time comes with the benefits of fewer crowds, milder weather, and lower prices for flights and hotels. It’s a win all around the board. If you’re passport-ready but not sure where to head this fall, consider checking out one of these great destinations.





Turkey

Turkey has a bit of everything. Its largest city, Istanbul, straddles both Europe and Asia, and is where you’ll find some of the best food in the country. Shop (and get lost) at the sprawling, maze-like Grand Bazaar. Visit the remarkable, historic mosques. Then head to Cappadocia where you can admire fairy chimneys, sleep in a cave hotel, and wake up for a magical dawn hot air balloon ride. Turkey is also home to some of the most scenic beaches in coastal cities like Antalya and Alanya.





South Africa

South Africa offers gorgeous landscapes and a diverse variety of wildlife. Scope out the big five on a safari at Kreuger National Park or Tswalu Kalahari Private Reserve. Visit a colony of penguins at Cape Town’s Boulder Beach. Connect with the locals and meet members of the Zulu, Xhosa, and Besotho tribes to learn about their cultures and customs. If nightlife is what you seek, the country offers some of the best on the continent. You can’t go wrong with a visit to Johannesburg or Durban.





Japan

Home of ramen and sushi, anime and manga, and cutting-edge technology, the Land of the Rising Sun awaits you. Start your trip by checking out hotspots like the Harajuku district and Shibuya Crossing. Take a ride on the Bullet Train and visit some of the nation’s many sacred temples. Climb up Mt. Fuji, the country’s tallest peak and a relatively easy climb for beginners. Or explore enchanting Kyoto. One of the few cities spared the devastation of WWII, it boasts ancient art and architecture and is an important cultural hub of Japan.





Portugal

The westernmost country in continental Europe, Portugal is known for its moody Fado music, delicious pasteis de nata, and blue ceramic azulejos tiles. Head to its capital city, Lisbon, or to Porto, the birthplace of port wine. The Azores islands offer beautiful nature, and you can take a boat ride to watch whales or dolphins in their habitat. The picturesque town of Sintra is full of history and where you can visit stunning fairytale castles of various architectural styles.





Australia

Upon mention of the Land Down Under, most people immediately think of the famous Sydney Opera House. But incredible nature is where the country truly shines. In addition to waterfalls, beaches, rock formations, wildlife, and not one but ten pink lakes, Australia is also home to the Great Barrier Reef so rich in marine life and diversity it is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. Northern Queensland’s Daintree National Park is among the Earth’s oldest ecosystems and definitely worth a visit, as well.


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11 Comments


Sherri
Sherri
Nov 06, 2022

Thank you for sharing & promoting travel. I had fond memories of the blue mosque & the spice market in Istanbul. The memories of Krueger, Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban as well as Victoria falls outside of South Africa will always be my favorite vacation. My memories of Japan include Nagasaki and Tokyo. The Atomic Bomb memorial is humbling and reminds us that war is nothing to promote. Portugal & Australia are still on my bucket list. Keep living, keep exploring, keep appreciating diversity when you travel.

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lesfish41
Nov 06, 2022

Nice! My wife and I have lived in Australia. She has been to South Africa and Turkey and I’ve been to Japan and we are checking out Portugal next year! Happy to share travel tips.

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Mz Ursula
Sep 16, 2022

It is my dream to go to South Africa. But I know it’s so expensive that it would take me two years to save up that kind of money.

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Sherri
Sherri
Nov 06, 2022
Replying to

Check out tour companies for seasonal deals

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Sherri
Sherri
Sep 16, 2022

I’ve been to each of these except Portugal & Australia. Both are on my bucket list! Thanks for sharing

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prettyintelligent
Sep 16, 2022

I went to Australia for a month as a solo traveler and I couldn’t recommend it more! My hubby also did a solo month-long Australia trip, when he was still single. If you’re thinking about it and have the resources, do it!

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