Autumn is a fantastic season to travel; officially considered ‘shoulder’ season the prices are lower than summer and Christmas, the crowds have thinned and the weather is usually preferable too. These destinations all offer great value, amazing sightseeing and fabulous weather right now;
Hanoi, Vietnam
One potential autumn holiday destination is the beautiful Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Hanoi features a unique blend of eastern culture and French architecture. It is known for the way it has refused to be influenced by modern architecture. This makes Hanoi a very interesting choice as well as the fact that Hanoi is home to many great museums. The Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum are must see tourist locations. There is also a fine arts museum that is very particular about what artwork it showcases. This is a great way to see how art impacts the people of Vietnam. It’s worth noting that Vietnam has also just been voted the second cheapest long-haul destination this autumn too!
Hungary
Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist spots in the world, thanks to an abundance of outdoor activities, rich heritage and keen prices. Hungary is a wonderful fall vacation spot with low mountains to hike and plenty of lakes and rivers for water sports activities. Try climbing and skiing in the Great Plain Mountains in the east, try kayaking and canoeing on Balaton Lake, the largest lake in central Europe and of course explore the gems of the charming capital city, Budapest. Walk around the Városliget City Park, take in an opera performance at the State Opera House and visit the modern arts museum at the Palace of Arts.
Croatia
Croatia is a south European country east of Italy but without the crowds and price tag. The Adriatic coast contains many beautiful harbours on the Mediterranean. Croatia also offers diverse landscapes. There are mountains near the coast and flat agricultural regions farther inland. The highest peak in Croatia is Dinara. This makes for a great hiking adventure during the cooler autumn months. The coastal lighthouses in Croatia are a must see. There are eleven lighthouses that remain available for rent along the Adriatic coast. Staying in a lighthouse in Croatia is an unforgettable experience. When getting around the country it is very common to hitchhike. Many toll booth operators will tell you to simply ask for a ride from local drivers as they stop to pay the toll. This is most common when traveling south from Zagreb.
Abu Dhabi
Many people may not know this, but Abu Dhabi is one of the most modernized cities on the travel map. It is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the city acts as headquarters to many big oil companies and yet contains very few people. There are plenty of beautiful parks and green gardens throughout the city. Staying in Abu Dhabi is a breeze because there are plenty of good standard hotels for all budgets. Shopping is a major part of this city and the streets are lined with high class shopping malls. If you are not here to shop than you might appreciate visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. This is one of the largest mosques on the planet. There are buses that travel to and from the mosque all day long.
Mexico
Mexico is really accessible with direct flights from many countries across the globe, particularly the UK and USA. There are plenty of coastal vacation spots both on the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Mexico is a great place to visit for anyone interested in archaeology. There are pyramids and museums galore. Visiting the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is an unforgettable experience to say the least. Other historical sites include Ek Balam and Guanajuato. Mexico is full of culture and beauty. This autumn may be the time to forget about cold weather and take a trip through the intensely complex history of the Mexican people.
Miami, USA
Miami is one of the sunniest cities in the world with a pleasant year-round semi-tropical climate. Miami is home to many beautiful beaches that are great for surfing, swimming or just relaxing under the sun. South Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in the city. Spanish is a commonly spoken language in Miami, but many locals are fluent in English as well. Miami is a hub of interesting Spanish and Caribbean culture and is a popular vacation spot for those living in colder northern regions.
