Summer may be the most popular vacationing season, but fall is arguably the best time to travel. Ideal temperatures, smaller crowds, and great discounts await those who save their vacation for a little later.

While numerous travel destinations around the world are well-suited for a fall visit, a few select places are an absolute must-see in the months of September, October, and November. Among them are:

– Italy

Hot Italian summers give way to pleasant fall temperatures perfect for exploring the golden-hued countryside. It’s a good time to visit the winding towns of the Amalfi Coast without the usual crowds and to stop by local markets for fresh seasonal produce. Small towns all over the country hold numerous celebrations and food festivals during the fall. Fall is also truffle hunting season in Tuscany and Piemonte. 

– Nepal 

Fall is hands down the best season for trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. From mid-September to before winter sets in, the temperatures are just right for comfortable walking, and the atmospheric conditions allow for crystal-clear views of soaring mountain peaks. White water rafting is another popular fall activity, as the rapids are exciting but not so strong as to be terrifying. Fall is also when Nepal celebrates the two big Hindu festivals of Dashain and Tihar.

– Crete

Though Crete has lovely weather for most of the year, fall is a particularly good time for hiking and other outdoor activities. You’ll be treated to deserted beaches once the throngs of summer tourists have gone, truly allowing you to sit back and relax. During the fall there are also plenty of festivals and music nights to attend in Crete, and you may even be able to access some archaeological sites for free.

– Madagascar

From September to November, temperatures in Madagascar steadily increase, bringing warm and pleasant conditions all around the country. These months provide a wonderful time for birdwatching amidst the blooming purple jacarandas flowers. The fall is also a time when you’re likely to spot baby lemurs clinging on to their mother’s backs and when you may be able to catch sight of humpback whales off the coast of Ile St Marie.

– Morocco

Morocco can be extremely hot in the summer and surprisingly chilly in the winter, so save your trip to this beautiful country for the fall. The Atlas Mountains shine dramatically in the fall sun, welcoming hikers and sightseers, and the marketplaces of Fez and Marrakech are far easier and more enjoyable to navigate after the majority of tourists have left.

– Mexico

The months of October and November are a great time to visit Mexico. The weather is perfect for relaxing on the white sand beaches or for venturing inland to visit archaeological sites such as Chichén Itzá. It’s a good idea to plan a trip so that you’ll be in Mexico during the lively and colourful Day of the Dead festivities, which take place on November 1st.

– Australia

September to November are the months of spring in Australia, making it a wonderful time to visit. The weather is not too hot and not too cold, and you’ll be avoiding Australian summer break. Check out the spring blooms of Canberra and Tasmania, take in the culture of Melbourne and Sydney, tour the wineries of Hunter Valley, or trek the ancient rainforests of Queensland.

If you catch the travel bug as summer draws to a close, then you owe it to yourself to consider the beautiful destinations above. Whether you choose to see the foliage change colour in Italy or the spring blooms of Australia, it’s sure to be an amazing adventure.