2021 has been a tumultuous year for travel and many people have been reluctant to book due to cancellations. However, increasing numbers of countries are opening their doors to fully vaccinated US citizens so if you’ve been holding off, you can now book a trip with confidence. The height of summer may be behind us, but there are plenty of great destinations all over the world to explore this fall. 

Greece 

Greece is one of my all-time favorite travel destinations and fall is the perfect time to visit. Summer time in Greece is amazing, but it can get pretty busy and temperatures are sweltering. During the fall months, you’ll enjoy balmier temperatures and fewer crowds, although it’s still warm enough to enjoy the country’s beautiful beaches. 

For more on Greece, take a look at my list of the country’s best luxury travel destinations or this guide to the best wellness retreats on offer.

Iceland 

Fall is a decidedly wholesome affair in Iceland; think saunas, fresh air, long walks and vast open spaces. Best of all, Iceland boasts some seriously impressive fall foliage and the colors begin to reveal themselves as early as August. The deep reds, bronzes and golds will enchant you. September and October are certainly chilly but the temperatures are much milder than they are during the winter. 

Italy 

The beautiful Italian lakes are especially tranquil during the fall and they really do look amazing as the leaves begin to change. Fall is also a good time of year to visit Capri or the Amalfi Coast, as these destinations are much less crowded. 

Portugal 

Portugal’s capital city of Lisbon is a postcard perfect city that’s almost criminally underrated. Enjoy clement days as you stroll down the winding stress (and work your glutes on the super steep hills) and snack on delicious pastel de natas. If you’re looking for a beach escape, head to the amazing Pine Cliffs resort on the Algarve instead. 

New Hampshire

If you’re looking to stay Stateside, I can’t think of a better autumnal destination than New Hampshire. It’s full of wholesome activities and some of the best foliage colors in the entire country. Take a hike in the scenic White Mountains; it’s a fall fan’s dream come true. Stay in the luxurious Stonehurst Manor, which is a 30-minute drive away in the picturesque village of North Conway. 

New York City 

New York City is always spectacular but fall is one of the best times to visit because you avoid the extreme heat of the summer and the bone-chilling cold of the winter. Instead, you get to enjoy crisp evenings, fun Halloween-themed events and the sight of Central Park as the leaves begin to change. What could be better?

For ideas on where to stay in the Big Apple, check out my guide to the best hotels in New York. 

Munich, Germany 

Don’t get me wrong, Berlin is an amazing city but there’s only one place to head in the fall and that’s Oktoberfest in Munich. Despite the name, Oktoberfest mostly takes place in September and runs for 18 days until the first Sunday of October. It’s a folk festival where six million people from all over the world gather to eat, drink and be merry. 

Croatia 

There are so many reasons to visit Croatia and the fall is one of the best times to do so. That way, you avoid the crowds but still enjoy warm temperatures and sunny days. The city of Dubrovnik is especially beautiful as the leaves begin to change and the Plitvice Lakes are not to be missed. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind, I highly recommend the Royal Blue Hotel. 

The Maldives 

I’m the Maldives master, so of course I had to mention it in this article – and did you notice I saved the best until last? The Maldives enjoys great weather all year round and is one of the most beautiful places on Earth, so where better to head when you’re looking for an escape? For more, take a look at this article where I reveal what it’s REALLY like to travel to the Maldives during covid-19, or this list of the country’s top luxury resorts.