Fall travel means something different to everyone. Cooler fall temperatures may be a welcome respite after hot summers. The changing of the leaves might kick holiday season into gear for some. And while fall used to symbolize the beginning of ‘shoulder season’ in many countries, seasons are shifting, making fall more and more appealing. If you’re able to take the vacation days, you’ll typically benefit from lower prices, fewer crowds and generally more relaxing days away. Here are some of our favorite underrated fall travel spots.
San Sebastián, Spain
The cat’s been out of the bag for awhile about Spain’s Basque Country, particularly the crown jewel, San Sebastián. Synonymous with mouthwatering food (both traditional and elevated), San Sebastián is best enjoyed in the fall. The beaches are near empty, there’s a good chance the sun is shining and you can actually get restaurant reservations.
In September, most of the tourists are gone and locals reclaim the city with traditional events like the Regatas, where row boat races pit local teams against each other as they race to Santa Clara island and back from La Concha Bay. The city becomes a sea of varying colors, with people of all ages wearing their team’s colors, celebrating side by side, throughout the old town.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival also takes place in the fall, dominating the last ten days of September with red carpet glamour, international screenings and the most coveted culinary dinners at the Basque Culinary Center, where films with a food theme are paired with world-class chefs for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with the cast and crew of the films.
The Albanian Riviera
Skip the over-instagrammed, crowded beach clubs of Ksamil and opt for the slower, wild beaches of the Albanian Riviera. In September and October you can still sunbathe comfortably, with a fraction of summer crowds.
Already affordable prices are reduced further and the locals have more breathing room and bandwidth to give visitors the warm welcome they are known for.
Dedicate a day to cruising the coastline with Himara Seas the Day, a sibling-owned boat charter where you pop in and out of hidden caves and coves, accessible only by boat.
With Himara as your base, stay at Elea Guesthouse and enjoy expansive views of the ocean and olive groves from your terrace. Dine at Fig and Olive Bistro, a family run restaurant where mom is in the kitchen cooking and baking her family’s melt-in-your-mouth baklava recipe (with Greek influences), and son provides guests a warm welcome to the open-aired restaurant where evil eyes are hung throughout all the trees alongside twinkly lights.
Granted, the end of the season means staff may be more tired, so spring is also a great time to visit Albania, when staff has had time to recharge their batteries.
Santa Ynez Valley, California
California’s Santa Ynez Valley is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, but close enough to make a weekend visit, making it one of our favorite spots for underrated fall travel.
A family-friendly affair, Alisal Ranch is…magical. Time stands still at this luxury dude ranch that provides the digital detox you never knew you needed. With plenty of options to keep everyone occupied, from horseback riding to archery to fishing, adults can be kids and kids can run wild.
Despite feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere, Solvang is just minutes from Alisal Ranch. Get your European fix in this tiny Danish town and stock up on traditional butter cookies. Even better, pair them with some of the decadent wines made in the valley.
New York
New York can be overwhelming. In the summer it’s hot and crowded. In the winter, it’s cold and complicated. Spring is lovely, but fall is our clear winner for most desirable time to visit. While it might not be the most underrated places for fall travel on this list, it’s definitely something you should experience, at least once.
When financial stars align, we will always recommend staying at either of the 1 Hotels. We are partial to the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, as sunset and evening drinks from the rooftop bar, while looking at the dreamy city skyline hit a little different. 1 Hotel Central Park is also a fantastic option if you want to be closer to the action.
The second half of September is full of purpose-driven, climate activists and social impact visionaries who take over the city during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week, working feverishly to achieve solutions to the world’s biggest challenges.
San Diego, California
“They” say it’s always sunny in San Diego, and generally, that’s true. For that reason, it’s a fantastic fall (or winter) getaway. If you’re looking for warmth in a destination, San Diego may be just what you need.
Easily accessible from the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train if you’re based in California, San Diego is chock full of surfers, legit Mexican food and a rising tide of socially conscious creatives and entrepreneurs.
Base yourself at the Inn at Moonlight in Encinitas, enjoy coffee at Communal Coffee, shop the collective at Rising Co., treat yourself to a spa treatment at the Balinese-inspired Four Moons Spa and feel good about a zero waste meal at The Plot.
MICHELLE ARELLANO MARTIN
