The best way to be rid of those pesky post-summer blues is to jet off on an unforgettable Autumn holiday. Not only will this give you the quick holiday fix that you need, but it will also satisfy your travel cravings throughout Winter!

Whether you want a final blast of sunshine or to dive into the colder months early, Autumn holidays provide you with this and more. As the weather turns crisper and the chill starts to seep in, many top holiday locations for the Summer start to become even more appealing in Autumn. Why? Because the crowds start to thin, allowing you to explore beaches and cities without queuing or having to fight for your place to get the best views.

To enjoy the best of a place as the leaves start to turn, take your pick out of our top five Autumn holidays!

Autumn holidays you can’t miss

Andalucía, Spain

Andalucía is a top Summer destination, tempting people from all over the world with its soft sand beaches and hot temperatures and charming them to return with its whitewashed villages. The only downfall of going here in Summer? The tourist crowds! By holding off and waiting till Autumn, you can get the best out of Andalucía from the quieter beaches to the cooler temperatures that make for much more comfortable mountain climbs. Oh, and it is also the season for trying the region’s famous setas (wild mushrooms), so that’s reason alone to come here!

You can’t go to Andalucía in Spain without divulging in paella and sangria, so why not go one step further and learn to make it yourself? Check out a local paella and sangria cooking class with Eatwith!

Reykjavik, Iceland

If you’re not feeling a warm getaway, Reykjavik is the perfect destination for a chilly escape! Iceland enchants people throughout the whole year, but Autumn is one of the best times to see the phenomenal Northern Lights. Seeing the ethereal aurora borealis light up the night sky is reason enough to go to this amazing city, but it does also offer a plethora of magical sights from magnificent waterfalls and glaciers to towering volcanoes and bubbling mud pools. Need we say more or are you ready to go now?

When in Reykjavik, treat your taste buds to the tastiest immersive food experiences in Iceland with our incredible Reykjavik hosts! Trust us when we say you’ll regret it otherwise.

Sardinia, Italy

They say that Autunno in Barbagia (Autumn in Barbagia) is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, but you’ll just have to see it for yourself to believe it! Sardinia is one of the top destinations for Autumn holidays for its stunning landscapes, perfect weather, and cultural festivals. Running from September to December, a series of festivals will transform over 27 villages, filling streets with markets, local craftsmen displaying their skills, the dining rooms of locals and, of course, plenty of drinks and laughter. This is truly an experience not to be missed and all travelers are welcomed with open arms!

autumn holidays

New York, USA

Another major benefit of Autumn holidays is when Christmas markets spring up in major cities, and where better to start your Christmas shopping than at one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world! As long as you’re wrapped up warm, New York is the perfect city break to have in the Autumn, as not only can you shop till you drop, but you can also see the city at its most beautiful. To make the most of the Big Apple, why not wander around Central Park, see an Autumn show on Broadway, ice skate at Rockefeller Centre or take a ferry to admire the Statue of Liberty? You’ll have a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling tingly up until New Years!

Taste the real New York City by dining with a local for some real home cooking. If you’re looking for authentic food, then look no further!

autumn holidays

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is amongst the A-list locations for a perfect Summer getaway, but in Autumn, you’ll see the city at its best. Gone are the crowds that fill the charming cobbled streets, gone are the stifling temperatures and gone are the crazy high-season prices. If you go to Croatia for your Autumn holidays, you will be able to find beautiful accommodation easily without breaking the bank and then you’re free to explore this glorious UNESCO city at your own leisure. Sound like heaven? If you take the cable car up the mountains or take a boat to the tiny island of Lopud, it will soon feel like it!

Enjoy some of the best panoramic views of Dubrovnik by hiking up the mountains and enjoying a sunset picnic with a local. You’ve never seen beauty like this before!

What do you think? Are Autumn holidays for you or will you be hibernating until Spring? Whatever your preference, traveling at any time of year opens us up to new experiences and cultures and, of course, food! Just remember, when you’re looking for new and authentic food experiences in a new country, we have thousands of local hosts all over the world waiting to welcome you at their tables!