Our Fall Favorites

We're New England locals, so it's no secret that we are fall enthusiasts. If there is a place in New England meant for leaf peeping or has the best cider donuts, we've already done it. If you're anything like us, you're searching for the coziness that the season brings - and there's a whole wide world out there full of bright colors, ideal weather, and exciting traditions that are beyond our own shores. Its a great time for travel, especially for those who are not constrained by a school schedule, in order to see old favorites with less crowds. We've put together our Fall Travel Guide for your next Autumn escape.

Italy

Italy has been on nearly everyone's must-see list for decades, but travel trends in the last few years have made every corner of Italy very congested during peak season (summer). While it will still have hefty tourism in the fall, the congestion dies down just enough to make it breathable, and cooler weather begins to creep in as well making even the hottest spots more bearable. What always brings folks to Italy is the food and wine experience. What's so great about Autumn is the dishes and harvests that the season brings. In fact, grapes and olives - famously known as ingredients for wine and olive oil in Italy - are harvested in fall and add to the experience of tasting these Italian flavors. Or head on a truffle hunt with a trained truffle hunting dog and expert! Other famous crops like porcini mushrooms, beets, and pears make up robust dishes only found seasonally in Italian restaurants. And if you're still looking to get some leaf peeping in, head to the Dolomites or parts of Tuscany for the change of colors that Autumn brings.

Edinburgh, Scotland

At VBJ we dream nearly year-round of Edinburgh in the fall. Think crisp weather, incredible foliage in and around the city, festive decorations and markets, and a little air of spookiness with tall tales from the past. Edinburgh is the quintessential fall trip, and it comes to life in Autumn. Everything you would normally visit - the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle, the Scotts Monument, and Princes Street - has a moodier tone as Edinburgh skies cloud over with the change of season. If you're looking for the change of leaves, there's something for every level of activity. For our more active travelers who like to challenge themselves with a hike - Arthur's Seat is a great hike for views of the entire city changing over. With a short but steep walk for those who are somewhat active, a trip to Calton Hill will give you similar views of Edinburgh from the shores of Leith to Royal Mile. For those that want the easiest walking pace or are short on time, you can leaf peep by visiting the Royal Botanical Garden. An Autumn trip to Edinburgh cannot be complete without mention of the spirit of festivity brought into the city. In fact, Edinburgh has their own Festival of the Dead in October filled with theatrical plays, ghost and witch stories of the city, and haunted tours in many of the secret closes.

Dublin, Ireland

With Halloween's origins based in Ireland, the pagan celebration of Samhain brings Ireland to life during the fall season with parades, live music, and traditional dance. For those who are invested in Irish culture, Autumn is full of festivals celebrating Irish roots in literature and the arts, like the Bram Stoker Festival that puts a spooky twist on things - bringing theater, comedy, and the arts to life for people of all ages. For those who are more sport lovers, the fall season is a great time to watch live Gaelic games like Gaelic soccer and hurling. Believe it or not, September is one of the sunniest months for Irish travel, giving great opportunities to explore outdoors. Walking Phoenix Park, the largest industrial park in Europe and inhabited by the local Fallow Deer, or St. Stephen's Green, full of history and beautiful pond-side views, are known for easy strolls with excellent fall foliage. If you're venturing outside the city, making the Ring of Kerry drive will give you the full scope of Autumn in Ireland - from coastal towns to national forests. Ultimately, fall is the best time to cozy up in a pub with live music for a pint and a warm, homemade stew - experiencing the season like a local.

Sweden

Sweden is all about the outdoors, and something shifts in the culture as locals prepare for long, cold nights of winter during these months with a bustling about, taking in all the natural world has to offer before it is blanketed in snow. If you are active or love the outdoors, Sweden in the fall is for you. Hiking and biking are prevalent in Sweden, and as fewer tourists visit during the fall, this is the best time to indulge in these outdoor activities and embrace slower travel. Trails are abundant in Sweden, and range from flat and easy to difficult and steep. Head to the north to see early snowfall, or down south to experience all the beautiful weather fall as you explore outdoors. Take to the woods to experience "Allemansrätten" - the Swedish law that gives people the right to nature - by foraging and harvesting local foods like berries and mushrooms to prepare for a fall feast. Or take to the water as another great way to explore the Swedish outdoors is to kayak the waterways, lakes, and sea that surround the many archipelagos of Sweden's coast. Experience a true Nordic Spa with a dip in a frigid lake and some time in a sauna. If you're more into food and culture, Sweden's fall is known for crayfish parties, fermenting herring, and festivals celebrating the harvest of boar, apples, and, of course, beer!