What about one last break this autumn? With fall season being ahead of us, autumn casts aside the heat of summer for a dazzling hue of colours. Alongside the coziness, October can be anything. It can captivate the culinary pleasure of an apple pie. It might be the remembrance of long-gone summer holidays with one last beach break. Or for the riot chromas it offers, October can easily become one’s favourite road trip plot.
I constantly fantasize an off-grid escape to celebrate autumn. Some place, bundling up, walking around and casting the melodramatic show of deciduous trees rambling leaves. If not, switching off in style and island-hopping around late-summer heats harbors. Any other way, marking the turn of season before dreamy Christmas markets seize winter’s spirit.
Supposing your inner savvy traveler is echoing Autumn escape and craving an autumn getaway, here is a list to toss a sip of your chai spiced hot chocolate far away from your couch.
1. ICELAND.
In view of the weather and temperatures, ICELAND is best visited in Spring and Summer. With June’s 24h of daylight and July | August being the warmest months of the year, tourists have a blast. To that end, planning a trip to Iceland in October or November is a spot-on call. Tourists rush aside, the temperature oscillates between 2 and 7 degrees Celsius (35.5-44.6F), not quite the lowest winter usually reaches. Over and above, autumn falls within the recommended months to catch the peak of northern lights. With October being a transition month in Iceland, daylight becomes shorter which raises the chances to witness the spectacular Aurora Borealis phenomenon from dusk until dawn.
Money-wise, the cheapest times of the year are the off-peak season, which happens to fall in September all the way through November. October is your win-win deal because, first it is kind on your wallet. Second, you won’t have to disturb your inner-peace around crowds and cue for that perfect shot memory. But most importantly, you are sparing yourself multiple rounds of getting soaked in the rain since the wettest month, being September, is left behind. Nonetheless, your travel must should include rainproof jackets, trousers, and shoes. In short, rainproof everything and thermal base layers since the weather in Iceland is predictably unpredictable.
2. MALAGA, SPAIN.
One of the best things about Malaga is the promise to meet your expectations if you picture it right. Many of you will find this swing from Iceland to the Costa del Sol a drastic change of mood. Point made; it is not common to link Autumn colorful palettes with another round of tanning by the beach. I would say it all depends on your inclinations, jackets or swimming suits? If the latter stimulates your attention, then this destination is for you.
Average temperatures are between 20-24 degrees, with a couple of degrees colder during the second half of October. But even then, the sea temperature is more or less the same as in September with an average of 21 degrees throughout the whole month. Alright, not my best bet on a beach day, but good enough for a quick bath. In a stunning Mediterranean frame known for food and culture, one could easily bargain for Malaga to be a go-to destination in Andalusia.
Realizing Malaga’s international recognition as one of the best hiking destinations gives the region another pride to show up amidst nature lovers bucket list. Whether you plan to hike a valley or climb a mountain, you will definitely encounter a panorama to instantly take you over the moon. My personal travel list includes the mesmerizing ‘Pico del Cielo’ and ‘Sendero de las Cascadas’. But, if you need more trails to wonder around, take a look at these 10 hiking trails featured in an interesting article by Hotels.com.
INFORMATION | HIKING TRAILS MALAGA
3. AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS.
Who doesn’t love Amsterdam? I can’t think of a reason why not to. With almost 165 canals and pretty houses, Amsterdam holds the special title of ‘the Venice of the north’. Needless to say, Amsterdam is a touristic city. Living on the rhythm of a highly appreciated biking culture, the capital of the Netherlands charming appeal makes it rank as one of the most touristic European destinations. For this unique travel experience, peak seasons would probably cost an arm and a leg to spend the vacation. Hence, why I would recommend a visit to the city during either Spring or Autumn.
Point to be made, it is preferable to go between mid-September to mid-October, the falling leaves of the trees give another charm to a city that is already epic as it is. To indulge into the Dutch culture is to also get spooky for Halloween, have a rest in the many parks around the city or just enjoy walking along the canals. In a survey made about the best Autumn destinations, Amsterdam ranked first. No wonder, the foliage sprinkles an enchanting filter on the city streets and walkways. If you think Christmas is a magical time of the year, schedule a getaway to Amsterdam during fall and then decide.
As for the cultural calendar, Amsterdam promises to never get boring. With many mysterious and bizarre museums, events and exhibitions, one easily finds a way to fill the daily hours with less crowds and a more relaxed urban beat. Making the long story short, this website will give you all you need when it comes to discovering what is happening around you when in the land of cheese.
INFORMATION | IAMSTERDAM
4. MAURITIUS, INDIAN OCEAN.
Ever wanted to go to the Maldives and thought it is out of your budget? Well, I might have an alternative. Located in the Indian ocean, Mauritius is best visited between November and April for those looking for warm weathers and less tourists. For those looking for low rainfall and can manage a quite hot temperature then the window shifts to the times between October and December. In numbers, November has 65% chances of sunny days, the counterpart is a mix of both sunshine and clouds.
Although this place requires a lot more than a weekend getaway or a last-minute 3 days trip, 10 days is your golden ticket to a hassle-free paradise. Being on my to-do list, Mauritius is a mix of picturesque shorelines and lagoons. There are two particular places I have always wanted to visit there. First, the Charamel Coloured Earth which is a magnificent land gathering sand dunes layered into a spectrum of seven distinct colours. The latter being, the Ile Aux Cerfs island, a crystal-clear beach to either dive into the water or enjoy a bird-eye view while parasailing free in the clouds.
If nature brings you closer to your inner self, the charm of the Mauritius will bring you a step closer to heaven. A little plus, people celebrate the Diwali festival just like in India, you will probably be surprised to see the island transforming into a light fest and decorations. A fairytale in paradise anyone?
5. PROVENCE, FRANCE.
Stretching from the Rhone to the border with Italy, the Provence region is yet another place to consider visiting in Autumn. Imagine a vast horizon of vineyards turning red and gold along trails pined with a palette of oxblood and paler yellowish shades. Find a way through peaceful calm natural walks, hikes and visit the popular attractions such as St-Tropez or Aix-en-Provence. During the evenings, fireplaces come to life. The smell of wood takes over the night scent welcoming the chestnuts grill season back. In the day, one could also wander around the landscape of rural France.
I am thinking Roussillon, the Colorado of France. Located at the center of the largest ocher deposit in Europe, this village is considered to be one of the most beautiful in France. The streets are a display of simple yet astonishing facades translating the know-how of the region dating back to a thousand years ago.
For a complete change of tone, Gordes or the village of dry-stone houses, one of the many charming characteristics of Luberon, the regional natural park where the village stands. The setting is painted in cobbled streets, mimicking the idyllic beauty of this part of France. If the surface looks like a fairytale decor, you would be surprised to discover the impressive underground network the houses are sitting on.
I hope the narrative sets your inner traveler in motion. If not, I have one last card to play. Provence rhymes with Lavender. Put in a nutshell, Provence sizes up autumn’s typical palette, authentic earthy tones and violet carpets, in other words a peaceful stroll after the bustle of summer days.
6. CYPRUS.
Did you know that the warmest place in Europe in October is the southern coast of Cyprus? In November, the average daily temperatures range from 23 to 13 C. The Mediterranean is pleasant enough to bask in the sun and swim during October, the next month keeps the summer activities on and adds a good time for outdoor sports. If you used to think Cyprus is only a summertime destination then let me guide through what the change to autumn season offers.
First and most of all, stunning seas with blue/green dark and light shades. Second, sunny days, calm beaches, relaxed mood, peaceful evenings. Third, wonderful hikes and amazing sunsets with suitable routes for beginners and experienced athletes. For this, Troodos mountains could be a good option considering the richness its natural valleys and the splendid manmade post-card villages.
For arts lovers, Troodos awaits with museums such as Kykkos monastery or Omodos local art museum. Far from the mountains, on the west coast of Limassol, lays the ancient ruins of Kourion. An archaeological site opened to the blue horizon and offering a ticket back in time with a Greco-Roman amphitheater, home to musical and theatrical events all year round.
I didn’t know which one to pick of all turquoise water beaches in Cyprus, yet if I was planning a trip, I would pick Porto Pomos, mostly for the surrounding, the nature reserve of Akamas peninsula but also for the crystal-clear water of course. Regardless of what you want to do during your autumn break, Cyprus will fill the blank space.
INFORMATION | CYPRUS – 10 BEACH LOCATIONS, CYPRUS
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