10 Destinations That Are Trending Hard This Fall

Manila, Philippines

Tourists were practically pounding on the door to the Philippines when the country finally reopened to international tourists this past February. Who can blame them? After closing its borders during the worst months of the pandemic, seeing travelers wander the cobbled streets of Old Manila in search of tantalizing street food before rushing off to far-flung islands for unbelievable diving is a welcome sight. But the smartest travelers know that dry season is the best time to visit, and fall is just the beginning of that stretch, ensuring even the most remote islands are easily accessible.
Increase in bookings since fall 2021: 262%

Bangkok, Thailand

Zip through the city’s buzzing streets aboard a tuk tuk, wander the ornate and stately Grand Palace, and board a boat for a morning of crammed but joyful floating market mayhem. And if Bangkok by day is too tame for you (spoiler, it won’t be), just wait until nightfall when the city comes alive with packed nightclubs, rooftop lounges with views for miles, spicy go-go bars, and exotic ladyboy shows. Summer in the city brings monsoons while winter swells with tourists, making fall easily the most ideal time to visit. By mid-October the rainy season in Bangkok is waning, so arriving towards the end of the month is just perfect. 
Increase in bookings over last fall: 247%

Seoul, South Korea

Leaf peepers, rejoice! The brilliant display of colorful trees in autumn will come as a delightful surprise to anyone visiting a country most famous for K-pop, kimchi, and a runaway smash Netflix show about a deadly game of survival. A big bonus for an autumn visit is that prices are typically lower, as are the temperatures, which makes it a nice time to explore places like dynastic Gyeongbokgung Palace, spindly N Seoul Tower, and time-warped Bukchong Hankok Village, where narrow streets and laneways reveal traditional South Korean homes, some of which date back to the 1400s.
Increase in bookings over last fall: 179%

Lisbon, Portugal

The sound of the No. 28 tram as it trundles through the hilly streets of Alfama, the smell of dozens of pasteis de nata (custard tarts) wafting gently from a bakery, and the sight of the city’s ubiquitous and ornate tilework—it’s all there for you in Lisbon. Boasting both beauty and affordability, Portugal is attracting more visitors than ever. See for yourself in autumn when beach days are still plentiful and side trips to Douro Valley wine country are downright irresistible. Increase in bookings over last fall: 149%

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Along the leafy canals and parks of Amsterdam each autumn, the foliage of more than 400,000 trees bursts suddenly into electric shades of orange, red, and yellow. For this reason alone, it’s a stunning time to visit the Dutch capital, but an added bonus is that many tourists are gone, and cultural season is in full swing. October offers the annual Amsterdam Dance Event, a 5-day party where DJs, musicians and spectators turn the city into the world’s dance capital. In November, grab a coat and head out to Museum Night, a series of nighttime events at more than 50 of the city’s cultural institutions. Increase in bookings over last fall: 117%

Dublin, Ireland

Did you know Ireland is one of the only countries in the world to have a national holiday for Halloween, or Samhain in Gaelic? Festivals featuring lively music and dancing are among the many ways the Irish celebrate the spooky season, while across the country the Emerald Isle sheds its famous shade of green and becomes a roadtripper’s paradise bathed in soft autumn colors. If Halloween isn’t your thing, come a month earlier, and with pint in hand take in the climax of the Gaelic Games where sports like rounders, hurling and camogie (a stick and ball game) are not to be missed. Increase in bookings over last fall: 113%

Athens, Greece

Summer is peak season in Europe’s oldest capital and that means crowds at the Parthenon, long waits to tour the Acropolis, and sky-high prices at hotels. But come September, the hordes of tourists go home, and locals slowly settle back into a world without throngs of people at every turn. It’s an amazing time to explore the city’s top attractions like the Museum of Cycladic Art, hike Mount Lycabettus without breaking a sweat, and wander the narrow streets of leafy Plaka before boarding a ferry bound for Mykonos or Santorini for a less crowded island adventure. Increase in bookings over last fall: 78%

New York, New York

While we love New York any time of year, we can sure do without summer’s hot and humid subway rides and persistently stinky trash days. But autumn in New York? Now that’s just heavenly. The weather is crisp and sunny, Central Park is ablaze in fall colors, and Broadway unleashes its latest spate of groundbreaking shows. The cooler temps allow for dreamy sidewalk lunches in the West Village, shoppable afternoons up and down Fifth Avenue, and evening cocktail hours at rooftop bars in Chelsea boasting stunning city views Increase in bookings over last fall: 73%

San Jose, Costa Rica

Maybe fall colors aren’t your thing and the crispness in the air instead makes you want to rush to a sunny beach paradise where purring toucans, mischievous spider monkeys, and exotic flora and fauna are the norm. For this, there’s Costa Rica. While autumn soaks the nation’s famed west coast in daily downpours, you’ll find one of the driest seasons on the Caribbean side. Beyond the beach, enjoy ziplining across cloud forests, hiking through the jungles, or taking in some of up-and-coming capital city San Jose’s cool cultural attractions, trailblazing restaurants, and pop-up art galleries. 
Increase in bookings over last fall: 63%

Orlando, Florida

With families back on their school schedules, autumn is a fantastic time to visit Disney World, as well as Orlando’s other theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort and Gatorland, among others. Besides skipping long wait times for marquee rides, you’ll also beat Florida’s sticky summer heat and be able to enjoy outdoor offerings like paddleboat rides on pretty Lake Eola and biking the extensive Kissimmee Loop Trail. Time your trip just right and you may even catch the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which takes place every year from mid-July to mid-November. Increase in bookings over last fall: 59%