Autumn destinations

Why Autumn Is My Favourite Time to Travel

The summer crowds begin to drift home, the light turns softer, and restaurants, vineyards and hotels settle back into a gentler rhythm. It’s a season that rewards slowing down rather than trying to see everything at once.

If you’re planning a luxury escape this autumn, these are the destinations I’d happily recommend.

Autum Recommendations:

• Douro Valley — harvest energy without summer heat. Six Senses as a base; day trips to quieter quintas.
• Amalfi / Capri — September into early October. Same views, fewer day-trippers, better tables.
• Marrakech — evenings cool enough for the riad courtyards; book a driver for the Atlas if you want a proper day out.
• Kyoto — foliage season is popular for a reason. Stay slightly outside the core if you want mornings that feel calm.

Practical

Flights and hotels are often kinder than peak summer — but school holidays still matter in late October. If you want quiet, aim for mid-September or the first half of November depending on destination.

Happy to shape an autumn week around what you actually want — rest, food, or a bit of both.

Douro Valley, Portugal

Autumn is harvest season in the Douro Valley, and the entire region comes alive. Vineyards are busy with the grape harvest, the air carries the scent of fermenting wine, and the river glows in the late afternoon sun.

I’d choose Six Senses Douro Valley as a base and spend a few days exploring family-owned quintas, enjoying long lunches overlooking the vineyards and embracing the slower pace that makes this region so memorable.

Could you imagine waking up to this view from your magical suite:

Amalfi Coast & Capri, Italy

September and early October are, in my opinion, the sweet spot.

You still have warm Mediterranean weather, but without the intensity of peak summer. You’ll find quieter streets, easier restaurant reservations and a chance to enjoy those iconic coastal views without feeling rushed from one attraction to the next.

Marrakech, Morocco

As the temperatures ease, Marrakech becomes wonderfully inviting.

Evenings are perfect for lingering in a riad courtyard over dinner, while daytime adventures into the Atlas Mountains become far more comfortable. A private driver opens up beautiful valleys, traditional Berber villages and some of Morocco’s most spectacular scenery in just a day.

This is exactly what I’m doing this year. Did you know, Morocco is also well-known for amazing surfing even for beginners!

Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto’s autumn colours are famous for good reason.

Temple gardens transform into shades of crimson and gold, and the city takes on an almost cinematic atmosphere. Staying just outside the busiest districts means you can enjoy peaceful early mornings before the crowds arrive—a small change that completely transforms the experience.

One Piece of Advice

If you only have four or five nights, resist the temptation to squeeze in multiple destinations.

Autumn is best experienced slowly. Pick one place, settle into a beautiful hotel, and leave space for long lunches, leisurely walks and the unexpected discoveries that rarely make it into guidebooks.

Before You Book

Autumn often offers better value than peak summer, particularly for luxury hotels and flights. That said, late October school holidays can still bring higher demand, so if your priority is peace and quiet, I’d recommend travelling in mid-September or the first half of November, depending on the destination.

Whether you’re looking for complete relaxation, exceptional food and wine, or a balance of both, autumn is one of the most rewarding seasons to travel—and one I find myself recommending more than any other.

Planning something like this? I design tailored [X] itineraries for a handful of couples/families each year.

Tell me what you have in mind.

Anna @ Jetsandbubbles