Autumn Escapes - April 2023 Newsletter

Hi there,

So, Easter is over, and now most people have already got their Summer Holidays booked, which is lucky as availability is still very limited this year. However, looking further ahead, now is the best time to arrange an autumn escape, while availability remains. With its mild temperatures, colourful foliage, and fewer crowds, autumn is the perfect time to get out and explore the world!

My tips for planning your autumn escape:

Book your flights and accommodation early, as prices tend to go up closer to the date of travel.
Pack layers of clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable in autumn.
Bring a camera to capture the beautiful autumn scenery.
Be sure to try some local autumn produce, such as apples, pears, and pumpkins.
Relax and enjoy the slower pace of life in autumn

What to do?

Go hiking in the mountains. The weather in the mountains is still mild in autumn, making it a great time to go hiking. There are many different hiking trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging.
Go camping. Autumn is a great time to go camping, as the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but the crowds have thinned out. Campgrounds range from primitive to luxurious so there's something for everyone
Go white-water rafting. Autumn is a great time to go white-water rafting, as the water levels are typically higher than in the summer. and range from easy to challenging.
Go mountain biking. Autumn is a great time to go mountain biking, as the trails are typically less crowded and the leaves are changing colour. There are trails for every ability
Go fishing. Autumn is a great time to go fishing, as the fish are typically more active. There are many different fishing spots to choose from, ranging from lakes to rivers to oceans.
Go bird watching. Autumn is a great time to go bird-watching, as many birds are migrating for the winter. A huge variety of habitats are available to capture whatever you would like to see!
Go stargazing. The nights are clear and dark in autumn, making it a great time to go stargazing. The UK and Europe have large numbers of designated dark sky reserves to choose from
Go wine tasting. Autumn is the harvest season for grapes, so it's a great time to go wine tasting whether it be at small family-owned wineries to large commercial wineries.
Go on a food tour. Autumn is a great time to go on a food tour, as many restaurants feature seasonal menus. There are many different food tours to choose from, ranging from city tours to regional tours. Check out last month's newsletter on foodie escapes if you missed it, as well as my blog on Vegan-friendly destinations
Go on a ghost tour. Autumn is a great time to go on a ghost tour, as many places are said to be haunted. There are many different ghost tours to choose from, ranging from city tours to haunted house stays.
For more inspiration browse my Active Holiday, Rail Travel and Wellness Break pages

Where to go?
Here are seven of my absolute favourite destinations for a group tour or adventure holiday in the Autumn:

Greece

Greece is a beautiful country to visit any time of year, but autumn is especially magical. The weather is mild and sunny, the crowds have gone, and the leaves are changing colour. There are many different things to see and do in Greece in autumn, from hiking in the mountains to exploring ancient ruins to relaxing on the beach. Try:

Hiking in the mountains of Olympus
Scuba diving in the Aegean Sea
Riding a donkey up to the Acropolis
Exploring the ancient ruins of Delphi
Relaxing on the beaches of Santorini

Italy

Italy is another country that comes alive in autumn. The leaves change colour in the countryside, the grapes are harvested in the vineyards, and the air is filled with the smell of fresh-baked bread. There are many great cities to visit in Italy in autumn, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Try:

Hiking in the Dolomites
Sailing the Mediterranean Sea
Riding a gondola through the canals of Venice
Exploring the ancient ruins of Pompeii
Relaxing on the beaches of the Amalfi Coast

France

France is synonymous with romance, and autumn is the perfect time to experience it. The leaves change colour in the countryside, the air is crisp and clear, and the wine harvest is in full swing. There are many great cities to visit in France in autumn, such as Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux. Try:

Hiking in the Alps
White-water rafting on the Ardèche River
Cycling through the vineyards of Bordeaux
Exploring the ancient city of Lyon
Relaxing on the beaches of the French Riviera

Spain

Spain is full of life and energy, and autumn is the perfect time to experience it. The weather is mild and sunny, the crowds have thinned out, and the leaves are changing colour. There are many great cities to visit in Spain in autumn, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. Try:

Hiking in the Pyrenees
Surfing in the Basque Country
Attending La Rioja Wine Harvest Festival
Exploring the ancient city of Barcelona
Relaxing on the beaches of the Costa del Sol

Portugal

Portugal is a country that is often overlooked, but it is beautiful with a lot to offer visitors. The weather is mild and sunny in autumn, the crowds have reduced, and the leaves are changing colour. There are many great cities to visit in Portugal in autumn, such as Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra. Try:

Hiking in the Serra da Estrela mountains
Surfing in the Algarve
Riding a tram through the streets of Lisbon
Exploring the ancient city of Coimbra
Relaxing on the beaches of the Azores

Croatia

Croatia is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and medieval towns. Autumn is a great time to visit Croatia, as the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the beach, but it's less crowded. There are many great cities to visit in Croatia in autumn, such as Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. Try:

Hiking in the Dinaric Alps
Scuba diving in the Kornati Islands
Riding a boat through the Plitvice Lakes National Park
Exploring the ancient city of Dubrovnik
Relaxing on the beaches of Hvar

Switzerland

Switzerland is famous for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and villages. Autumn is a great time to visit Switzerland, as the weather is still mild enough to enjoy the outdoors. There are many great cities to visit in Switzerland in autumn, such as Zurich, Geneva, and Lucerne. Try:

Hiking in the Swiss Alps
White-water rafting on the Rhine River
Cycling through the Swiss countryside
Exploring the ancient city of Zurich
Riding the Glacier Express Train

Glacier Express

These are just a few of the many great destinations for an autumn escape. With its mild temperatures, colourful foliage, and fewer crowds, Autumn is the perfect time to travel. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your autumn escape today!