From the four seasons, Autumn is my favorite season. The fall weather is perfect for exploring - not too hot, yet not too cold either. In October with most schools are on mid-term break, and with fewer crowds and lower prices, it makes a great time to take a road trip, go camping, or hike in the mountains. But for me, the best part of autumn is fall foliage.
What is Fall Foliage?
To really appreciate the wonders of Fall Foliage you need to understand how it works.
All leaves contain a green pigment called chlorophyll which is instrumental in photosynthesis. This is the process in which energy from sunlight, along with carbon dioxide and water is used to make sugars that feed the plant, resulting in green foliage.
Now over time, the chlorophyll breaks down, but during the growing season (spring and summer) it is continually replaced.
What causes Fall Foliage?
A couple of things actually.
Firstly, we have the carotenoids (Yellow foliage and orange foliage pigments) that are in the leaf are unmasked as chlorophyll levels decline.
Then we have the anthocyanins or red foliage and purple foliage pigments that develop in late summer and fall due to external stress such as the first frost. The more anthocyanins, the more brilliant the red foliage will be.
Leaves with a variety of chlorophyll levels create a mosaic of color on the hillsides. This is Fall.
Here’s my list of spectacular fall foliage destinations around the world one must visit!
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is considered the cultural capital of Japan and is a major tourist destination. It features Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces and gardens but the real showstopper is its fall foliage. The bright red leaves will take your breath away.
Paris, France
A great time to visit Paris is in the fall. Not because it’s cheaper or less crowded but because it is even more beautiful than in summer! Enjoy the Palais-Royal Garden or Versailles with a backdrop of fall scenery. Guaranteed to give you breathtaking photos!
Budapest, Hungary
Known as the “City of Baths” thanks to the numerous natural spas, Budapest offers plenty of excuses to unwind in the thermal baths. During autumn, the city comes alive with vibrant colors and making Budapest the perfect place for enjoying a fall hike.
Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
Formerly a private refuge to King Ludwig II, this castle inspired Disney’s, Cinderella Castle. Neuschwanstein, already one of the most visited palaces in the world looks even more magical surrounded by autumn hues.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is known for its landscapes, history, artistic legacy and its vineyards. It is regarded as the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance but it also home to stunning fall colors.
Printable Kid's Travel Journal
It’s time for your next family adventure―and kids will remember every second of fun-filled adventure. You went WHERE? is packed with journaling prompts and activities so that no memory goes unwritten. Young adventurers can write down everything they see, taste, hear, and more with prompts to guide observations.
Keep this travel journal at the ready to let kids create their very own souvenir for multiple family adventures
When you’re back home and bags are unpacked, your little adventurer can always open You Went Where? and relive every minute of every adventure.
Washington D.C., USA
Washington D.C. is the perfect east coast destination with its cherry blossoms and historical significance in the summer. But is also an excellent fall destination. Enjoy the nation’s capital when it’s ablaze in hues of red.
Check the fall foliage map as it will get you where you want to go just in time to see the colors at their peak.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Other than being an ultimate spring break destination for families, Amsterdam is also splendid in the fall. Enjoy a bike tour or explore the many canals surround by its bright yellow fall foliage. It is so breathtaking you won’t even care that it only has around nine hours of daylight during autumn.
Central Park @New York, USA
While New York City offers different ways to enjoy the city, whether it be with the kids, or enjoying Christmas festivities, the fall season is often overlooked.
Central Park blesses “the concrete jungle” with a plethora of colorful hues every fall — 843 acres of it to be exact. Featured in too many movies to count, it’s one of the most filmed locations in the world.
TC's Locker's Latest Collection
Traveling should be enjoyable, safe & comfortable. And, why not look good while doing it?
And, that’s why I’ve created my own online themed travel store – TC’s Locker.
The apparel line includes T-shirts to Tank Tops, Hoodys to Sweatshirts and V-necks to scoop-necks. We have options for men, women, and children.
The Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands offer some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery and are even more breathtaking in the fall. Fall is also the best time to spot wildlife such as red deer, grey seals, barnacle geese, and swans.
Quebec, Canada
Mid to end of September is the absolute best time to see fall foliage as it spreads across Quebec, dotting it with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Pack your bags and enjoy the fall scenery!
Be sure to travel this autumn to see the splendor for yourself, because the season is fleeting but such an incredible sight to see!
Related Post: Top 10 Cities In Belgium To Visit In The Autumn
Does a cross country road trip in an RV this fall sound like something your family would love? Our partners at Camping World have literally hundreds of RV rentals available across the US! Try it before you buy it or take that family adventure you are dreaming about without the commitment of purchasing an RV.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
If you appreciate my posts, one way to show your support is by sharing it or leaving a comment below.
Pin it if you love it
