My Favorite Time to Travel
Greetings, Wanderers!
I often get asked, “When is the best time to visit X, Y, or Z?” My honest answer? Whenever you want! No, really. Every season has its own magic, and with the right planning, any time can be the perfect time to travel.
That said, if I HAD to pick a favorite season to travel, it would be fall. Almost every September or October, Dan and I have taken a trip, strategically using those built-in PTO days like Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Veterans' Day. Fall brings slightly fewer crowds than peak summer, but the weather often remains warm—especially in places where the water has been heating up all season. Plus, flights and accommodations tend to be more budget-friendly compared to the high summer months.
If I were packing my bags this September, here’s where I’d go…
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Milder weather, fewer tourists, and landscapes that are lush from summer rains.
Must-Do Activities in Ireland:
Explore the Cliffs of Moher – Walk along the breathtaking cliffs for panoramic views of the Atlantic and the rugged Irish coastline.
Experience Dublin’s Literary & Pub Scene – Visit the Long Room at Trinity College and enjoy a pint at a historic pub like The Brazen Head.
Drive the Ring of Kerry – Take in dramatic coastal views, charming villages, and lush green landscapes on this iconic scenic route.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Hike Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal) – These towering cliffs are nearly three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher and far less crowded.
Kayak through the Bioluminescent Waters of Lough Hyne (Cork) – Paddle at night to witness glowing plankton light up the water around you.
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The islands are still warm, but the peak season is winding down, making for a more relaxed experience.
Must-Do Activities in Greece:
Explore the Acropolis in Athens – Stand in awe of the Parthenon and soak in centuries of history from this iconic hilltop site.
Sail Around Santorini’s Caldera – Take a boat tour to see volcanic islands, swim in hot springs, and catch a stunning sunset from the water.
Visit the Monasteries of Meteora – Marvel at these centuries-old monasteries perched atop towering rock formations.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Hike to the Hidden Beach of Seitan Limania (Crete) – A dramatic zigzagging path leads to a stunning, secluded cove with turquoise waters.
Discover the Dragon Lakes of Epirus – Trek through the Pindus Mountains to reach these high-altitude alpine lakes, home to rare amphibians and breathtaking views.
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The start of fall foliage season, crisp air, and fewer crowds.
Must-Do Activities in New England (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire):
Drive the Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) – Experience one of the most scenic fall foliage drives in the country, winding through the White Mountains.
Explore Acadia National Park (Maine) – Hike to the summit of Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, bike the historic carriage roads, and enjoy stunning coastal views.
Stroll Through Woodstock (Vermont) – Visit this postcard-perfect town with charming covered bridges, boutique shops, and classic New England scenery.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Visit the Bold Coast Trail (Maine) – A remote and rugged hike along dramatic cliffs with far fewer crowds than Acadia.
Explore the Ice Castles in North Woodstock (New Hampshire, winter only) – Wander through a magical frozen wonderland of tunnels, slides, and glowing ice formations.
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Dry season with fewer tourists compared to peak summer—our fall trip this year!
Must-Do Activities in Peru:
Visit Machu Picchu – Explore the awe-inspiring ancient Incan citadel, either by train or on a multi-day trek like the Inca Trail.
Explore the Sacred Valley – Discover Incan ruins, traditional markets, and breathtaking landscapes in towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
Experience Lima’s Food Scene – Savor world-renowned Peruvian cuisine, from fresh ceviche to pisco sours, in one of South America’s top foodie destinations.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Trek to the Gocta Waterfall (Chachapoyas) – Hike through lush cloud forests to one of the tallest waterfalls in the world, hidden deep in northern Peru.
Visit the Floating Forest of Pacaya Samiria (Amazon Basin) – Take a boat through this flooded rainforest, home to pink river dolphins, exotic birds, and incredible biodiversity.
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The tail end of summer with comfortable weather before the fall foliage season begins.
Must-Do Activities in Japan:
Explore Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines – Wander through Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates, visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and experience the serenity of Arashiyama’s bamboo forest.
Experience Tokyo’s Contrasts – Marvel at the neon lights of Shibuya and Akihabara, then find peace in Meiji Shrine or the gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Visit Hiroshima and Miyajima Island – Reflect at the Peace Memorial Park before seeing the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
Explore the Thatched-Roof Village of Shirakawa-go – Step into a fairy-tale-like rural village in the Japanese Alps, known for its Gassho-style farmhouses.
Hike Yakushima’s Ancient Forests – Trek through moss-covered landscapes and thousand-year-old cedar trees, said to have inspired the setting of Princess Mononoke.
If these destinations are calling your name, now is the perfect time to start planning. Head to this page! Early booking means better rates, more choices, and less stress—so future you will thank you!
In Case You Missed It
I’m fundraising for Planeterra, an organization that uses travel to uplift communities worldwide. Tourism is an $8 trillion industry, yet many communities see little benefit. Planeterra changes that by partnering with local businesses to ensure travel dollars support the people at the heart of each destination. I’ve set a $1,000 fundraising goal as part of their Changemakers initiative, and every donation, big or small, makes a difference. If this mission resonated with you, I’d love your support!
Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping make travel a true force for good!
Cheers,
Hannah
