Shoulder seasons are delightful times to explore the world. And brisk weather, brightly colored foliage, and crowd-free destinations make fall the perfect time to travel. Here are seven vacation ideas for the weeks ahead, ranging from the mountains of Montana and Nepal to the Galapagos Islands.
Trek with Sherpas: New from Adventure Life this fall is the Everest Trekking with Legendary Sherpas tour in Nepal. Climb and descend high-altitude trails, cross suspension bridges over turbulent rivers, pass through rhododendron and pine forests, watch for wildlife like the rare musk deer and colorful pheasants, take in views of peaks like Mount Everest and Lhotse, and meet the Sherpa people and stay in their villages along the way.
Mera peak trekking trail in Himalaya mountains range, Nepal, Asia
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Fall Under the Big Sky: A visit to Big Sky, Montana, and stay at The Wilson Hotel offers the opportunity for fall adventures in Yellowstone country, as elk bugle and pockets of aspen trees turn golden against the backdrop of the green forest. Hike and mountain bike, on trails surrounding town; fish the Gallatin River; or take one last tour of Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders and wildlife before roads close for the season.
Montana landscape in autumn
National Parks RV Trip: National parks saw record crowds this summer, but now that fall is here it’s a great time to visit for fewer crowds, less traffic and pleasant temperatures. Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles. A Winnebago has an all-inclusive pricing model that includes unlimited miles, no generator fees, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, free Wi-Fi, a free annual pass to the national parks and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Camp & Mountain Bike Canyonlands: Utah’s 100-mile White Rim Trail loops in and out of a multi-colored array of spires, arches, buttes, and mesas carved by the Green and Colorado Rivers. Travelers spend the majority of this four-day mountain biking and camping tour riding the famous off-road route, while detouring to admire secret passages, hidden slot canyons, natural rock arches, and ancient Puebloan ruins.
Famous wilderness, USA.
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Jackson Hole Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 pint-sized, luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus. The resort is near Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to post up for a fall getaway or winter ski trip.
Aspen grove in fall colors with snow covered mountains in the background, Grand Teton National Park.
Autumn Galapagos Adventure: Fall is one of the best times of year to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands when it comes to wildlife and weather. The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a new week-long program that includes day trips aboard Yacht Sea Lion, glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island, and visits to remote and mysterious places that illustrate the incredible diversity of the archipelago.
A giant Galapagos tortoise wanders close to a tourists’ campsite on the rim of Alcedo Volcano on … [+]
Pacific Coast Cycling: The Pacific Coast Route is one of America’s premier cycling routes, and autumn is an optimal time to avoid heavy tourist traffic. Pedal south through the lush forests of western Washington before following the Columbia River to the Oregon coast. Then enter California, and encounter massive redwoods, coastal headlands and sandy beaches with bike paths. Ride the route on your own, with maps from Adventure Cycling Association, or join others on a tour.
Arch Rock area on the Oregon coast on a hazy morning
(For conversations of destinations and travel activities around the world, check out my award-winning travel podcast, Places I Remember with Lea Lane. Follow on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. Or on my website.)
