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9 Unexpected Fall Destinations to See the Leaves Change

Best Global Leaf Peeping Locations

From cozy weather to unreal views, Autumn is a great time to travel. These nine fall travel destinations offer epic global peeping. Enjoy the perks of fall travel without the downside of trendy hotspots.

There's nothing worse than spending copious amounts of time and money planning a trip, only to land in a tourist trap. Instead, experience a new style of travel.

We’ve pulled together a list of hidden gems to inspire your global leaf peeping this season. Skip the hype with these underrated Autumn destinations.

1. PATAGONIA ICE FIELD, CHILE

Fall In Patagonia: March-April

Find fall colors in Southern Patagonia on the Chile side. Ice fields can be viewed on the O Circuit in Torres del Paine at passes like Paso John Gardner. March to April is fall in Patagonia, offering hikers jaw-dropping views of Autumn foliage.

What to Pack for Patagonia: Weatherproof your travels with the Matador Freerain22 Packable Backpack- ideal for the notoriously unpredictable weather conditions. Don't forget your rain jacket and plenty of layers.

2. LAKE BLED, SLOVENIA

Autumn in Slovenia: Sept-Nov

Peep the leaves in Slovenia this season. Famous for the 15th century church atop a small island. Lake Bled is a must-see for travelers in eastern Europe. Don't miss views of the alps, architecture, or its variety of landscapes.

How to Get to Lake Bled: The closest airport to Lake Bled is Ljubljana Airport (LJU). From there, you can take a bus, train, rental car, or arrange private transportation to the lake.

3. DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL

Best time to visit Portugal: Sept-Nov

Terraced vineyards offer layered golden foliage in Portugal. This wine region surrounds the Douro River, creating a one-of-a-kind scene. This is the very place port wine was created. As a result, travelers can go in September or early October to enjoy the fall harvest.

Fun Fact: Douro Valley is a UNESCO world heritage site. It's the oldest demarcated wine, meeting specific regulations. Their wine is known to impress.

4. ST. JOHN'S, CANADA

Fall in Canada: Sept-Nov

This historic town in Avalon Peninsula in Canada, should not be overlooked. Take advantage of captivating coastal hikes and boat tours in the fall. You can also meander the historic sites in St. John's—Explore lighthouses, defense batteries, and row houses from the Victorian era.

Fun Fact: St. John's is the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador. It's the farthest east you can go on the peninsula.

5. SEORAKSAN NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH KOREA

When to visit Korea: Sept-Nov

Seoraksan National Park makes a great fall getaway. Whether you hike or opt for a cable car, you can experience epic views. The famous hiking trail in Seoraksan National Park is Daecheongbong Peak via Dinosaur Ridge, which is a 12.5 mile (20km) route.

Pro Tip: Show up prepared with the Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack. You may need to make a reservation if you're going on any of the more popular hikes.

6. YEDIGÖLLER NATIONAL PARK, TÜRKIYE

Fall in Türkiye: Sept-Nov

Known for its seven lakes, this national park has no shortage of trees for peeping. You'll be sure to find changing leaves during Türkiye's fall season. For those looking for a reprieve, this destination offers a peaceful place to picnic, birdwatch, and camp.

What to Pack: Matador's Pocket Blanket was made for sitting outdoors. Bring it along to your next picnic or outdoor activity to avoid the wet ground.

7. HUNZA VALLEY, PAKISTAN

Autumn in Pakistan: Sept-Nov

Rich with natural beauty, Hunza Valley is located in the north of Pakistan. While Pakistan is growing in popularity amongst seasoned travelers, it's still an underrated destination to experience Autumn. Don't miss hiking, Attabad Lake, or Duikar village.

Culture Insights: People living in Hunza Valley are said to live longer than average due to the mineral-rich water, active lifestyle, fruits, and low-stress.

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8. FUJIYOSHIDA, JAPAN

Fall in Japan: Sept-Nov

Fujiyoshida lies at the foot of Mount Fuji with sweeping views of the famous volcano. Visit Japan in the fall, and enjoy mild temperatures, trees blanketed with Autumn foliage, and access to unforgettable views.

Pro Tip: The GlobeRider35 Travel Backpack is a preferred carry-on option due to its size and features. Built with comfort-carry for all-day use.

9. LAKE TEKAPO, NEW ZEALAND

Lupin season in New Zealand: Nov-Jan

Lake Tekapo is arguably the best place to see lupins in New Zealand. Lake Tekapo is not the traditional Autumn views you may expect, as this time of year is their spring. However, lupins in full bloom are well-worth the trip.

When to See Lupins: Late spring to early summer is the best time to see lupins. Note that the seasons are flipped compared to northern continents.

WHY THESE DESTINATIONS SHOULD BE ON YOUR LIST

While the classic fall hotspots draw millions of travelers every year, there are plenty of alternative places around the world that are equally scenic. 

According to a HomeToGo report, fall travel plans are up by 27% this year. Instead of following the crowd, branch out and enjoy fall foliage without the long lines or busy trails.

Connect with authentic culture. Test out new terrain. Consider these underrated fall travel destinations as you plan your upcoming trips.

Fall Inspired Travel Gear

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