Interests and Activities

Top International Destinations for Breathtaking Fall Colors

Fall leaves and colors in a natural setting near a river

Amazing fall colors are one of Earth’s biggest spectacles and well worth the trip to surround yourself with breathtaking beauty. You might get some awesome autumn leaves in your own town, but you should check out the destinations and videos below to see how they stack up — and maybe you'll even find your next dream trip.

 Keep in mind that the fall season, when leaves change color, occurs at different times of the year depending on where you are in the world. Good news though — you can follow fall around the globe and see natural beauty almost year-round.

Also read: 7 of the World’s Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens

8 can’t-miss fall foliage destinations for your international travel plans

1. Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne, Australia

Peak Fall Foliage:  Late March to MayThe southern hemisphere’s autumn lights up the maple, beech, and golden ginkgo trees in this serene mountain range.


More to do: Hop aboard the Puffing Billy steam train for a nostalgic ride through the forest, visit charming villages like Olinda and Sassafras for local art and tea, or hike through Sherbrooke Forest to spot lyrebirds and waterfalls.

2. Jiuzhaigou Valley near Chengdu, China


Peak Fall Foliage: Late September to early November (especially mid-October)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this valley stuns with turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and crimson-hued forests.


More to do: Explore Tibetan villages within the valley, take a guided photo tour, or warm up with authentic Sichuan cuisine in nearby Chengdu.

3. South Island of New Zealand (Central Otago District)


Peak Fall Foliage: Mid to late April
Golden poplars and vineyards create a mesmerizing contrast with snow-capped peaks in this region, also known for its wine.


More to do: Cycle the Otago Central Rail Trail, go wine tasting in Bannockburn, or take a scenic drive through Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining town.

4. Patagonia in Argentina or Chile


Peak Fall Foliage: April
Fiery red and orange leaves line the dramatic trails of Torres del Paine or Los Glaciares National Park, and it’s the perfect time to visit with fewer tourists.


More to do: Try glacier trekking, wildlife spotting for guanacos and condors, or cozy up in an eco-lodge with panoramic views of the Andes.

5. Lake Ashi in Hakone, Japan


Peak Fall Foliage: Late October to Early November
A tranquil lake surrounded by maple and beech trees offers vibrant fall reflections, often with Mount Fuji looming in the background.


More to do: Ride the Hakone Ropeway for a bird’s-eye view, soak in an onsen hot spring, or explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum featuring outdoor sculptures and art.

6. Imperial Palace East Gardens, Tokyo, Japan


Peak Fall Foliage:  Mid-November to Mid-December
These gardens blend history with nature, featuring a range of Japanese trees and the remains of Edo Castle.


More to do: Visit nearby neighborhoods like Ginza for shopping and dining, take a walking tour of Tokyo’s historic sites, or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

7. Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, England


Peak Fall Foliage:  Early October to mid-November
Home to over 15,000 trees, Westonbirt is one of the UK’s best places to experience a kaleidoscope of fall colors.


More to do: Stroll the Treetop Walkway, attend seasonal events like the Enchanted Christmas light trail, or explore nearby Cotswolds villages with cozy pubs and markets.

8. Kashmir Valley, India


Peak Fall Foliage: September through November
The iconic chinar trees offer a breathtaking blanket of copper and crimson in this scenic Himalayan region.


More to do: Take a shikara boat ride on Dal Lake, explore Mughal gardens, or hike to the alpine meadows of Gulmarg or Sonamarg.

Looking for Fall Color Closer to Home?

If you're not quite ready to travel across the globe, don't worry — there are incredible fall destinations right in your own backyard. Here are a few stunning domestic spots that deliver peak autumn vibes:

1. New England, USA – Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine
Visit charming small towns, historic covered bridges, and pumpkin festivals. Drive the Kancamagus Highway or hike in Acadia National Park for panoramic fall views.

2. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee & North Carolina
With over 100 species of native trees, the Smokies are an autumn wonderland. Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove offer breathtaking views.

3. Colorado Rockies, USA
Aspen trees turn golden and make for spectacular contrast against the dark evergreens. Take a scenic drive along the Million Dollar Highway or hike around Maroon Bells.

4. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
This Pacific Northwest gem offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and color-changing trees. Combine leaf-peeping with wine tasting in the Willamette Valley.

5. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route winds through dense forests ablaze in red, orange, and yellow. Stop for hikes, overlooks, and local crafts.

Whether you’re jet-setting abroad or staying closer to home, don’t let a travel mishap ruin your autumn adventure. If you take a tumble down a mountain trail or leave your backpack behind at a picnic site, you’ll be glad you prepared. Help protect your travel plans with travel insurance and assistance services from Generali Global Assistance — and keep your focus on the fall colors, not the what-ifs.

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