The magic of foliage, that sublime period when leaves change their hues, painting the world with warm and golden tones, is a spectacle that every travel enthusiast (especially if photographers) should experience at least once in their lifetime. In this guide, I will take you on a picturesque journey through the top 5 foliage destinations around the world. Discover where you can witness the natural artwork of autumn and how to get the most out of your trip, I tried to mix destinations in which I have been with other destinations still on my bucket list. Let’s discover them!
1. The White Mountains, USA
Features and Places of Interest (still on my bucket list)
Kancamagus Highway: This is a picturesque route that offers a splendid display of foliage. As you drive through this highway, you will be embraced by a panorama of vibrant hues, where the reds, oranges, and yellows paint a perfect autumnal picture.
Franconia Notch State Park: Nestled amidst the White Mountains, this state park offers hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the foliage spectacle up close. The Flume Gorge, in particular, is a natural wonder that gets accentuated by autumn colours.
Here you can find more information about the destination.
Travel Tips: October is the prime time to visit to witness the foliage at its peak.
Extra tip: Consider staying in a cozy mountain cabin to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
2. Alsace Region, France
Features and Places of Interest (already been 👍🏻)
Strasbourg: This charming city, with its half-timbered houses, gets a golden hue during the foliage season, offering a perfect blend of culture and nature.
The Wine Route: A journey through the wine route during the foliage season allows you to witness the vineyards adorned in golden and reddish leaves, a sight to behold.
Looking for more info? You can check the regional tourism official website.
Travel Tips: Late October to early November is the ideal time to visit.
Extra Tip: Don’t forget to sample the region’s famous wines during your trip.
3. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Features and Places of Interest (already been 👍🏻)
The Waterfalls: The national park is famous for its cascading waterfalls, which take a surreal form amidst the backdrop of autumn leaves. The mixture of clear blue waters with the golden hues of foliage creates a visual treat.
The Hiking Trails: This park offers numerous hiking trails that lead you through scenic routes adorned with a breathtaking display of autumn colors.
Read more about the destination.
Travel Tips: September to October is the perfect time to visit to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
4. Nikko National Park, Japan
Features and Places of Interest (already been 👍🏻)
Toshogu Shrine: Nestled in the heart of a spectacular forest area, this UNESCO heritage site illuminates with new colors during the foliage season. The shades of the leaves create a living painting that perfectly frames this sacred place, offering a completely new and fascinating perspective of the area.
Lake Chuzenji: This alpine lake is situated at the foot of Mount Nantai, offering a spectacular contrast between the crystal clear waters and the autumn leaves that seem to shine with a light of their own. A walk along its shores during this time of the year is an almost mystical experience.
On the official tourism website, you can find all the basic information to organize your visit.
Travel Tips: The ideal time to visit is from mid-October to early December.
Extra Tip:Be sure to take part in a lake cruise to enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
5. Banff National Park, Canada
Features and Places of Interest
Lake Louise: One of the most photographed lakes in Canada, Lake Louise offers an incredible backdrop with its turquoise waters contrasting magnificently with the autumn leaves ranging from golden yellow to bright red. The quietude of this place during the autumn period offers a tranquil and relaxing experience.
Moraine Lake: Situated a short distance from Lake Louise, this lake offers an even more spectacular view during the foliage season. The colours here seem to come alive, creating an almost surreal atmosphere that invites you to stop and admire for hours.
Check the official website to learn more about the trails and the alternative hikes you can do in the National Park.
Travel Tips: September is the ideal month to visit to avoid the summer crowd and enjoy the coolness of autumn. N.B. during peak season some of the most famous “photo spots” luke Moraine Lake may get EXTREMELY crowded.
Extra Tip: Don’t forget to explore the surrounding trails that offer unparalleled views of the mountains and lakes.
Be Well Prepared: Don’t Forget SafetyWing Travel Insurance Before Setting Off on Your Foliage Adventure
As you plan your journey to explore the wonders of foliage, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of reliable insurance coverage. SafetyWing is one of my top choices when it comes to travel insurance. The Nomad Insurance offers flexible and adaptable travel insurance for every type of traveller.
What do I like most? SafetyWing adapts to your needs, allowing you to activate and deactivate the policy according to your requirements, a feature that makes it particularly suitable for smart, digital and conscious travellers.
Not only does it cover potential medical inconveniences, but it also extends to coverages for lost luggage or flight delays, thus guaranteeing you absolute peace of mind during your journey. With SafetyWing, you have the freedom to explore the wonders of foliage without worries, knowing that you are protected at all times.
Immerse yourself in the Magic of Foliage
Autumn foliage represents one of the most spectacular wonders offered by nature, an experience that allows you to see the world with new eyes, through a palette of vibrant and warm colours. These destinations represent the best that the world has to offer when it comes to admiring this natural phenomenon. The best part? Autumn is a great season to travel, in most of the mentioned destinations, the peak season is over so you can also save some money on hotels and flight tickets.
What are you waiting for? Prepare your camera and plan your trip to one of these wonderful destinations, where you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of foliage, an experience that will remain imprinted in your memory forever.
