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Writer's pictureFrancesca Giberti

Autumn Escapes: Discover the Most Unique Fall Travel Spots of the Year


As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the allure of fall travel beckons. Autumn is a season of transformation, offering travelers unique experiences, vibrant landscapes, and fewer crowds. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy mountain retreat, a scenic road trip, or an international adventure, fall provides the perfect backdrop for your next journey. 

Cashel Palace | Tipperary, Ireland

For those looking to feel like you’re living inside a book, something along the likes of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, that crisp fall air and crunch as you walk is idyllic in a place like Cashel Palace. Visiting the property in Ireland’s Tipperary County during the fall offers unique and enchanting experiences. The palace grounds and surrounding countryside come alive with vibrant autumn foliage, creating picturesque landscapes perfect for leisurely strolls and photography. The cool weather of fall is ideal for exploring historical and natural attractions without the summer crowds, providing a serene and enjoyable experience. Fall also brings local harvest festivals, where you can savor traditional Irish food, music, and culture, ensuring an authentic and memorable visit. Cashel Palace, steeped in rich history, offers an immersive journey into its storied past, enhanced by the cozy, welcoming ambiance of the season.


Additionally, many special events, such as guided tours, historical reenactments, and seasonal culinary experiences, take place in the fall, offering unique opportunities to engage with the local heritage and traditions. Nearby hiking at Glengarra Wood offers guests a chance to catch the leaves changing and soak in the surrounding beauty. Ireland's peak fall foliage is from September to November, while October is the prime time to catch the leaves changing. Cashel Palace encourages guests to get out and explore the nearby areas, especially in the fall when the trees will be beautifully golden, offering the comfort of the resort to join you on your adventures, where guests can take their Afternoon Tea Boxes with them to dine on their hikes. With fewer tourists around, you can fully appreciate the tranquility and charm of Cashel Palace and its surroundings, making your visit a truly relaxing and rejuvenating escape.



Sonnenalp Hotel | Vail, Colorado

If you’re looking to break away from the chaos and settle in a mountain town to admire the autumn blanket wrapped around the world as we say goodbye to summer, the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado, is perfect for you. A ski town offers the ideal winter vacation and a marvelous summer spot, but many travelers don’t realize that fall is truly the standout season. With the mountains feeling fresher and pleasantly crisp, hikes and outdoor excursions are enjoyable. Fewer tourists mean you get to enjoy the seclusion felt on the mountains while admiring the beauty that comes with the changing leaves. Colorado’s infamous rocky mountains are a sight to behold as they sparkle with golden and orange hues. The Sonnenalp offers guests the heavenly comfort that goes hand in hand with Fall. 


Named to MICHELIN Guide's first-ever list of hotels to receive MICHELIN Keys, the Sonnenalp was recognized for its exceptional experiences and service to guests. For those looking to explore the Rocky Mountains, the Sonnenalp Hotel organizes guided hiking tours in the White River National Forest. With stunning views of the mountains, rivers, and trails suitable for all skill levels, these hikes are a perfect way to build up an appetite. In Vail, the alpine cuisine is a highlight, particularly at the Sonnenalp, the Swiss Chalet, which offers traditional European dishes in a classic Swiss-style setting, the perfect meal for an autumn day. Guests can savor Käse Spätzle (homemade Swiss dumplings topped with cheese and crispy onions), authentic regional favorites such as Schnitzel, delectable cheese fondues, and freshly made desserts like Austrian apple strudel and chocolate fondue. 



Alyeska Resort | Girdwood, Alaska

Fall is the perfect time to visit Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska, with a host of incredible opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Located just 40 minutes from Anchorage, Alyeska Resort stands out as the largest mountain resort in the state and one of the few properties to remain open year-round, making it an ideal destination even as other lodges close for the season. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and equally unforgettable experiences, the shoulder season is one of the best times to explore Alaska’s stunning landscapes and unique offerings. Autumn in Alaska offers a cool sweet spot for hiking, with vibrant fall foliage adding to the scenic beauty. Alyeska Resort features over 12 hiking trails on Mount Alyeska, suitable for all skill levels. Highlights include The North Face Trail, a 2.2-mile trail that ascends 2,000 vertical feet, offering stunning views and a chance to relax at the Bore Tide Deli & Bar at the peak. The complimentary aerial tram ride back down is a scenic bonus. 


From late August to April, Alaska’s skies light up with the multi-hued Aurora Borealis. Alyeska Resort offers a unique Northern Lights Wake-Up Call service, ensuring guests never miss a sighting. The resort’s aerial tram ascends 2,300 feet in just seven minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm, hanging glaciers, the Chugach Mountain range, and stunning fall colors. 


For those seeking to relax after an action-packed day, the Nordic Spa is one of the hotel's best offerings. Opened in September 2022, Alyeska Nordic Spa is Alaska’s first of its kind. This 50,000-square-foot oasis offers outdoor hot and cold hydrotherapy pools, massage treatments, yoga classes, meditation sessions, and more. The Twilight Soak experience allows for evening relaxation after a day of adventure. If you are planning a special vacation, you can experience Alyeska Resort’s annual Oktoberfest on September 27th and 28th. Enjoy Bavarian food, music, beer, and fun events like the Stein Olympics, German Spelling Bee, Costume Contest, and Yodeling Contest. A fall visit to Alyeska Resort promises an unforgettable blend of adventure and wellness in the heart of Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of autumn at this year-round destination.



For more information or to express interest, please contact Francesca Giberti at

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