Top 10 Fall Travel Destinations for 2026: From Patagonia to Kyoto

Lonely Planet has released its list of the 10 best destinations for fall travel in 2026, spanning coastlines, mountains, deserts, and historic cities. The list includes Southeast Turkey, Nara, the Dolomites' Alta Via 1, Oaxaca, New Zealand's North Island, New Mexico, Bocas del Toro, Fez, Northern Kenya, and Menorca. These destinations offer a mix of cultural events, natural phenomena, and outdoor activities, with timing crucial for festivals and wildlife sightings. The shoulder season provides lower prices, fewer crowds, and milder weather, making fall an ideal time to travel. Specific highlights include the sea turtle hatchlings in Çıralı, Turkey; the friendly deer and autumn colors in Nara, Japan; the via ferrata sections of the Alta Via 1 trek; the Día de los Muertos celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico; the hot springs and glowworm caves of New Zealand's North Island; the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico; the water sports and calm seas of Bocas del Toro, Panama; the medieval medina of Fez, Morocco; the wildlife and community conservancies of Northern Kenya; and the lingering summer warmth of Menorca, Spain. Travelers are advised to book accommodations and tours well in advance for peak events, and to respect local customs and environments.