10 Best Fall Solo Travel Destinations In 2019

Fall is coming up quick (seriously tho, HOW?!) which means it’s time to announce the 10 best fall solo travel destinations in 2019!

Fall is such a wonderful time of year. The air is cool and crisp, the leaves are a beautiful
reddish-brown color and life slows down a little. 

It’s also the perfect time to travel cheaply! Peak travel season is over which means cheaper prices and way less people around at your travel destinations. Woohoo!

Whether you’re wanting to enjoy the beautiful colors of Fall or the quieter travel period, we’ve rounded up the 10 best solo travel destinations for Fall in 2019. Keep reading to find out where your next solo travel destination will be!

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Put on you best Fall outfit and head out to Amsterdam!

Amsterdam is known to be one of the leafiest cities in Europe, meaning it’s an absolute dream to see during the Fall. Nothing beats the sight of Amsterdam’s historic canals lined with trees covered in bright orange and golden leaves.

Besides taking in the sights of the colorful leaf lined canals, what’s a solo traveler to do in Amsterdam in the Fall? So many things!

First up, the music and arts scene is in full swing. Whether you want to check out an exhibition at one of the amazing local museums, head to a rooftop gig or party away at a 5 day long dance event, Amsterdam has got you covered.

If you’re keen to take in the city sights by foot, why not take part in the Amsterdam Marathon? Held annually in mid-October, the event attracts runners from all over the world and starts and ends at the famous Olympic Stadium.

Finally, take advantage of the slightly cooler temperatures and indulge in some dutch apple pie with a side of hot chocolate, delicious!

2. Sonoma, California

Welcome to the wine country!

Imagine a filter that adds a beautiful golden-orange hue to your landscape photos and you’ve got Sonoma in the Fall.

During the slightly cooler months, the temperatures in Sonoma sit around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, aka the perfect temperature to sit back and sip on some wine. 

If you visit in October, you’ll be in for a real treat with the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Where you can enjoy wine tastings and take part in fun competitions like the grape stomping competition.   

3. Vancouver, Canada

Canada is home of the maple leaf, which is the epitome of Fall!

What better way to take in the changing colors of all the foliage than by go for a wander through the iconic Stanley Park, and through VanDusen Botanical Garden.

If you visit in October you’ll be able to enjoy Canadian Thanksgiving, which falls on the second Monday in October. 

Not to mention Halloween, which is taken pretty seriously in Vancouver. Head over to the Pacific National Exhibition to experience their famous (and hair raising) Fright Nights which run through October.

You can also rent a sweet campervan in Vancouver and do a roadtrip to Banff National Park! Click here for Alyssa’s full Vancouver to Banff itinerary!

4. Tokyo, Japan

Fall is a stunning time in Tokyo, and the city knows it. 

The annual Meiji Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Festival is the most popular Fall event in Tokyo.

The festival showcases the amazing Ginkgo trees, which line ‘Ginkgo Avenue’ for close to 1000 feet.

Traditional Japanese Gardens are also a must see in Fall – the colors are simply breathtaking!

For those of you who are into hiking, the slightly cooler temperatures are perfect for this activity. Hakone, Mt Takao and Mt Oyama are just some of the easily accessible hiking spots fromTokyo.

Finally, be prepared to fill your belly with incredible Japanese delights! First up, ramen! The annual Tokyo Ramen Show takes place from late November to early December. 

The phrase ‘Autumn Appetite’ is used to describe Japan in the Fall. There’s so many food festivals happening that you will be in a constant food coma.

For an easy guide to learning how to use the Tokyo Rail System, click here!

For tips on great Tokyo Nightlife Experiences, click here!

5. Queenstown, New Zealand

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere, which means it’s actually Spring there when it’s Fall in the US.

Don’t let that put you off if you’re obsessed with Fall though, as September to October is one of the best times of the year to experience Queenstown.

Daytime temperatures range from a low of 46 degrees Fahrenheit through to a high of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, the slightly warmer (but still cool) temperatures in Queenstown at this time of year mean you can enjoy the amazing ski fields, as well as all the beautiful scenery, hiking opportunities and other extreme sports (white water rafting and bungee jumping).

Once you’ve done your activities, you can treat yourself to a wine tasting – Queenstown is known for its Pinot Noir in particular. And of course there’s the famous Onsen hot pools – the perfect way to wind down after a day full of adventure.

if you’re planning on going to Queenstown, you might as well make a roadtrip out of New Zealand’s South Island! Use Alyssa’s New Zealand Roadtrip itinerary to help plan!

6. Hudson Valley, New York

Just a two hour drive out of Manhattan, Hudson Valley is the perfect place for a solo travel trip.

Full of something for basically everyone, from food, to wine, antique shops, galleries, apple orchards and farms and a whole lot of epic nature. 

In fact, some even go so far as to say that Hudson Valley has some of the the best foliage in the US. So, you’re in for a real treat when you visit in the Fall.

If you visit in November, be sure to reserve yourself a tent at Collective Hudson Valley. This seasonal glamping retreat offers luxurious accomodation (yes, tents can be luxurious) alongside a delicious menu of fresh, seasonal foods. Aka, self-indulgence at its finest.

7. Kenya…for my fellow Summer-Chasers

So technically Kenya is known as the land of the eternal African summer.

Given its proximity to the equator, the climate in Kenya is pretty stable all year round with two rainy seasons.

If you visit in September or October you’ll experience temperatures of around 84 – 88 degrees Fahrenheit. These are also the last couple of months to view the great migration in Masai Mara. 

The great migration is where millions of antelope, wildebeests and zebras migrate through the  famous Masai Mara National Reserve. You can view this amazing sight from a hot air balloon, plane, horseback, a safari drive or by walking. 

Once you’ve has your safari experience, head out to Diani Beach to soak up some sun and enjoy that endless summer atmosphere. 

This stunning beach is lined with white sand and surrounded by jade-colored water that’s protected by a coral reef. Be prepared for a whole lot of water sports, including snorkelling, and endless photo opportunities.

If you head to Kenya and want to do a safari, be sure to check out Alyssa’s Affordable Kenya Safari Guide and Essential Tips for Kenya!

8. Paris, France

Let’s be real, Paris is worth a visit no matter what time of year it is. However, Fall is possibly the best time to visit.

First of all, it’s way less crowded which means you can actually get around and see sights and do activities without having to wait in line for what feels like a lifetime! It’s also a really great opportunity to experience the city like a local. Pick up your morning coffee and croissant amongst Parisians, rather than being in amongst all the tourists.

You’ll also be able to save some money and actually see and do everything. Prices for accommodation in Paris are always cheaper at this time of year. Meanwhile, shops, café’s and other venues are all likely to be open during the Fall. Places often shut down in August and December in Paris for the holidays.

You can probably guess the main reason why Fall is the best time to visit Paris – the beautiful colors!!! The city has an incredibly yellow, orange and red hue – the kind where you feel like you’re walking in a real-life painting. Simply magical.

Want to see Paris in a truly unforgettable way? Check out U by Uniworld; the first and only Millennial’s Only River Cruise!

9. Guadalajara, Mexico

Welcome to the home of all the Fall festivals! Think fiestas, fireworks and fantastic food!

From September through to November there are a ton of celebrations and events in Guadalajara – perfect for a solo traveler who likes to do lots of things and meet lots of people!

Mexican Independence is celebrated through the month of September, with the main celebrations happening on the 15th and 16th.

October is when you will be able to experience Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Celebrations begin on October 31 and usually go through to November 2. Contrary to what you may think, Dia de Los Muertos is lively celebration of the deceased. The celebration was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Fall is also a time when one of Mexico’s national dishes, Chiles en Nogada, is in season. Be sure to try it out while you’re there – everyone will be serving it!

10. Los Angeles, California

Hello pumpkin spice lattes and way less crowds!

Visiting LA in the Fall has a whole lot of benefits, from cooler weather and shorter lines at theme parks, to tons of food and festivals!

We all know that summer can be pretty hot in LA, making activities like hikes or long days out in the sun a bit of a mission. Come Fall, however, the cool change in the air makes doing activities during the day (like hiking to the Hollywood Sign) a whole lot more bearable. Winter-esque activities like outdoor skating rinks also start popping up, bringing a whole lot of fun with them!

Not to mention, summer break is over. Which means that you can experience all the wonderful sights and sounds that LA has to offer, sans the large crowds. 

Finally, September to November brings a whole lot of great festivals. If you’re into food, you’ll definitely want to check out the Los Angeles Lobster Festival and Oktoberfest. We can’t forget Dia de Los Muertos, which is celebrated throughout LA. Also, it’s probably the best place in the U.S. to celebrate Halloween!

Given that LA is the home of Hollywood and epic special effects, Halloween is taken pretty seriously here. From non-scary pumpkin patches through to full on gruesome attractions at theme parks, LA will have you covered for Halloween no matter what floats your boat. If you know a local (like Alyssa) you may even get insider tips to the “it-scene”‘s top Halloween parties and events!

You’re basically spoiled for choice with all of these great Fall solo travel destinations! So what are you waiting for, pick your destination, book your flights and pack your bags.

It’s time for you to head off on your next solo travel adventure and with so much going on at each destination at this time of year, you’re guaranteed a great time!

Happy travels, and don’t forget to keep us posted on where you choose to go in the comments below.