There is no need to be sad when the air starts to have a chill.

The fall is the best time of the year to be outdoors.

There are many places to see fall colors around the world.

Maple tree with red leaves during autumn at Shinnyo-do Temple in Nara, Japan
Nara's historic buildings are surrounded by beautiful foliage in the fall months © John Su / Getty

See the golden red swash of Nara, Japan

The fall in Japan is just as beautiful as the spring. Fall leaves can be seen from the northern island of Hokkaid all the way to the south at the end of September. The ancient capital of Nara is a great viewing spot. There are views of red, gold and yellow leaves along the path up to the shrine in the northeast corner of the park.

This is how you can go to Japan.

A view of the River Wye in the Forest of Dean, England
The Forest of Dean, near England's border with Wales, has a mystical atmosphere © golfer2015 / Getty

Bike ride in a rusty riot in the Forest of Dean, England

The trees were used to make Tudor warships and were once used as a hunting ground. It is the ideal spot for leaf peeping today. A riot of yellow and gold can be found in the mix of oak, beech and sweet chestnut. The Forest of Dean is easy to cover on a bike or foot. The wild boar have called this place home for the past six years.

There are ten national parks in England.

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New England is known for its fall colors, and New Hampshire might have the best of all
New England is known for its fall colors, and New Hampshire might have the best of all © Anastasia Tveretinova / Shutterstock

Brilliant red maple of White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA

Picking a must-see spot in New England is difficult. One of the best places to see autumn in New England is the White Mountains. If you hike through the hills at the beginning of October you will be able to see brilliant red maple leaves, or if you drive you can see the trees glow next to the waterfall.

A road trip to New England in the fall.

The vineyards of Sancerre during autumn in the Loire Valley, France.
The vineyards of France's Loire Valley turn gold in the fall © Julian Elliott Photography / Getty

Feel the burnt orange of autumn in the Loire Valley, France

With the leaves on the vines turning and the summer hordes heading home there is not a better time to visit France. The rolling vineyards look great as they lose their greens for the yellows, oranges and brown of autumn. It's harvest time so you can see the grapes being picked in the fields before retiring to a cozy spot to take in the view with a glass of local booze.

A guide to France's best wine regions is available.

Yellow autumn trees cover a mountainside in Bishop Creek Canyon, California
California is not as well known as the eastern US states for fall colors, but that's beginning to change © Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty

Savor the golden leaves of Bishop Creek Canyon, California

It doesn't mean you should discount the west coast. California's inland forests offer a great alternative, with the reds and yellows of fall holding on longer in the Golden State. The Bishop Creek Canyon is one of the best places to view it. The golden leaves look amazing with the rocky hills as a backdrop.

In the US, the top destinations for fall colors are listed.

A Scottish loch near Pitlochry is framed by rolling farmland and hills covered in a mixture of green and autumn-colored leaves
The deciduous trees in Scotland are stunning when the weather starts to cool © David Henderson / Getty

Step through the enchanted forest at Pitlochry, Scotland

Some of the best fall colors in Europe can be found in Scotland's pine forests. The Tummel River and Loch Faskally can be seen from the dam and fish ladder. The enchanted forest is a nightly event that takes place in the woods just outside of town.

In Scotland, what to eat and drink.

The mountain village of San Giorgio in northern Italy is seen from above as it is awash in fall colors
See fall colors from the mountain village of San Giorgio in northern Italy © Francesco Bergamaschi / Getty

Take in the bright yellow of fall in Lombardy, Italy

Lombardy in northern Italy is an ideal place to see the colors of mainland Europe. The leaves of the native Lombardy poplars turn a bright yellow before they fall to the floor. Milan's public gardens offer a great city view if you can't get to the countryside.

The food of Italy.

Bridges span islands in a small lake as brilliant yellow trees drop leaves all over the ground at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens in Australia's Dandenong Ranges
The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens in Australia's Dandenong Ranges © Tsvi Braverman / Getty

See the wash of glorious fall shades in Dandenong Ranges, Australia

Autumn in Australia doesn't start until March. You wouldn't normally associate the land of beaches, surfing and summer heat with glorious fall color, but the Dandenong Ranges are worth a visit. The area is a national park with manicured gardens. When the trees are aglow and the lawns are carpeted with fallen leaves, the Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens are a great place to visit.

Save up to experience one of these amazing lodges in Australia.

Aerial image of train and rail line Agawa Canyon, Ontario, Canada
Fall foliage trips in Agawa Canyon, Ontario © Russ Heinl / Shutterstock

Sit back and let your senses experience fall in Agawa Canyon, Canada

The Agawa Canyon Tour Train will show you some of the most beautiful fall foliage on the planet. As the days get shorter, the ride will cover 114 miles of unspoiled country. The Group of Seven, Canada's most prominent landscape artists, were influenced by these views. The leaves peak at the end of September and begin of October.

Travel from around the world is color-coded.

The article was published in September of 2019.