Fall Foliage, Holiday Travel Season

Wales, United Kingdom

The perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for November, Wales is located west of England, bordered by the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel, with 870 miles of coastline. The Celtic nation is home to mountains, waterfalls, rugged natural beauty, three national parks, and more than 641 castles. Its capital, Cardiff, is just two hours from London. Though there’s a chill in the air, November is a festive time with the opening of the Cardiff Christmas Market, the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, and Luminate Wales, beginning November 18. South Wales boasts the Penderyn Distillery in the Brecon Beacons, credited with reviving the country’s whisky industry. With an all-female distillation and blending team, Penderyn has created award-winning spirits using a unique copper single-pot Faraday still, which can be seen on tours of the distillery. Slate quarrying, a major industry in northwest Wales for nearly 2,000 years, has earned the slate landscape its recent recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From campsites to five-star hotels, Wales offers a variety of places to stay.

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Located on the Pacific just north of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is an increasingly popular area with luxury hotels and residences, ideal November temperatures, and convenient access from Puerto Vallarta Airport. Sandy beaches, lush forests, waterfalls, and marine life attract visitors, and in fall, humpback whales begin to arrive on their annual migration.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The second-largest of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has grown from a small fishing village to the world’s fourth most-visited destination. The discovery of oil in 1966 led to economic development, and in 1979, the first skyscraper, the Dubai World Trade Center, was built. In 2010, the Burj Khalifa became the tallest building in the world. Growth has continued at a fast pace, and Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, carries more than 50 million passengers a year. Beaches, theme parks, art, sports, adventure, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment of all kinds make Dubai a perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers. Expo 2020 Dubai, postponed last year, is now scheduled from October 1, 2021 through March 31, 2022.

Austin, Texas

Comfortable fall weather makes Austin a great time to enjoy all it has to offer. Temperatures are perfect for hiking or biking around Lady Bird Lake along the ten-mile trail or enjoying the scenery at Mayfield Park and the view from Mount Bonnell. If there’s time for a road trip to Texas Hill Country about 30 miles west of Austin, a visit to Pedernales Falls State Park provides more natural beauty and hiking trails. Foodies might want to arrive for the Austin Food & Wine Festival (November 5-7) featuring top chefs and, of course, BBQ and music. On that subject, there’s always entertainment in the “Live Music Capital of the World,” with a variety of venues, concerts, and festivals.

Tampa, Florida

With hot summer weather almost a thing of the past in autumn, Tampa is an ideal destination to journey. Located on Florida’s west coast, visitors can stroll along Tampa’s Riverwalk, explore the Tampa Museum of Art and Florida Aquarium, or visit Tampa Bay History Center. With Tampa Bay and three rivers, it’s a perfect time to get out on the water in a kayak, water bike, or a Pirate Water Taxi cruise. Minutes from downtown, Hillsborough River State Park offers nature trails, camping, and class II river rapids for a bit of adventure. Tampa’s historic Ybor City area was the center of the Cuban cigar industry, and many buildings remain from the late 1800s, now home to lively nightlife venues.

Vail, Colorado

November in the Colorado Rockies begins ski season, and Vail anticipates opening the week before Thanksgiving. But, early November is a great time for non-skiers to enjoy the wintery atmosphere, scenery, restaurants, and cozy lodging before the arrival of avid snow fans and holiday vacationers. Vail Mountain offers every level of skiing and snowboarding, attracting families and beginners as well as experts. The places to stay are as varied as the mountain trails, ranging from upscale celebrity style to comfortable and affordable.

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s fall weather may call for a jacket or sweater, but the chill in the air creates the ideal time to enjoy the city with fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and the beginning of the holiday season. The month begins with Diada de Tots Sants (All Saints Day), a public holiday honoring deceased relatives and friends with flowers at their graves. Families gather for traditional foods like chestnuts and sweet potatoes. Fewer tourists make it possible to enjoy leisurely visits to the works of architect Antoni Gaudi- La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and the unique Casa Battló. The annual Barcelona Jazz Festival events take place at various venues throughout the city from late October until early December. Enjoy ‘s tapas bars, paella, flamenco, and local wines while you explore the city, and you’ll see signs of the approaching Christmas season with light displays, holiday markets, and an ice skating rink.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Late fall in Scottsdale is the perfect time to hike, stroll through Old Town, play golf, and enjoy all the area has to offer. You’re in the desert, so make time to get to know the wildlife, cacti, and beauty of the environment with a visit to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Scottsdale also offers several outstanding museums, including the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. A visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West is a fascinating glimpse into his life, work, and influence. Movie fans might want to schedule a visit to catch the Scottsdale International Film Festival from November 5-9. No matter when you go, be sure to take advantage of Scottsdale’s restaurants, craft breweries, and wine trail..

Newport, Rhode Island

This summer vacation capital is just as beautiful in winter, albeit a bit colder with average temperatures in the 40s. Like many off-season destinations, Newport offers attractive hotel prices, fewer tourists, and the opportunity to enjoy the quaint streets and stately mansions without the warm weather crowds. It’s a chance to bundle up in winter clothes, put on some comfortable boots, and a hat, of course, and marvel at the white lights and holiday decorations that appear towards the end of the month. Time your visit around Newport Restaurant Week from November 5-14 when you have a chance to sample the best New England dishes and enjoy discounts and prix-fixe specials. A visit to Newport should include a cocktail or meal at White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest tavern, the perfect place to come in from the cold.

Toronto, Canada

Sure, it’s a bit cold, but Toronto has much to offer during winter, and many travelers have been waiting to return to their favorite destinations north of the border. Food might top your list of reasons to visit the diverse city, with excellent restaurants that serve Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, Portuguese, Japanese, German, and just about every cuisine you can think of. And, of course, there’s local specialty, poutine – french fries and cheese curds topped with brown gravy, a dish said to have originated in Quebec. Kensington Market is a neighborhood with shops, restaurants, bars, groceries, gifts, and more, a great place to browse or dine. For a break from the cold and an exciting shopping experience, head underground to Toronto’s PATH, the world’s largest underground shopping complex, where you’ll also find convenient connections to hotels and attractions. Get a head start on holiday shopping or just browse through the creative shops in the Distillery District and warm up with a specialty coffee or something a bit stronger.

Or Calgary, which is experiencing a renaissance with cool eateries, hip neighborhoods, and proximity to the best trails in the Canadian Rockies (Banff National Park is an hour away). Then there are the French-infused cities of Montreal and Quebec City in the east for those who want a slice of European living without the long flights. Depending on your circumstances, you can take your pick between several different ways to make the move; start by checking for eligibility if one of your parents or grandparents was born there.

Portugal: The fashionable country due west of Spain is attracting young expats in recent years, particularly entrepreneurs, given its incredible value and welcoming business incentives that help stretch your hard-earned dollars. Take the second city of Porto, buzzing with modern and creative energy as a manufacturing and textile hub, with a slew of new designers who have made the city their home. Following decades of decline in the late 20th century, Porto’s cobbled streets today are filled with cool cafes, restaurants, and boutiques selling goods from local weavers and ceramists. On a day off, take advantage of the city’s art district, historic churches, and palaces, as well as the Douro River that leads to the oldest wine region in Europe (Alto Douro). Less than an hour from Porto is Portugal’s third city, called Braga, which, for its part, offers a reduced tax rate for start-ups. Nicknamed the “Rome of Portugal” thanks to its Baroque architecture, Braga also offers attractive green spaces, international schools, and high-tech companies for qualified candidates. Further south is the Algarve coast with more than 300 sunny days per year for digital nomads, families, and retirees who enjoy life at the beach. You can also check out the nine islands in the Azores – some offer incentives to attract businesses and start-ups. No matter where you choose, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a kinder nation to call home.

Costa Rica: Relocating to well-trodden Costa Rica isn’t a novel idea for anyone who has ever visited the country (and likely met a few friendly expats along the way), but there’s a reason for its persisting popularity. Situated between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, this utopic Central American nation wins people over with volcanoes, cloud forests, and exotic wildlife in the form of sloths, capuchin monkeys, and toucans. More than that, it’s the Pura Vida (“Pure Life”) philosophy for good living, which sums up this peaceful Spanish-speaking gem. Sweetening the deal, the country offers expats a straightforward residence program, affordable dental and healthcare, a stable democracy, and easy flights to the U.S. from two international airports. While the capital of San Jose has a notable food and arts scene, expats can head for either coast for long stretches of undeveloped beaches, seaside villages, surfing and yoga classes, neighborly expat communities, and business ventures often tied to eco-tourism. If you prioritize a healthy, laid-back lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty with an evergreen cool factor that is hard to imitate anywhere else, then this might be the place for you.

South Korea: The country that invented K-Pop, K-barbeque, K-beauty, and 24-hour jjimjilbangs (Korean bathhouses), draws expats wanting to be a part of this living and breathing epicenter for popular culture. The sleek city of Seoul, Asia’s third-largest economy, will surround you with killer restaurants, shopping, entertainment, night markets, and a high-tech scene with international workers who partake in the work-hard, play-hard mentality. Professionals based here will find tight-knit social groups and regular networking events for those looking to hob-nob over soju cocktails. But don’t overlook Busan, South Korea’s edgy second city with beaches, fresh fish, and an international film festival. (Fun fact: You can take a ferry to Japan from here.) No matter where you decide to live on the peninsula, enjoy access to rugged mountains and thousands of islands offering plenty of outdoor adventures like winter skiing and treks to 7th-century temples. South Korea is a safe place to live despite its close proximity to North Korea, but stay cognizant of the situation.

Austria: This Central European country can have you hiking in the Alps in the morning and enjoying a performance in a famous opera house later that evening. Austria’s capital, Vienna, has been recognized in Europe for its high quality of life and low crime rates, as well as an exciting food and wine scene, focused on organic, local ingredients. It’s also a good choice for those looking for affordability, healthcare, and international schools. Further south is the youthful city of Graz, which offers its own version of Renaissance and Baroque architecture as well abundant parks and upbeat nightlife. Beyond all of the aforementioned pleasures of living in Austria, if the idea of being surrounded by Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia gets your heart pumping, then you may have found your place.

HR Giger Museum and Bar

Surrealist artist HR Giger is the mastermind behind the terrifying face-huggers and xenomorphs of the “Alien” movie series. At the HR Giger Museum in Gruyères, Switzerland, you’ll be mesmerized by his eerie concept art for “Species,” “Poltergeist 2,” and the never-made 1970s “Dune” film. Marvel at his early biomechanical works, and cower in front of an extraterrestrial with an elongated skull and double-row of teeth. Then, sip on absinthe at the Giger Bar, which is decorated with his signature skeletal arches and backbone chairs.

Bran Castle

Get a bite of Dracula’s bloody history at Bran Castle in Transylvania. The 14th-century fortress is associated with Vlad the Impaler, the vicious Romanian ruler who inspired Bram Stoker’s blood-sucking Dracula. The medieval castle seems particularly fit for a vampire, with pointed spires and gloomy views of the Carpathian Mountains. Inside, you’ll find secret stone tunnels and a collection of torture equipment-including Vlad’s favorite, a long pointed wooden stake.

Mount Mihara

Japan’s steaming Mount Mihara is an active volcano that erupts about once every century. The island’s lava-scorched landscapes have inspired several works of horror, including “The Ring” series. In Koji Suzuki’s “Ringu” novel, the mother of long-haired Sadako loses her sanity and throws herself into the fiery crater. Mount Mihara was also featured in several Godzilla movies: the monster was imprisoned here in 1984’s “The Return of Godzilla,” but escaped in the sequel. Fans can hike or ride a horse up to the 2,487-foot (758-meter) peak, and admire dark and otherworldly views from the top.

Stanley Hotel

Stephen King stayed for a single night at The Stanley Hotel in Colorado, and it was enough to inspire the nightmarish setting of “The Shining.” Established in 1909, this old-world manor has the same ominous feel as the Overlook Hotel of his novel. Likewise, guests of The Stanley have claimed to see ghosts from past eras haunting the halls. Dare to spend a night in the supposedly cursed Room 217, or get lost in the hedge maze.

Salzspeicher

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The silent horror film “Nosferatu” shocked audiences when it was released in 1922. Director F. W. Murnau’s expressionist imagery remains bone-chilling today, particularly his black-and-white shots of Salzspeicher. These six brick salt storehouses were built in the 16-18th century, and they look like crumbling gingerbread homes in front of Trave River. When you see the red ruins under a cloudy sky, it’s easy to imagine that the “vampyre” Count Orlok still lurks inside.

Lestat’s Tomb” at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

New Orleans’ Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a spectral setting for many of Anne Rice’s tales. Don’t be alarmed to see Goths posing for photos in front of a white cast-iron mausoleum marked with the name “Karstendiek.” Fans call this “Lestat’s Tomb,” as it inspired the spike-roofed version in the film “Interview with the Vampire.” The crowded, dilapidated Lafayette Graveyard is also the final resting place of some witches, according to Rice’s “Mayfair” trilogy.

Catacombe dei Cappuccini

Piazza Cappuccini, 1, 90129 Palermo PA, Italy
PHONE +39 091 652 7389

Only brave souls dare descend into southern Italy’s Capuchin Catacomb. You’ll find yourself surrounded by desiccated bodies clothed in tattered robes, hanging from the walls or crammed in shelves. The monastery’s dim passages contain 8,000 corpses and over 1,200 mummies preserved between the 16th and early 20th centuries. Some appear to be grinning and stretching their bony arms out towards you, as if they had come back to life. Look for the uncannily preserved body of “Sleeping Beauty,” a 2-year-old girl whose eyes reportedly open and close. Director Francesco Rosi featured the catacomb in his 1976 film “Cadaveri Eccellenti,” but the experience of walking among the dead is even more chilling in person.

Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground

Beware the Headless Horseman, who terrorizes Sleepy Hollow as he hunts for his decapitated head. Washington Irving set his influential short story in real-life locations, including the Old Dutch Church and Burying Ground (also called the Old Dutch Reformed Church). Much of the terror takes place at this 17th-century stone church, which sits next to a cemetery filled with ornate mausoleums. Take a stroll past the winged skull tombstones-and as the sky darkens, look out for the legendary ghost-rider.

Sedlec Ossuary

Also known as the Bone Church, Sedlec Ossuary is a chapel adorned with the remains of over 40,000 human skeletons. Look up, and be awed by a chandelier made from strings of bones. The altar is stacked with skulls, with some holding leg bones in their jaws. Sedlec Ossuary was established in the 13th century, and became filled with bodies during the Black Plague and Hussite Wars. In 1870, a Czech woodcarver named František Rint crafted the bones into the Gothic arrangements seen today. Since then, Sedlec has inspired numerous works of horror, including Dr. Satan’s Lair in Rob Zombie’s “House of 1000 Corpses.”

Whitby Abbey

Bram Stoker wrote “Dracula” in 1897 while living in the English seaside town of Whitby. In the novel’s opening, the shipwrecked Count transforms into a black dog and runs up the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey. These Benedictine ruins date back to the 7th century and suffered severe damage over the years. Now, only the skeleton of stone arches and moldings remain. When you see Whitby Abbey’s sinister silhouette perched on the cliff, you’ll understand why Stoker was moved to bring the undead back to life.