There is no better time than the present to visit countries that are tucking away the warm heat of Summer and preparing for the snippy bite of Fall.
From the iconic Autumn inspired meals to the drop-dead vistas, this list might just be the ticket you’re looking for.
Jazzed in Japan
When thinking about the Fall season, not many people may immediately connect the island country of Japan to this gorgeous season. Surprisingly the nation offers some of the most gorgeous sceneries, with some even preferring it over the famed cherry blossom season. Autumn in Japan is considered the ‘season of eating’ and with good reason. For the inquisitive bon vivant, search for some of these delicacies such as the sweet potato, grilled Sanma which is a type of fish popular during the season, pumpkin croquette and of course, the two types of autumnal sake, Hiyaoroshi and Akiagari.
The season offers up some of the most beautiful sights with a few even preferring it over the cherry blossom season. There are many locations that boast the ideal views of the turning of the leaves from Kyoto to the parks and gardens strewn across Tokyo, but none can beat the picturesque beauty of Fall in the Japanese Alps. Check in to the Courtyard by Marriott Hakuba in Hakuba Village to live amidst the beauty of Japan’s autumnal season whilst escaping reality and going off the grid, in style. As the chill starts to seep in, use the hotel’s hot springs, both indoor and outdoor and understand how the Japanese learn to love the simple things, like a hot bath and the cool mountain air of their Alps.
Seduced by ScotlandÂ
Known for its ancient castles, Loch Ness sightings and barrels of aged scotch whisky, Scotland has recently popped onto the tourist route as an undiscovered location when it had held its beauty all along. Focusing on Perthshire in Central Scotland, also known as ‘Big Trees Country’, the county is highly recommended in Europe as one of the most divine places to be to watch the leaves turn.
Leaf peeping is a famous activity where people walk through the trees to search for the first signs of the leaves turning red, that tourists travel all the way to Perthshire for. From the simplistic beauty of Lady Mary’s Walk in Crieff that has garnered fall attention for 200 years to the Killicrankie Parth up to Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, the sights are endless. Should you find yourself seduced by the siren’s call of Perthshire, Scotland we suggest staying at the historic Gleneagles Hotel. The same venue that hosted the G8 Summit of World Leaders in 2005, know that you are amongst the best service of the county as you indulge in your own seasonal delight.
Manic over MontrealÂ
The most populated city in Quebec and ranking second in Canada, we can understand why millions of people throng to Montreal especially if their fall showcasing is anything to go by. Foliage hidden throughout the city of urban green lungs, autumn serves as a beauteous background to the many walks of life that go about their daily lives in Montreal. There is no lack of things to do in Montreal, especially during the Fall season. Both tourists and locals alike can look forward to catching a sunrise over the top of Mount Royal, a large hill in the city, or visit the Montreal botanical gardens with its ‘Gardens of Light’ display that happens yearly.
It would be amiss to bring up Canada and not their iconic gastronomic culture. The changing of the season brings with it a spotlight on certain Canadian delicacies such as a local Bavarian pretzel from Bretzel and Compagnie along with hot cocoa, or take a Mile-End Food Tour around Montreal’s local restaurants and diners for homemade falafels, ice creams and more, and one cannot enter Canadian territory without giving the hearty poutine a try. Lodge at the Ritz Carlton Montreal smackdab in the centre of the city, providing ease of access to anything you might be interested in doing, be it a sunrise soiree or a food tour. Montreal is sure to set you in a Fall mood.
