The Best Autumn Holiday Destinations

Top Autumn Holiday Destinations

From Mexican adventures and snowy ski breaks, to festivals and Christmas markets, find out the best autumn holiday destinations.

The autumn. What a drag! It always feels so long doesn’t it? The countdown to Christmas is on, but with that comes dark mornings, bleak weather and a spell of mid-autumn misery.

So what better time to jet off somewhere new? If you book now at least you’ll have something to look forward to, and it’ll fill the gap nicely between now and Christmas. So what are the best autumn holiday destinations? Here are a few of my top suggestions…

Berlin

While there are plenty of Christmas markets popping up all over the UK, it’s just not the same as heading abroad for a more authentic celebratory experience. Drink bucket loads of mulled wine, try to stay upright on the ice rink and shop for handmade jewellery and Christmas gifts. Berlin is one of the top cities for the true festive fix! With over 50 different markets scattered across the city, you’ll want a few days to really explore it.

Berlin Christmas Market
Berlin Christmas Market

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San Francisco Food Tour (And Discount Code!)

Gelato pops at Sixth Course, Mission District Food Tour, San Francisco

Want to know more about taking a San Francisco food tour? They’re the perfect way to explore the city’s buzzing foodie scene… even better when it’s with a local from the uber-cool Mission District! Find out more about my experience. 

I met Sean from Avital Tours outside The Women’s Building in the heart of San Fran’s uber cool Mission District. Incase you didn’t know, it’s the place the hipsters hang out, with trendy bars and boutiques lining the streets, colourful murals adorning the walls, and of course – a top notch foodie scene. That’s what I was MOST interested in.

The Women's Building, Mission District, San Francisco
The Women’s Building, Mission District, San Francisco

On this San Francisco food tour, we’d spent three hours enjoying some of the area’s most unique places to dine, while learning more about the district, the history and the art that makes it one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

There are plenty of different San Francisco food tours, which will introduce you to various parts of the city via its cuisine. You can head to Chinatown for dim sum, explore the Ferry Building, or take a gourmet walk through North Beach.

I’d already explored Chinatown and North Beach (which is primarily Italian), but The Mission had a distinctly Mexican feel with plenty of no-frills taquerias. While many Mexicans had crossed over the border and set up shop, there were plenty more offerings from other cuisines waiting to be discovered.

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Sonoma Valley Wine Tour, California

Larson Family Winery, Sonoma Valley, California

Considering booking a Sonoma Valley wine tour? Find out what to expect on the day, what to take and all about the wineries in this detailed guide.

Wine tasting is a must-do when visiting California. I headed out to the Sonoma Valley to check out some of the stunning wineries and of course, sample a few top wines!

After 2 weeks of fast-paced travel from LA to San Francisco via Yosemite National Park, I was ready for to slow things down with a relaxed day in the countryside. I booked a wine tour of the Sonoma Valley with Green Dream Tours. I picked Sonoma over Napa as many I spoke to said it was less touristy and just as good!

Sonoma County is around an hour from San Francisco and the region is home to more than 900 wineries. A trip here is rated as one of the best things to do in California. It boasts spectacular scenery with olive trees, fruit tree and sweeping hills lined with vines, all set against a bright blue summer sky. If the drive there was anything to go by, we were in for a treat!

Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma Valley, California
Wine tasting at Nicholson Ranch, Sonoma Valley, California

Tour guide Mark was enthusiastic and full of jokes as we left the big city behind. After a brief stop for photos at the Golden Gate Bridge, we headed towards Sonoma.

Stopping for a pic at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Stopping for a pic at the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

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