5 places to welcome fall
For some fall is a prelude to the forthcoming six months of doom and gloom. For others – just another excuse to travel. Although I did in fact explain why going on a holiday in fall is a bad idea in a post from last year (here) 😉, today I would like to present five wonderful places in Europe which will sweeten first colder days for you 🧡
Verona and Venice
Italy is always a good idea! Places normally packed with tourists in the summer seem almost abandoned once leaves start to turn fiery orange. The Northern Veneto region is famous for its romantic atmosphere, whereas Verona is perfect for lovers of Shakespeare – after all, this is where Romeo and Juliet is set. A pleasant city, surrounded by hills, with interesting architecture and history, it is definitely worth a walk with a stroller along squares and walls surrounding the river Adige.
Venice is just about an hour’s drive away. A class of its own! Although admittedly it is pricey, its service providers are rude, and it is just flooded (the pun is intended 😉 ) with tourists from all around the world who just drop by for a moment – it is also truly one of a kind and beautiful. Its unique location and traditions cultivated for centuries make it a perfect place to welcome the fall season. Children will surely love running up and down countless stairs and chasing pigeons around St Mark’s Square!
Amsterdam
If you are going to spend the cold months mostly indoors, you should consider taking advantage of as much freedom as possible 😉
😉 Early fall is ideal for exploring Amsterdam – famous for its many canals – on a bike. The city is well-known for its excellent bike routes, perfect even for the youngest cyclists and their parents with child bike seats. Amsterdam’s cultural diversity, exquisite food (top-class hummus!) and vibrancy attract both amateurs of nightlife and families with kids 😉 The city is full of beautiful parks, and the sea is just a stone’s throw away! Thanks to its excellent public transport you can also go on an excursion to the beautiful Haarlem, which can serve as a perfect base camp for local trips. It might occasionally get a bit cold, but the local atmosphere will surely keep everyone warm!
San Sebastian
Basque Country is a Spanish region which is not as popular with tourists as the rest of the country – and that’s a BIG mistake 😉 The fascinating (if bloody) history of this part of Spain is worth getting to know. San Sebastian is a spectacular city, not just from a bird’s eye view. Located on the coast of the Bay of Biskay which goes deeply into the land, it is famous for its postcard-like view overlooking broad, sandy beaches and Santa Clara Island. The green surroundings and a fresh breeze are ideal for long walks or to simply stop and unwind. Since it is near the French border, you can also go for an excursion to Biarritz and surf like there is no tomorrow 😃 You should also try the local specialty, pintxos (a type of tapas). Served virtually all around the city, this snack can be enjoyed in any position, be it standing up and at a bar 🧡
Paris
Visiting Paris in fall has always been on my bucket list – I thought that it would be even more romantic then. And I was right! I fell in love with Paris in fall, when colder days make the city more enigmatic. It is the perfect time for enjoying a sweet breakfast with delicious coffee in the morning, or a glass of exquisite wine at night 🧡
The capital of France is friendlier for families with kids when it is less crowded, although the city is popular with tourists all year round. Its colors and air are a feast for senses, and it is still warm enough to relax on a bench or even on grass in a park 😉 All Parisian arrondissements are numbered, and I highly recommend No 4 – located by the Seine river, full of monuments such as the Notre-Dame, Sorbonne or the Pantheon. Its atmosphere captures the essence of Paris. It is a genuine melting pot of cultures, buzzing with diversity.
Switzerland
I have repeatedly admitted on my social media that I absolutely love the mountains in early fall, i.e. in September and October 🧡 Since Switzerland is a wonderful country at the very heart of Europe, I am obviously in heaven 😃 When it comes to travelling with kids, Switzerland is hard to beat in terms of infrastructure and trails adjusted to the needs of youngest globetrotters – especially in its lovely, colorful fall season. The Bernese Alps, the Glarus Alps, the beautiful emerald lakes, there is just so much to see! The valleys, gorges and mountain passes are simply wonderful in fall colors. A bird’s eye view of the Swiss nature will take your breath away! The great outdoors, familiarity, and delicious fondue at the end of an adventurous day – doesn’t it sound great? Visiting the Swiss Alps now is totally worth it, especially before the dull November and long skiing season.
Although so far fall has been good to us, a change of scenery is always a good idea – especially that none can tell how long the good weather spell will last 😉 Fortunately, the high summer season is already over. Now it is time to explore without crowds, stress, heat, and spending a fortune 😉 And let’s not forget that you can invest thus saved cash in more trips in the future! 😃 Let’s go!