As the warmth of summer fades and the crispness of fall takes hold, travelers who venture out during the shoulder season—the period between peak and off-peak times—are often rewarded with serene landscapes, comfortable weather, and lower prices.

October and November, in particular, offer a sweet spot for exploring some of the world’s most captivating destinations. Whether you're seeking vibrant autumnal hues, cultural festivals, or tranquil escapes, here are the top 10 destinations to consider for your shoulder season travels.

1. Kyoto, Japan

October and November in Kyoto are magical, with the city's ancient temples and gardens framed by stunning autumn foliage. The cooler temperatures make exploring historic sites, like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-Dera, a pleasant experience.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most revered Shinto shrines, known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind their way up Mount Inari. These gates create a mesmerizing pathway that leads visitors through tranquil forests, offering both a spiritual journey and a stunning visual experience. During the fall, the shrine’s surroundings are transformed as the maple trees lining the trails burst into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. The contrast between the vibrant foliage and the bright red torii gates is nothing short of breathtaking. Visitors often take their time hiking the trails, stopping to admire the views of Kyoto from various points along the way. The mystical atmosphere is heightened in the evening when the area is illuminated, adding a soft glow that enhances the beauty of the autumn colors.

Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another must-visit destination in Kyoto during the autumn months. Perched on the edge of a hill, this historic Buddhist temple offers panoramic views of the city, which become even more spectacular as the surrounding forested hillsides explode with color. The temple’s main hall, which is supported by towering wooden pillars, appears to float above the sea of autumn leaves, creating a scene that looks like something out of a painting. Kiyomizu-dera is particularly famous for its “stage,” a broad veranda extending from the main hall, where visitors can take in the sweeping views of the fiery foliage below. Like Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera is also illuminated in the evenings during the autumn season, casting a magical light over the temple’s iconic pagoda and surrounding gardens, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

2. Tuscany, Italy

Fall in Tuscany means harvest season. Vineyards are alive with activity as grapes are picked and transformed into wine. Travelers can indulge in wine-tasting tours, truffle hunting, and savoring freshly pressed olive oil. The countryside is painted in warm autumn hues, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and exploring charming medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano.

In the fall, Siena’s medieval architecture is bathed in the golden light of the season, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploration. The city is famous for its stunning Piazza del Campo, a vast, shell-shaped square that is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. Surrounded by ancient palazzi, the piazza is the heart of Siena, where locals and visitors alike gather to soak in the ambiance. Beyond the piazza, Siena’s narrow, winding streets lead to historic sites such as the Duomo di Siena, a magnificent cathedral known for its intricate facade and richly decorated interior. Fall is also a time when the city’s culinary traditions come to the forefront, with seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients like porcini mushrooms, chestnuts, and, of course, the famous Sienese sweets like panforte and ricciarelli.

Just a short drive from Siena lies San Gimignano, often referred to as the “Medieval Manhattan” due to its striking skyline of medieval towers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a quintessential Tuscan hill town, with its well-preserved towers and stone buildings evoking a sense of stepping back in time. In the fall, San Gimignano’s surroundings are particularly beautiful, with vineyards and olive groves providing a colorful patchwork of reds, oranges, and greens. The town itself is a joy to explore, with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and artisanal shops offering everything from locally produced saffron to hand-painted ceramics. Fall is also the season for truffle hunting, and the nearby woods are rich with this prized delicacy, which local guides help visitors find and savor.

3. Patagonia, Argentina & Chile

Springtime in the Southern Hemisphere, October and November, is ideal for visiting Patagonia. The region’s dramatic landscapes—glaciers, towering peaks, and pristine lakes—come alive with blooming wildflowers. The weather is mild, and the trails in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares National Parks are less crowded, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers.

Torres del Paine National Park, located in Chilean Patagonia, is one of the most iconic destinations in South America, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems. The park is named after its three granite towers, the Torres del Paine, which soar dramatically above the surrounding landscape. The weather during October and November is generally mild, with longer daylight hours, making it an ideal time for trekking. Along the way, hikers can spot wildlife such as guanacos, foxes, and, with a bit of luck, the elusive puma. The less crowded trails during this shoulder season allow for a more peaceful and intimate connection with nature, making the experience even more rewarding.

Los Glaciares National Park, located in Argentine Patagonia, is another must-visit destination in the region. The park is home to some of the most spectacular glaciers in the world, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, which is one of the few glaciers that is still advancing. Visiting in October and November means fewer tourists, allowing you to fully appreciate the sheer size and power of this natural wonder without the crowds. The glacier’s towering ice walls, which can reach up to 70 meters high, periodically calve with a thunderous roar, sending massive chunks of ice crashing into the turquoise waters below.

4. Santorini, Greece

While Santorini is a popular summer destination, visiting in October offers a quieter, more relaxed experience. The island’s iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches are just as stunning, and the Aegean Sea is still warm enough for swimming. Plus, you’ll enjoy fewer tourists at the famous sunset spots in Oia.

The Aegean Sea, which surrounds the Cycladic islands like Santorini, is one of the most beautiful and historically significant bodies of water in the world. In October, the sea remains inviting, with temperatures often hovering around a comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F). This warmth, coupled with the gentler pace of life on the island during the shoulder season, makes it an ideal time for swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach without the crowds that fill the shores during the summer months. The island’s beaches, known for their unique volcanic sands, offer a range of experiences, from the striking black sands of Perissa and Kamari beaches to the more secluded and rugged Red Beach.

5. New England, USA

New England in the fall is synonymous with vibrant foliage. States like Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine transform into a canvas of red, orange, and yellow. October is the peak of leaf-peeping season, and charming small towns, scenic byways, and cozy inns make it a perfect road trip destination.

Vermont is often considered the crown jewel of fall foliage destinations. The state’s rolling hills and pastoral landscapes are dotted with picturesque farms, covered bridges, and charming small towns that seem to belong to a bygone era. Stowe, a quintessential Vermont town, offers some of the most iconic fall views, with its white church steeple rising against a backdrop of fiery-colored mountains. The Green Mountain Byway, stretching from Stowe to Waterbury, is one of the most scenic drives in the state, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside ablaze with colour. Visitors can also enjoy apple picking at local orchards, sip freshly pressed cider, or hike the trails of Mount Mansfield to take in the stunning views from above.

Traveling during the shoulder season offers a unique opportunity to experience destinations at their most authentic. With fewer crowds, more reasonable prices, and beautiful weather, October and November are perfect months to explore these top 10 destinations. Whether you're drawn to the fiery fall foliage of New England, the vibrant culture of Kyoto, or the stunning landscapes of Patagonia, this shoulder season promises memorable adventures.