Japan

Japan is famed for not only it's cherry blossom season, but also it's breathtaking autumn leaves. The end of November is the peak time to experience the reds and oranges of Japan's autumnal foliage, however the country's transformation starts earlier than this especially in the North.

Hokkaido Japan's northernmost island, unveils the country's first autumn colours, beginning at Mount Asahi and spreads southward. The unique combination of trees here creates a mesmerizing blend of red, yellow, and green hues. The Tokyo area offers a number of places to take in this colourful natural show of colour, including the Nikko area and the Golden Ginkgo Avenue in Meijijingu Gaien, plus the beautiful Japanese gardens throughout the area. Home to Mount Fuji, the Chubu region is an amazing place to visit in the autumn. The Fuji Five Lakes area, including Lake Kawaguchi, is particularly renowned for its stunning foliage and in November it plays host to the Autumn Leaves Festival on its northern shores. 

There is of course so much more to explore in Japan during autumn and it's one we'd recommend planning your visit to in advance, to really make the most of your time there.

New England

Perhaps the most likely destination to spring to mind when you think of chasing those autumn colours is New England. With family run farms offering pick your own harvests, festivals and freshly pressed cider among some of the treats you'll find on your travels here, not to mention the glorious fall colours, it's easy to see why.

October is the best month to see an array of colours here, with the valleys either side of Mount Washington creating a spectacular show every year. Head to Montgomery, the 'Covered Bridge Capital of Vermont' for an off the beaten track autumn adventure, visit Stowe nicknamed 'Fall's Colour Capital' for plenty of active pursuits such as zip lining and biking and enjoy a road trip from here towards Mount Mansfield for a colourful scenic drive. New England's lakes region is spectacular at this time of year, as is the Kancamagus Highway which bursts with colour in fall. This 35 mile route takes you through the White Mountain National Forest. If you'd like to experience the area by rail, Mount Washington's Cog Railway is a spectacular way to take it all in.

If hiking is more your thing, head to the pretty town of Camden in Maine. This coastal gem offers a wealth of hiking trails for every ability. Then there's the Berkshires, a beautiful rural region in western Massachusetts which is a great place to visit for hiking, scenic drives, hot air balloon rides and the Hoosac Valley Train Rides. Wherever you choose to visit, New England is guaranteed to fulfil your autumn foliage fantasies.

Canada

Canada is one of those bucket list destinations you can visit year round and always find something to love and a reason to return. Autumn in Canada is a wonderful time to visit as the country erupts into a colourful display of every hue of yellow, orange and red.

One of the most magical ways to explore Canada in the autumn is onboard the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, taking you through 114 miles of unspoiled landscape dripping in autumnal foliage. Algonquin Provincial Park, easily accessible by car from Toronto, is a must see and popular with locals for it's spectacular autumn display of colours. Banff National Park is wonderful in the fall, particularly Larch Valley which is a fabulous hiking spot. Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Lake Agnes are simply stunning as the autumn colours reflect in their turquoise waters.

Surrounded by trees, Niagara Falls is another must see in autumn as the leaves turn a multitude of colours. Niagara Parkway offers an awe inspiring drive through the trees and you'll find that autumn is the perfect time to visit the nearby vineyards, of which there are many in the area. The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is the perfect place for a road trip as you take in the fall foliage ablaze with every colour of yellow, orange and red you can imagine. Another special spot for wine lovers is Kelowna, which features over 40 wineries alone and the region plays host to the Fall Okangan Wine Festival which celebrates the wine harvest.

Scotland

There's something for everyone in Scotland, from vast landscapes to history packed cities and adventure aplenty. There's a real sense of cosiness in Scotland at this time of year, as the colder weather and longer nights draw in and there's nothing quite like a hot toddy to warm up after a long day of exploring!

But where should you go? One of the best driving routes in the world, the North Coast 500 is a great place to start. This bucket list worthy adventure around the 516 mile route in the north should not be missed. You can hike sections of it, explore by camper or car or even on two wheels. Autumn is the best time for your road trip to avoid the snow in winter and crowds of the summer. Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest peak, is worth a visit in early autumn before the hike becomes too treacherous and you can hire a guide to take you up. The views are of course spectacular, made even more so when there's a huge array of colours to be seen as you admire the view from above.

Take to the Lochs on a kayak and experience the autumn foliage from the water, head to the Dark Skies regions in the Highlands to see the magical Northern Lights dance across the skies or visit the stunning Glen Affric, always beautiful, but even more so when transformed by a blanket of rusts, coppers and golds in autumn. And if you tire of the natural beauty of the place, why not head to Edinburgh for a spooky tour of the city as you explore its cobbled streets and alleyways learning of its colourful and varied history, with a few ghost stories thrown in for good measure.

Tempted by one of these amazing autumnal destinations? Find your personal travel agent who will expertly craft your perfect autumnal escape.