Traveler's Blog

Traveling is fun, but choosing where to go is as important as when you go. During the fall months of September, October, and November, specific perfect destinations experience changes in weather and cultural celebrations that make them less than ideal for a vacation. Taking a trip to some of these destinations during the fall can be a nightmare and even ruin your whole outlook on the destination.

The destinations on this list would typically be great during other months of the year but are not great for the fall. Here is a list of some of the destinations to avoid this fall.

Vermont, US

Vermont is a classic vacation destination, especially for its incredible scenery, breweries/wineries, and cultural attractions. However, Vermont is one of the worst places to vacation in the fall because it gets really packed and crowded. The car parks, hiking trails, and the best tourist attractions are always crowded and chaotic. Car parks are also often clogged, and, during this peak time, finding hotels and accommodations can be challenging. If you must travel to Vermont during the fall season, a good idea would be to make reservations about two months before you travel. 

The Maldives

Famous for its crystal blue waters, luscious beaches, and overwater bungalows, the Maldives is one of the most popular island destinations in the world. The country has two seasons, the dry season and the rainy/monsoon season. The monsoon season runs from May to November, which is why this place makes the list of destinations to avoid during the fall. During this season, rain falls heavily, and the dreary clouds make for an abysmal atmosphere that is not the expectation of your typical Maldives vacation.

Due to the bad weather, flight tickets and accommodations are notably cheaper during this period. However, the savings on these do not make up for the thunderstorms and heavy winds you may experience. Since the sun is not out, you cannot get the beautiful vacation pictures you expect from a Maldives trip. Also, the rain during this time makes it impossible to partake in water activities such as jet skiing, surfing, canoeing, and boating. A much better period to visit is between December and March, during the dry season when the sun shines most days.

Venice, Italy

Venice is an excellent location for vacation as it boasts gorgeous views, canals, and incredible buildings. Everyone has dreamed of exploring this Italian city, and it’s no wonder it receives up to 30 million visitors yearly. However, Venice is one of the places in Europe to avoid in the fall. 

As a city of canals, Venice receives a lot of floods between late September and April, with the worst months being October, November, and December. This high water season can hamper your sightseeing and vacation. The best time to go to Venice to get the best experience is during summer. Summer in Venice is very warm, has a lot of tourists, and makes a perfect time to enjoy the city of canals. You’d also enjoy the atmospheric streets, the endless festivals/carnivals, and the gondola rides. 

India

India is a great location and one of the most inexpensive destinations for a vacation. This Asian country boasts secluded islands, incredible cuisine, and a lot of adventure activities. But visiting in autumn to experience all of these isn’t a good idea because India happens to be one of the worst places to vacation in the fall. 

India experiences monsoons in the summer months and sometimes extends to fall. There are also reports about the monsoons being far from average and disrupting activities, including those on your travel itineraries. If you want an Indian vacation, you can consider waiting till winter when the weather is cool and more comfortable. 

Caribbean

The impulse to travel to the Caribbean in fall is a common idea, mainly because it is the off-season and the time you get the best prices. It sounds like a fun idea to enjoy off-season prices and have the beaches to yourself, but the risk of odd showers may interfere with your travel itinerary. 

Going to the Caribbean in the fall is not a good idea because it happens to be the Atlantic hurricane season characterized with heavy downpours and showers. The hurricane season runs from June to November, with the peak time being mid-September. Meanwhile, some islands like Aruba and Barbados fall outside the storm zone, so if you crave a Caribbean vacation, you can consider limiting your tour to those locations. Or, you could go around January to April when the weather is cooler and perfect. 

West Malaysia

The decreased flights and hotel prices make fall an attractive time to visit Malaysia, but that may not be the best time to make travel plans here. Monsoon strikes in Malaysia between November and February, so it’s best to avoid this destination during this period. The rains are usually very heavy and can disrupt many fun tourist activities like boat crossings and swimming. Also, many resorts close up during this period due to the weather. 

The best time to visit Malaysia is from May to July or December to February. December is often the best because the country will be preparing for Christmas and New Year, and it is such a delight to witness the brightly colored streets and the festivity in the air. 

Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka has idyllic beaches, forested national parks, friendly locals, and rich Buddhist culture, it’s best to go anytime else but fall. 

South Asian Island has two monsoon seasons: one between May and September and from October to January. Monsoon rainfall in Sri Lanka is usually sporadic, so you will experience short but sharp downpours at regular intervals. 

Going during this period means you have a very wet and almost unenjoyable vacation, so it’s best to go in the dry seasons. Also, the water current gets strong during this period and may be unsafe if you have plans to be near or on the waters. Although traveling to Sri Lanka in the fall comes with rewards like reduced crowds and cheaper hotel rates, it’s not worth the inconvenience of the monsoon. 

When making travel plans, be sure to consider not only the destination but the weather conditions and cultural activities that may be happening during the time of your trip. Doing a bit of research beforehand can significantly impact your vacation. This will allow you to make the most of your vacation and have an enjoyable experience.