Seeking inspiration for your autumn getaway? The region specialists from Scott Dunn offer expert insights on the season’s most enchanting destinations—including one where autumn is still months away, allowing fastidious travellers plenty of time to plan ahead
Put down your hefty travel guides (does anyone still carry those?) and step away from your screens. When it comes to planning the perfect autumn getaway, nothing beats first-hand insights from the most well-heeled experts. For your upcoming autumn vacation, we pick the brains of the region travel experts from award-winning luxury travel tour operator, Scott Dunn, who will clue you in to the most inspired and unforgettable experiences anywhere in the world.
The only thing you need to do is to decide on your next destination.
Tuscany | Europe specialist, Geraleine Yap
“Tuscany is incredibly appealing in autumn, boasting stunning and vivid landscapes that turn into shades of red, orange and yellow. The Wine Harvest is one of the highlights during this period, so pencil in a wine tour at the top of your list. During these tours, you’ll get directly involved in the process of winemaking while sampling rare wines with the owners of some of the highest-rated vineyards in the region. Truffles are also in season during this time. I’d recommend doing a truffle hunt, complete with a cooking class right after.”
Sri Lanka | Asia specialist, Leonard Mok
“Wildlife and nature lovers will never get enough of Sri Lanka. The island has 22 national parks, each teeming with wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears and so much more. Sri Lanka is also considered to be one of the best places in the world to see blue whales up close. To catch a glimpse of the whales, travel to the edge of the continental shelf with your dedicated butler, who will guide you to private beaches and pristine snorkelling areas before preparing a picnic lunch with champagne and canapes at sunset. For a leisurely interlude, the serene waters of Mawella Lagoon provide an ideal setting for sunrise or sunset canapes aboard a floating lounge.”
Provence | Europe and ski specialist, Ying Ying Koo
“Provence is tinted in red and gold in autumn, boasting golden grape vines and cherry orchards in full bloom. You must tour the beautiful Luberon villages. These rural landscapes boast some of Provence’s most charming, unspoilt tourist destinations. We’ll arrange for your driver-guide to pick you up at your hotel in the morning before introducing you to the charming alleys and atmosphere of a typical Provençal village, from the honey-coloured buildings of Bonnieux to the picturesque hilltop village of Gordes. Before leaving Provence, you’ll want to embark on a private catamaran cruise to Calanques National Park, where you’ll revel in the region’s intimate beauty while savouring gourmet dishes on board.”
Bhutan | Asia specialist, Lucien Lau
“Autumn is festival season in Bhutan, with the Thimphu Tsechu and Jambay Lhakhang Drup being the most notable. There’s also the annual Black Crane Festival on 11 November which welcomes the migratory black-necked cranes. With clear skies and moderate temperatures, autumn presents the perfect time to trek the country’s stunning landscapes. You can partake in bespoke trekking expeditions, which include The Tiger’s Nest hike for stunning views and spiritual experiences. Besides exclusive, private guided tours of Bhutan’s cultural sites, we’ll arrange for luxury stays in high-end resorts and personalised wellness retreats. For a more unique experience, however, visit the remote Haa Valley, which offers stunning landscapes and a glimpse into traditional Bhutanese life.”
Patagonia | Latin America specialist, Odele Seah
“Vivid red, orange and yellow contrast with snow-capped peaks when you visit Patagonia in autumn. Make sure to visit the world-famous Torres del Paine National Park, renowned for its majestic mountain peaks, turquoise lakes and stunning glaciers. Nature lovers should also visit Los Huemules Reserve in El Chalten, a private reserve that offers guided treks where you’ll get up close with native wildlife such as the endangered Andean deer. With fewer crowds in this period, it’s also a good time to fish. Opt for private fly fishing excursions which will have you going from one premium spot to the next, or charter a yacht to explore the region’s many fjords.”
South Africa | Africa specialist, Gwen Ho
“South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so it experiences autumn from March to May. This period is perfect for wildlife lovers seeking to see wild lions, leopards and elephants. I recommend the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province as a superb, off-the-beaten path destination. The KZN reserves are biodiversity hotspots, made up of various savannah, grasslands, bushveld, coastal forest and wetlands ecosystems that support a huge array of wildlife and bird species, many of which are endemic. These reserves also boast a higher frequency of cheetah and rhino sightings. For personalised wildlife experiences, you can join a pangolin shepherd in Manyoni and witness firsthand how these animals are being released back into the wild.”
This story first appeared in the October 2024 issue. Purchase it as a print or digital copy, or consider subscribing to us here
