120+ Fall Bucket List Ideas Around the World (with Printable)

The Bucket List Mermaid contains affiliate links from trusted travel partners. When you purchase through a link on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. See the Disclaimer Policy for more information.

Autumn is a time of transformation; as nature dons its color palette of fiery reds and rustic golds, the world becomes a canvas for adventure. This brings the necessity for a Fall Bucket List!

For the intrepid traveler, fall offers a unique window of time to experience remarkable destinations in ways that only this season can afford. 

From the vibrant fall foliage to the incredible festivals that celebrate the harvest, autumn is an unparalleled season to fulfill your wanderlust. 

Here’s a comprehensive list of over 100 travel activities around the globe that promise an unforgettable autumn adventure.

This, of course, includes all of the must-see destinations around the world that display those iconic yellow, orange, and red hues on the trees!

Just for ease, I consider “autumn” to encompass the months of September to November.

There are going to be a handful of links within this traditional bucket list that will lead you to tour ideas that you can book. Don’t forget to share this epic travel list with your travel buddy for your autumn adventures!

North America

As fall unfurls its golden carpet across North America, the region becomes a mosaic of spectacular hues and experiences. 

This is the season when the landscapes gracefully transition into a spectacular array of oranges, yellows, and reds, particularly in the Northeast’s famed foliage destinations like Vermont and New Hampshire. 

Apart from the visual feast, the cooler temperatures provide a perfect environment for enjoying outdoor activities without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill. 

The harvest season also brings an abundance of local food festivals, apple-picking opportunities, and wine tastings. 

For all these reasons, fall in North America is a wonderful time for explorers seeking both natural beauty and cultural festivities.

North America Fall Bucket List

1. Witness the fall foliage in New England.
2. Explore the wineries during harvest season in Napa Valley.
3. Hike Maroon Bells in Colorado for stunning mountain views and yellow aspen trees.
4. Attend the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
5. Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina.
6. Experience the pumpkin festival in Half Moon Bay.
7. Sandboard on the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
8. Go on an ATV tour through Denali National Park, Alaska.
9. Be a spectator at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
10. Explore the Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.
11. Enjoy the autumn harvest at a midwestern apple orchard.
12. Cruise on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Pocono Mountains.
13. Hike Multnomah Falls in Organ for a view of the colored trees.
14. Celebrate Halloween by going on a ghost tour in Louisiana.
15. Hike to the highlands of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
16. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the fall colors of Central Park in New York.
17. Participate in the cranberry harvest in Massachusetts.
18. Beat a corn maze in New England.
19. Behold Montmorency Falls with its Autumn colors. 
20. Take in Lake Superior and the colors in Michigan.
21. Visit Sleepy Hollow or Salem, Massachusetts for Halloween.
22. Admire the Northern Lights from a cruise in Alaska.
23. Explore Acadia National Park, USA.
24. Hike through the fall foliage in Vermont and try some maple syrup.
25. See the natural sights of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
26. Stroll through the charming pumpkin patches of Ohio.
27. Take part in the unique Pacific Northwest Salmon Run in Washington.
28. Experience the Day of the Dead celebrations in San Antonio, Texas.
29. Go apple picking and enjoy fall activities in Julian, California.

Europe

Autumn in Europe is a tapestry of autumn hues and golden afternoons. This time of year is when the continent’s already rich history and cultural landscape are enhanced by its seasonal transformation. 

One of my favorite things to witness is the various castles that are enveloped in those iconic fall colors!

The cooler temperatures make exploring the ancient cities and picturesque countryside more comfortable. 

Moreover, the harvest season in Europe provides a culinary parade, showcasing the best of local produce at numerous food festivals. 

With fewer tourists compared to the summer months, visitors can experience a more authentic and leisurely exploration of Europe’s treasured sites. 

And, after living here for years, this is my favorite time to travel to Europe!

Europe Fall Bucket List

1. Witness the fall colors and “mirror lakes”  in the Lake District, England.
2. Enjoy the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.
3. Take a gondola ride through the Venetian canals in the off-season.
4. Hunt for truffles in the Piedmont region of Italy.
5. Experience the London Jazz Festival in the United Kingdom.
6. Witness the olive harvest in the Tuscan hills of Italy.
7. Relax in the thermal baths of Budapest, Hungary.
8. Eat black forest cake in Bavaria, Germany.
9. Take photos at Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow with the fall trees.
10. Attend the La Mercè Festival in Barcelona, Spain.
11. See Neuschwanstein Castle bathe in orange and yellow.
12. Bask in the orange hues of Lavaux Vineyards in Switzerland.
13. Taste fresh pastries during Paris’ autumn season, France.
14. See Bran Castle enveloped in fall colors in Romania.
15. Hike through the fall colors of Piatra Craiului National Park in Romania.
16. Visit the Acropolis without the summer crowds in Athens, Greece.
17. Embark on a scenic hike to witness the changing leaves in the Scottish Highlands.
18. Explore the fall landscapes and vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal.
19. Revel in the autumnal flavors at the Chocolate Festival in Perugia, Italy.
20. Attend the Alba White Truffle Festival in Italy, celebrating one of the season’s most coveted delicacies.

Asia

Autumn in Asia ushers in a season of serene beauty and cultural festivities, making it an ideal time to explore this diverse continent. 

With the summer heat starting to ease up, visitors are likely to witness a blend of natural wonders, from the golden hues of the ginkgo trees to the dramatic landscapes rich in fall foliage. 

This is also a season ripe with traditional harvest festivals and events, offering travelers a glimpse into the cultural heart of Asian societies and an opportunity to partake in time-honored customs.

Asia Fall Bucket List

1. Attend the Diwali Festival of Lights in India.
2. Enjoy the autumn foliage in Kyoto, Japan from a traditional tea house.
3. Hike the Great Wall of China with fewer tourists.
4. Participate in the Chuseok harvest festival in South Korea.
5. Experience the Lantern Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
6. Paraglide in Pokhara, Nepal.
7. Visit Charyn Canyon or Big Almaty Lake in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
8. See the Autumn foliage from Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea.
9. Witness the multi-colored and mirror lakes in Jiuzhaigou Valley.
10. Attend the mid-Autumn festival in Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.
11. Marvel at the golden hues of Ginkgo Avenue in Tokyo, Japan.
12. Indulge in the flavors of the Mid-Autumn Festival in Hong Kong.
13. Experience camel trekking in the cooler Mongolian desert. 
14. Attend the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, India.
15. Witness the red-crowned cranes of Hokkaido, Japan in their natural habitat.
16. Sail along Ha Long Bay in Vietnam to see the towering limestone islands.

Central and South America

As the Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the sun, Central and South America embraces a time of profound transformation and beauty. 

During the fall months, from September to November, this vibrant region comes alive with spectacular natural displays and an array of cultural celebrations. 

It is important to note that some bucket list ideas listed below are from destinations in the southern hemisphere.

Remember that the seasons are flipped here! Therefore, you can witness some Spring phenomena during this time! 

This period marks a particularly enticing time to travel, as the cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall contribute to more comfortable exploration. At the same time, the dwindling tourist crowds grant a more authentic, unencumbered experience.

Central and South America Fall Bucket List

1. Witness the vibrant Día de Muertos celebrations in Mexico City, Mexico.
2. Watch the migration of the monarch butterflies in Angangueo, Mexico.
3. Explore the Atacama Desert in Chile to see the rare bloom of desert flowers.
4. Stroll through the beautiful foliage of Buenos Aires’ parks in Argentina.
5. Visit the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru with fewer crowds.
6. Appreciate the bud break in the wine season in Mendoza, Argentina.
7. Celebrate All Saint’s Day with colorful kites in Sumpango, Guatemala.
8. Discover the lush Amazon rainforest in Brazil.
9. Enjoy the whale watching season off the coast of Ecuador in early autumn.
10. Trek the Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile, in its spring bloom.
11. Attend the International Film Festival in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
12. Soak in the thermal baths of Papallacta, Ecuador amidst the Andean mountains.
13. Revel in the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes, where giant kites fill the skies of Santiago Sacatepequez, Guatemala.
14. Embark on a bird-watching journey in the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Africa

As the Northern Hemisphere welcomes autumn, Africa’s diverse landscapes prepare for a time of dramatic change and spectacle from September to November. The weather is dry and warm, making it a perfect time to go on desert safaris.

This season beckons travelers to witness the breathtaking wildlife migrations, especially in East Africa, where the Great Migration spellbinds with its parade of wildebeest and zebras. 

In southern Africa, Spring is in full bloom during this time. 

The receding water levels of the iconic Okavango Delta reveal new landscapes, making it an ideal period for game viewing as animals congregate around waterholes. 

Venturing to Africa during this period offers a symphony of natural events that are both rare and riveting.

Africa Fall Bucket List

1. See the Big 5 in the Serengeti, Tanzania.
2. Marvel at the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert in Morocco as temperatures become milder.
3. Go on a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara, Kenya, in the cooler morning air.
4. Attend the Mombasa Carnival in Kenya, showcasing vibrant cultural parades and performances.
5. Hike up to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
6. Experience the tranquil beauty and the birds of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.
7. Visit the ancient pyramids of Giza in Egypt without the summer crowds and heat.
8. Relax on Seychelles’ beaches when the trade winds shift, bringing calmer seas.
9. Take a scenic drive to see the jacaranda trees in bloom in Pretoria, South Africa.
10. Join the Festival Kreol, a celebration of Creole culture in Seychelles, filled with music and dance.
11. Experience the Bat Migration in Kasanka National Park, Zambia.
12. Walk through the colorful streets of Chefchaouen in Morocco as the weather cools.
13. Observe the humpback whale migration along the coast of Madagascar.
14. Dive with the whale sharks off the coast of Djibouti, a lesser-known gem during the fall season in late fall.
15. Watch the epic battle of survival at the Chobe River, Botswana, as animals gather for water.
16. Discover ancient rock art amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Tassili n’Ajjer in Algeria.
17. Enjoy the blooms of wildflowers carpeting the Namaqualand, South Africa.

Middle East

As the blazing heat of summer subsides, fall breathes a refreshing coolness into the Middle East from September to November. 

This transition ushers in an ideal period to explore the region’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. 

Travelers can wander through ancient markets, marvel at the architectural wonders that have withstood the sands of time, and enjoy the outdoors without the intense summer heat or the intense crowds. 

The reduced temperatures also facilitate the perfect environment for the dates harvest, a significant cultural and economic event in many Middle Eastern countries. 

During this season, the lure of cooler climes, clearer skies, and the commencement of numerous cultural festivals make the Middle East an enchanting destination to discover during fall.

Middle East Fall Bucket List

1. Wander the historical ruins of Petra in Jordan, enjoying the cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.
2. Experience the olive harvest season and partake in olive oil tastings in Palestine.
3. Attend the Al Dhafra Camel Festival in the United Arab Emirates.
4. Witness the breathtaking change of seasons in the Valley of Jezreel in Israel.
5. Soak in the Dead Sea as fall brings milder sun and pleasant weather.
6. Explore the ancient city of Byblos in Lebanon, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
7. Taste freshly picked dates from the date palm gardens in Oman’s Nizwa date market.
8. Venture into the Empty Quarter in the Arabian Peninsula for stargazing as the nights grow longer and clearer.
9. Take in the stunning fall foliage in the mountainous regions of Kurdistan.
10. See the Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey.
11. Bask in the cooler nights at an outdoor café in Beirut, Lebanon.
12. Take a serene desert trek on horseback in Wadi Rum, Jordan.
13. Immerse yourself in the Al Dhafra Festival in the Abu Dhabi.
14. Experience the thrill of a quad bike safari across the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

Oceania

As we turn our gaze to Oceania, fall, spanning from September to November, is actually spring because it is in the Southern Hemisphere.

The temperate weather provides an ideal time to participate in outdoor activities without the summer’s peak temperatures or the tourist crowds, making it an opportune moment to immerse oneself in the region’s diverse natural beauty and unique cultural experiences.

I visited Fiji, Australia, and New Zealand in the fall and cannot recommend this season enough! 

Oceania Fall Bucket LIst

1. Witness the captivating Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, in Tasmania during the spring equinox. 
2. Take a cruise on the Milford Sound in New Zealand.
3. Explore the vineyards of Australia’s Yarra Valley during the harvest season and enjoy the rich palette of fall colors in the leaves.
4. Savor the tranquility of early morning hot air balloon flights over the ancient landscape of Alice Springs.
5. Sail around the clear waters of Fiji.
6. Spot the humpback whale migration along the coasts of Sydney, Australia.
7. Trek the trails of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia.
8. Sail through the serene waters of Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand in early fall.
9. Enjoy a culinary journey in Margaret River in Western Australia.
10. Experience the peacefulness of fall in Samoa with a fiafia night, where traditional dancing, music, and feasting take center stage.
11. Try to spot large marine mammals in the Great Barrier Reef.
12. Relax in the hot springs of Hanmer Springs in New Zealand with the backdrop of colorful deciduous trees.
13. Attend the Royal Hobart Show in Tasmania, a showcase of local agriculture and livestock.
14. Experience the enchanting Uluru at sunset in Australia’s Northern Territory.
15. Discover the vivid street art and cultural renaissance in Melbourne’s laneways.
16. Witness the stars like never before at Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Conclusion for your Fall Bucket List

As the world transitions into the vibrant tapestry of autumn, this curated fall bucket list offers experiences that capture the essence of the season from across the globe. 

There are many amazing bucket list activities to choose from, with each corner of the world offering a unique twist on this beautiful time of year.

Fall brings an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the changing rhythms of nature. It is one of my favorite times of year and is brimming with travel possibilities!

Embrace these moments and ensure that your fall adventures are as enriching as the season’s colorful leaves. Happy bucketlisting!

More Fall Bucket Lists

This is a giant list of everything bucket list worthy in autumn. If you are looking for specific month bucket lists, you can go even more in-depth with your adventures!

More Travel Resources