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7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours
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Looking for the best destinations to travel in fall 2025? This season is perfect for exploring the world: mild temperatures, colourful landscapes, more affordable prices, and fewer tourists. From Japan to Italy, including Iceland and Quebec, here are 7 must-see destinations for your autumn travels.

Also discover how to use your travel credit cards and loyalty points to save and enjoy exclusive benefits.

Japan – The Magic of Red Maples

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - Asian woman wearing japanese traditional kimono in autumn park.

Japan is without a doubt one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the fall. From Kyoto’s temples surrounded by vibrant red leaves, to Tokyo’s parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, and the dazzling colours of the Japanese Alps, the country offers a truly unique spectacle. Travellers can enjoy hiking, cultural tours, relaxing in traditional onsen baths, and indulging in refined autumn cuisine.

For a hassle-free trip, Wingbuddy offers an all-inclusive package to discover Japan.

Italy – Harvests and the Sweetness of Life

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - Girl sitting on the grass with a beautiful view of Florence at the background

Italy in the fall charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere, pleasant weather, and vibrant vineyard landscapes. From Tuscany to Umbria and Piedmont, the grape harvest and food festivals attract travellers seeking authentic experiences. Rome, Florence, and Venice can be explored with fewer crowds, making the visit even more enjoyable.

For a hassle-free trip, Wingbuddy offers an all-inclusive package to discover Italy.

New England – America’s Most Beautiful Colours

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - church-4049838-1280

Autumn in New England is a true postcard. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine adorn themselves in flamboyant colours, with scenic routes like the Kancamagus Highway becoming truly spectacular in October. Activities range from road trips and apple picking to pumpkin festivals and coastal cruises.

Greece – Sun and Mediterranean Serenity

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - greece-6792046-1280

Fall is the perfect season to visit Greece. Athens, Santorini, and Crete offer mild temperatures, beaches that are still accessible, and a more relaxed atmosphere than in summer. Travellers can enjoy hiking in the Cyclades, exploring ancient sites, or savouring Greek cuisine without the usual crowds.

For a hassle-free trip, Wingbuddy offers an all-inclusive package to discover Greece.

Iceland – Northern Lights and Wild Landscapes

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - mountain-7369485-1280

Starting in September, Iceland becomes a prime destination for observing the Northern Lights. Volcanic landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and geothermal baths like the Blue Lagoon or the Sky Lagoon offer an extraordinary experience.

For a hassle-free trip, Wingbuddy offers an all-inclusive package to discover Iceland.

Spain – Culture, Gastronomy, and a Pleasant Climate

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - forest-6706559-1280

Travelling to Spain in the fall means enjoying mild weather and a more local atmosphere in cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. Travellers can explore the Sagrada Família, stroll through markets, savour tapas and paella without long lines, and attend cultural festivals.

For a hassle-free trip, Wingbuddy offers an all-inclusive package to discover Spain.

Quebec – Flamboyant Colours and Local Charm

7 Best Travel Destinations to Admire Fall Colours - fall-2744357-1280

Fall in Quebec offers an unforgettable experience with its spectacular scenery in the Laurentians, Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships, and Saguenay. Whether you’re hiking, exploring the wine route, or staying in a charming inn, this season is perfect for discovering the best of local culture and natural beauty.

How to Save Money When Travelling to These Destinations

To travel this autumn without blowing your budget, certain credit cards stand out.

National Bank World Elite Mastercard

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard offers one of the most comprehensive travel insurance coverages in Canada, ideal for travelling with peace of mind. In addition to its annual $150 credit for your travel expenses, it gives you unlimited and free access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau for you and your immediate family. Finally, its À la carte Rewards program allows you to redeem your points flexibly, whether for travel, purchases, or statement credits.

Exclusive
Annual fee
$0 $150
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$150
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueAnnual fee rebated$150Total$150Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
First Year Annual Fee Rebate
$150 annual fee rebated
Ends Nov 4, 2026
Apply Now

on National Bank's website

With Milesopedia, take advantage of an exclusive offer: your first-year annual fees are refunded with the National Bank World Elite Mastercard. This offer is exclusively available on the Milesopedia network, from June 30 to November 4, 2026.

  • Refund of the first-year annual fee (a $150 value) for the primary cardholder. This fee is charged to your new card account, then refunded as a credit on your statement within five months of opening your account, provided it remains open and in good standing.

The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is the best Mastercard credit card offered by NBC.

With this card, you earn up to 5 points per dollar on your purchases:

  • 5 points per dollar for groceries and restaurants
  • 2 points per dollar on gas and electric recharge purchases
  • 2 points per dollar on recurring bills
  • 2 points per dollar on À la carte Travel
  • 1 point per dollar for all other purchases

And since it’s an NBC mycredit Mastercard, you can use it at Costco.

With this card, you have access to a $150 annual travel credit that you can use in any of these categories:

  • Airport parking
  • Baggage fees
  • Seat selection
  • Access to airport lounges
  • Airline ticket upgrades

What’s more, you can enjoy access to DragonPass airport lounges and unlimited access to the National Bank Lounge at Montreal-Trudeau.

Finally, Milesopedia has named the National Bank World Elite Mastercard as the Best Travel Credit Card in 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Annual fee

Primary card$150
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$80,000
Household$150,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xRestaurants
  • 5xGroceries
  • 2xTravel
  • 2xBills & recurring payments
  • 2xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$778
2nd Year Value$923

Card benefits

Airport lounge access$400
Travel creditsIncluded

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $5,000,000 / 60 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $5,000,000 / 31 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $5,000,000 / 15 days
Trip CancellationUp to $2,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Travel AccidentIncluded

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+2 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 2 years
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card

The TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card now offers four complimentary DragonPass airport lounge accesses per year, valued at approximately $200. Its generous welcome bonus can save you hundreds of dollars on your next trip, and the annual fee is waived for the first year. Plus, you can keep the card with no annual fee in subsequent years by combining it with a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan.

Sponsored
Annual fee
$0 $139
No annual fee the first year
Our valuation
$939
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$800Annual fee rebated$139Total$939Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 160,000 points
+ First Year Annual Fee Rebate
Apply Now

on TD's website

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you can earn up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points as well as an Annual Fee rebate for the first year:

  • 20,000 TD Rewards Points for the first purchase made with your card
  • 140,000 TD Rewards Points when you spend $7,500 within 180 days of account opening
  • A Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points

Get an annual TD Travel Credit of $100 when you book at Expedia® For TD, and enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program (a value of up to $277).

With the TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card, you earn:

  • 8 TD Rewards Points for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD
  • 6 TD Rewards Points per dollar on your grocery, dining and public transit purchases
  • 4 TD Rewards Points per dollar on your recurring bill payments and purchases of streaming services as well as digital games and media
  • 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar on all other purchases made with your card

This card also allows you to enjoy a range of travel benefits, including an annual travel credit, complimentary airport lounge visits, and a birthday bonus that boosts your points each year.

Annual fee

Primary card$139
Additional card$50

Annual income required

Individual$60,000
Household$100,000

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 6xGroceries
  • 6xRestaurants
  • 6xTransit
  • 4xBills & recurring payments
  • 4xStreaming
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,430
2nd Year Value$531

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7
Airport lounge access$160

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $2,000,000 / 21 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $2,000,000 / 4 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $5,000
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $2,500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000
Auto Rental CollisionUp to $65,000 / 48 days

Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is perfect for your travels abroad thanks to its no foreign transaction fees, saving you 2.5% on every purchase. You’ll earn up to 6 Scene+ points per dollar on everyday purchases and enjoy comprehensive travel insurance, including up to 25 days of emergency medical coverage. Plus, you’ll benefit from exclusive perks like 24/7 concierge service and the flexibility to redeem your points with any travel provider.

Sponsored
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$500
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$500Total$500Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 50,000 points
Ends Nov 1, 2026
Apply Now

on Scotiabank's website

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card offers an excellent welcome bonus.

Until November 1, 2026, you can earn up to 50,000 bonus Scene+ points, broken down as follows:

  • 30,000 Scene+ points by charging $2,000 in purchases to the card within the first 3 months
  • 20,000 Scene+ points by making $7,500 in purchases on the card in the first year

This represents a value of up to $500 for travel (including Airbnb).

With the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card, you earn 6 points per dollar spent at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, Foodland, FreshCo, Voilà by Sobeys, Voilà par IGA, Voilà by Safeway, Chalo! grocery stores. FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, IGA West, Les Marchés Tradition, Rachelle Béry and Co-Op.

Also, you earn 5 points per dollar for:

  • Grocery stores
  • Restaurants
  • Entertainment centers

And 3 points per dollar on gas, transit and streaming services purchases.

You can redeem your points on travel purchases (flights, hotels, all-inclusive and even Airbnb). You can also use your points as cash back rewards with Scene+.

The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card also offers no foreign transaction fees, excellent insurance for your travel or purchases, concierge service, exclusive American Express benefits like the Front of the Line program.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$29

Annual income required

Individual$12,000
Household$12,000

Conversion fees

0%

Earning rate

  • 6xWith the partner brand
  • 5xGroceries
  • 5xEntertainment
  • 5xRestaurants
  • 3xStreaming
  • 3xTransit
  • 3xGas & EV
  • 1xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,460
2nd Year Value$461

Card benefits

Concierge service24/7

Travel insurance

Travel medical (under 55)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (55-64)Up to $1,000,000 / 25 days
Travel medical (65+)Up to $1,000,000 / 3 days
Trip CancellationUp to $1,500
Trip InterruptionUp to $1,500
Delayed BaggageUp to $1,000
Lost BaggageUp to $1,000
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $1,000
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Mobile DeviceUp to $1,000 / 1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $65,000 / 48 days

How to Prepare for Your Trip?

eSIM Card

With an international eSIM card, you stay connected anywhere in the world without incurring high roaming charges. It allows you to save money while easily accessing your essential apps, maps, and services when travelling. Practical and secure, it activates in just a few clicks and offers you the freedom to change providers according to your needs.

soNomad

Proper trip planning also means protecting yourself against unexpected medical emergencies, delays, or cancellations that can quickly blow your budget. While the insurance included with some credit cards may be limited or complicated, soNomad offers comprehensive and flexible coverage, including both medical and trip cancellation insurance. It’s easy and fast to purchase online without an intermediary, and their insurance is often more affordable, even for long stays, letting you travel with peace of mind and coverage tailored to your real needs.

Wingbuddy

With Wingbuddy, simplify your vacation planning with all-inclusive packages combining flights, accommodation, and activities, carefully planned for excellent value. The company stands out for its Canadian expertise, bilingual customer service, and its « Peace of Mind » policy, which protects your bookings in case of new travel restrictions. I Plus, Wingbuddy supports you with all your administrative steps, ensuring a smooth, safe trip with no unexpected surprises.

Saving on Accommodation

No matter the chosen destination, the choice of accommodation can significantly enrich your experience.

For an immersive stay, Airbnb offers typical apartments or homes, perfect for living like a local in Italy, Spain, or Greece. Read our complete guide to learn how to save on Airbnb with your points.

Travellers who prefer a more intimate touch can opt for small independent hotels, often located in historic centers or picturesque villages, offering unique charm and warm hospitality. Our guide to independent hotels will give you plenty of tips to save.

For those seeking comfort and consistent service, several Marriott hotels are available in these destinations, ensuring quality and modern amenities. You can also enjoy a free night with the annual certificate available to Marriott Bonvoy credit card holders.

Bottom Line

Travelling in the fall lets you enjoy pleasant temperatures, breathtaking scenery, and often more affordable prices. Whether you want to admire the red maples in Japan, experience the grape harvest in Italy, explore the vibrant colours of New England, or stay in Quebec to take in the local beauty, this season offers unique experiences around the world.

By using your credit cards and loyalty programs wisely, such as Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, Scene+, or American Express Membership Rewards, you can turn your dream trips into accessible getaways with exclusive perks and significant savings. Fall isn’t just a beautiful season for travel; it’s also the perfect time to maximize your points and enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Our featured card

Featured
Annual fee
$120
Our valuation
$990
Milesopedia first-year estimateFirst-year valueWelcome bonus$990Total$990Rewards on your spending are not included. The calculator that adds them from your own profile is on the card's page.
Welcome offer
Up to 110,000 points
Ends Sep 22, 2026
Apply Now

on American Express's website

Apply with confidence — no impact on your credit scoreApply with confidenceCheck whether your application will be approved before you submit it, with no impact on your credit score*When you apply for a personal American Express Credit Card, we will tell you whether you are eligible without affecting your credit score. So you can apply with confidence.*Instant decisions are only available for consumer Card applications (also called “personal Cards”).

The Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card is the best credit card in Canada for free hotel nights.

New Cardmembers can earn up to 110,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points with the current offer:

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first 6 months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 30,000 points by making a purchase during your 15th month of Cardmembership.

This offer ends on September 22, 2026. The annual fee is $120, and there is no annual fee on Additional Cards, so you can add a partner or a family member at no extra cost.

Every year after your first Card anniversary, you receive an Annual Free Night Award good for a redemption of up to 35,000 points at eligible hotels and resorts worldwide. At a valuation of 0.9 cents per Marriott Bonvoy point, that certificate is worth roughly $315, which on its own more than covers the $120 annual fee. That is the main reason to keep this Card year after year instead of cancelling it.

To get the most out of the certificate, aim it at a night that would otherwise price close to the 35,000 point ceiling.

The Card also gives you 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status. Those credits count toward the next Elite tier, so you begin every year 15 nights ahead of where you would otherwise start.

You move up to Gold Elite status automatically when you reach $30,000 in purchases on the Card in a year, or when you combine 10 qualifying paid nights within one calendar year with the 15 Elite Night Credits from your Card.

Marriott Bonvoy points are generally valued at 0.9 cents each. On that basis, the 110,000 point welcome offer is worth about $990, and an Annual Free Night Award used at its full 35,000 point ceiling is worth about $315.

Marriott Bonvoy points pull their weight on free nights rather than on gift cards or merchandise, which is why this Card should be judged on the hotel stays it produces.

You earn 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 2 points per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights with no blackout dates at more than 7,000 hotels around the world.

The Card carries a solid package of coverages: $500,000 travel accident insurance, flight delay, baggage delay, lost or stolen baggage and hotel or motel burglary at $500 each, car rental theft and damage up to $85,000 for rentals of up to 48 days, Purchase Protection for 90 days and a one year Extended Warranty.

Two things to plan around: the 2.5% foreign transaction fee on purchases made in a foreign currency, and the 21.99% purchase interest rate, which makes this a Card to pay in full every month. Like all American Express Canada Cards, no minimum income is published for this Card, and you can see whether you would be approved before you apply, with no impact on your credit score.

Annual fee

Primary card$120
Additional card$0

Annual income required

Individual$0
Household$0

Conversion fees

2.5%

Earning rate

  • 5xMarriott Bonvoy hotels
  • 2xAll spending

Value

1st Year Value$1,437
2nd Year Value$312

Travel insurance

Delayed BaggageUp to $500
Lost BaggageUp to $500
Flight DelayUp to $500
Hotel BurglaryUp to $500
Travel AccidentUp to $500,000

Purchase protection

Purchase ProtectionIncluded
Extended Warranty+1 years
Auto Rental Collision (primary)Up to $85,000 / 48 days

Our editorial integrity

Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.