While I’ve spent the past week at a beach that pretty much matches the textbook definition of “paradise,” I’ve found myself totally craving cooler weather. Is that crazy?
Growing up in New England, fall was always such a magical time of year, with crisp air and woolen tights, apple picking, road trips through the countryside for no other reason than to admire the fall colors, and pumpkin everything. I mean, is there anything more lovely than the sound of freshly fallen leaves crunching beneath your feet? Some might say a baby’s laughter, but they’ve probably never experienced fall in New England.
Aside from some brief encounters with fall weather last year on the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan and at Juzhaigou National Park in China, I haven’t had a proper autumn in FIVE years! Next year, that’s going to have to change.
In the meantime, here are some photos from places I’ve been daydreaming about spending an October day.
Kamchatka, Russia
I’ve been a little obsessed lately with visiting Russia, and coming across this photo of Kamchatka on Pinterest did nothing to help that wanderlust! 
Kinkakuji, Japan
Kyoto’s Kinkakuji, or Golden Temple, is gorgeous year-round, but when I visited it in Fall 2010 I decided that it must just be one of the most beautiful sites in the world. 
Patagonia, Chile
I desperately want to see Patagonia, and while really I would love to visit in the spring or summer for the chance to combine it with a trip to Antarctica (at least in my dreams!), this photo from Will’s Blog has me seriously rethinking that plan! 
The Black Forest, Germany
I spent my last year of high school in the German Black Forest, and fall there was breathtaking. I remember bicycling to school along the Danube River on foggy autumn mornings and thinking that I had actually managed to find the most beautiful place in the world. 
Williamstown, Massachusetts
I can’t talk about fall without thinking about my alma mater. Williams College is nestled in the Purple Valley of the Berkshire Mountains, which might do the most colorful autumn I’ve ever seen. And yes, that link leads to the latest ranking report, because Eph pride woooo! 
Where would you love to spend an October day?
Megan says
kamchatka is my dream.
that’s all.
Silvia says
WHEN CAN WE GO?! ha
Marta Kulesza says
I have recently posted 20 of my favorite autumn photos from Patagonia. I have visited it 2 years ago exactly in the middle of fall and it was spectacular!!
Silvia says
That’s so amazing, and I am INCREDIBlY jealous!
Eva @ magellan & pan says
I love the picture of Patagonia! Now I really want to visit there. Though to experience fall you’d have to go there during our springtime 🙂
Silvia says
Haha that’s true! Which means if you’re lucky, you can experience two falls in one year, wooo!
Marie @Marie Away says
All of those photos are amazing, I’d love to visit either one! Fall is a beautiful time in my home in Newfoundland, Canada. Though, it is short and by this point winter is already closing in!
Silvia says
Yeah, it seems like winter is creeping in early this year! Meanwhile I’m in Thailand cranking up the air conditioning so I can enjoy I cup of hot chocolate, haha.
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam says
I’m not an autumn person, so I’m going for Thailand or somewhere sunny and warm. The photos of Chile and Japan are gorgeous – I’ve always wanted to visit those two places.
Silvia says
It is nice that Thailand is finally cooling down a bit now, though I still miss the pretty fall colors. I don’t know when I’m going to make it to South America, but the photo of Chile is making me so impatient to go!
Rebekah says
Where is new England are you from? I’m a native mainer and a firm believer that a New England fall is pure magic. I generally consider it a 3 month holiday. I have my heart set on going to Chile as well, pantagonia sounds amazing although none of your pictures look like bad places to visit
Silvia says
I’m from Massachusetts, wooo neighbors! Um true confession, it just took me three tries to spell Massachusetts right, haha. I guess I’ve been gone for too long! Totally agree that New England fall is like a holiday. I’m trying my best to ignore all the Halloween festivities that are happening at home this week, sigh.
Christie of The Butterfly Editions says
Chile and Antarctica – I’m totally with you on that one, what a dream! I’ve never heard of Kamchatka, but it looks perfect!
Silvia says
I would sooo love to go to Antarctica. I hope I can make it happen someday! I hadn’t heard of Kamchatka before either, but now I’m obsessed!
Justine says
It’s hilarious that you spent a week on beautiful Boracay and you’re yearning to spend time in a cooler climate. But I can totally relate! After spending day after day in humid and hot Jakarta, I honestly have to keep reminding myself that it’s October! It’s bizarre to be in a place that doesn’t have seasons. I would do anything to be in a place that required a jacket. And I would pretty much do anything to be somewhere with with snow. I would love to go snowboarding right now!
Silvia says
Right? Glad to hear I’m not the only one wishing I could wear a jacket, haha. I’m going to spend Christmas with my family in Norway this year and I’m already SO excited to go skiing! I just want to play in the snow the entire time I’m there.
Joella in Beijing says
I’d pick any one of those places for sure! We’ve had terrible pollution here lately but today was an a really beautiful Autumn day. SO I guess I’m quite happy here in Autumn (or a non-smoggy day…!) 🙂
Silvia says
I think I saw one non-smoggy day when I was in Beijing, but it was so gorgeous! I would love to see it in Autumn though. Really, I would just love to see any autumn right now, haha.
becky hutner says
Still waiting for fall to kick in here in Southern California! And while I’m not gonna complain about sun, sun & sun, I would definitely enjoy a chilly fall day in my native Toronto. I remember the days before Halloween being especially anticipatory and magical. Best fall gazing spots for anyone in the area:
http://www.blogto.com/city/2014/10/the_top_10_places_to_see_fall_foliage_in_toronto/
Silvia says
Toronto is SO pretty in the fall! I’m incredibly jealous of all the Halloween preparations going on now at home, so I’m trying to ignore Facebook as best I can this week, ha.
jennifer says
Autumn is my favorite because I love hoodie weather. I do not like the summer, but my job gives me summer Fridays which gives me the ability to take more time off using less vacation time.
I am dying to see Kamchatka.
Silvia says
Oooh summer Fridays are fun! But still I love autumn too. And I SO want to go to Kamchatka!
kami says
I loooove autumn, it’s my favourite time to travel, partly because everything is so damn beautiful with the colours! And each of the places you’ve mentioned is stunning, I’d love to visit them all! First would be Kamchatka though!
Silvia says
Kamchatka is my top pick as well! I think you, me, and Megan Starr might just have to organize a trip there someday 🙂
kami says
That would be so epic! I’m all in!
Silvia says
YES.
zof says
I might be a bit biased but I’d add Armenia to the list. Dilijan or anywhere in Lori region.
Silvia says
Oooh I definitely agree. Armenia in the spring was lovely, but I bet it’s amazing in the fall 🙂
Mary says
Very nice post and photos Silvia! I will join Zof and add Armenia to the list 🙂 Look how magical the fall is in Armenia:
http://on.fb.me/1zhjIYy
http://on.fb.me/10ViwOw
http://on.fb.me/1pMZJRs
http://on.fb.me/1swVgN7
Silvia says
It really is such a magical place!
Mary says
Really it is!