As a freelance travel writer, I know how annoying it can be to plan a dream trip only to realize hundreds (or thousands) of other people had the exact same idea as you.
I’ve been hunting for the best ways to avoid crowds, and fall has proven to be an opportune window. It’s sometimes referred to as the “shoulder” season between peak summer travel and offseason winter trips, and it can be a more affordable and largely quiet time to travel.
Whether you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path outdoorsy locales, chilled-out spots to see fall foliage, or sun-dappled destinations without hordes of tourists, here are my top picks.