Best Travel Destinations Fall 2017

You're going to need somewhere to lay low after a night out in Barcelona, and our solution is crossing the border into Spain's more low-key neighbor. Once you've taken in Lisbon's terra-cotta tiles and flaky egg tarts, head to Portugal's southernmost region to relax on the Algarve's pristine, breathtaking coastline. While some stretches have become more developed, old villages such as Tavira, with its cobbled alleyways, provide a snapshot into the country's rich history.

Iceland might have been the It destination stealing the cover of every travel magazine recently, but it's this cluster of 18 remote islands that should really be in the spotlight. The sparsely populated archipelago (the largest town, Tórshavn, hovers at just around 13,000 locals) sits halfway between Norway and Iceland, and while less expensive fall itineraries can be matched with challenging weather, it's this dramatic climate that makes every view look like a Nat Geo cover photo. Think of the Faroe Islands as your real-life version of The Lord of the Rings—that is, until you board a helicopter taxi to hop to the next island.  

More tourists are crossing their way into Croatia, but Slovenia still remains a relatively untouched eastern European haven, having recently been on people's minds thanks to chef Ana Roš's appearance on Chef's Table (and, er, another famous figure). But there's more to explore outside Michelin-worthy, canal-side restaurants. More than 10,000 cultural events take place on the cobblestoned streets each year, while a large population of university students ensures you'll encounter plenty of locals (and plenty of nighttime activities). 

After you get your visit to the canal out of the way, immerse yourself in this sprawling, cosmopolitan labyrinth. Once you make it through the traffic jams, you can find quieter pockets of the city's past, including Casco Viejo, or the Old Quarter, while lush rain forests are less than a day trip away. Being a major trading hub also means many local capitalinos speak English; more importantly, it also means the U.S. dollar is widely accepted as a form of currency. 

It's easy to forget that you don't have to be in Europe to experience the Mediterranean, which is why visitors the world over have been rediscovering this North African country and its storied capital. While Tunis has become more urbanized over time, beyond the tourist-friendly cafés and wide boulevards lies the ancient city's medina, a maze of winding lanes dotted with ornate mosques, stunning palaces and stalls selling everything under the Tunisian sun.  

Check out the rest of our Fall Preview to get dialed in to the best new hotels, bars, cookbooks and more.