Skip the summer travel rush, and save your vacation days for autumn. To celebrate our new book Where to Go When—which showcases the most amazing places in the world and the best time of year to visit them—we’re celebrating five of our favorite autumn voyages...

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Warm days coupled with fewer tourists makes fall (i.e. their Spring) an ideal time for soaking up the diversity and cultural depth of Buenos Aires. Argentina’s capital combines European style and sophistication with the South American gift of knowing how to have a good time.

Beijing, China

Old meets new in China’s charismatic capital city. Fall’s cooler temperatures are a welcome relief after the muggy heat of the summer months. Beijing’s burgeoning arts and dining scene is transforming this ancient city into a cosmopolitan metropolis. Explore its boundless history and culinary delights in the cool autumn weather.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is the best place to see Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations, from October 31 to November 2. This most Mexican of fiestas is a truly supernatural event where the dead are believed to return to earth to commune with their living relatives. The sight of a cemetery glittering with candles and buzzing with chatter, and the dancing that accompany these reunions, will stay with you.

Vietnam

With both captivating cities and time-forgotten countryside, Vietnam rewards exploration. Autumn generally means less rain, so travelers can enjoy the blend of mesmerizing sights, sounds, smells and tastes like no other. From the serene Mekong Delta to the chaotic, vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, to the terraced rice fields of northeast Vietnam, this Southeast Asian gem is a destination not to be missed this fall.

London, England

As summer draws to a close, London still promises endless thrills. Days are warm, parks are mellow, and the lively hum of busy pubs pours out onto sidewalks. Snack at Borough Market, London’s oldest and most atmospheric food market, lounge in Hyde Park, and soak up some culture at the city’s many museums and galleries.