With so much summer sunshine being enjoyed, the cooler autumn months quite rightfully feel a long way off.
But the canny traveller always keeps a watchful eye on the horizon and for those who wish to plan ahead – and add perhaps even more sunny days to their personal calendar – here’s a selection of ideas for your next adventure.
Ha Giang, Vietnam
In the extreme north of Vietnam, Ha Giang is the country’s most remote and mountainous province. A mix of limestone outcrops and dramatic gorges interspersed by rice fields and orchards, the scenery ranks among the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. With high visibility and less rainfall, November and December are ideal months to cherish the views.
Village markets provide the best opportunities to meet Ha Giang’s ever-welcoming ethnic minority people – dressed in their splendid attire – and to shop for vividly patterned, handwoven textiles which are a local specialty.
Contact us for tailor-made itineraries
Hiking in Japan
Japan is an exceptional destination for hikers in the autumn months, offering an incredible variety of landscapes — from ancient pilgrimage trails to volcanic peaks and lush subtropical forests.
Here’s a selection of the best hikes in the Land of the Rising Sun:
Kumano Kodo, Wakayama
Follow in the footsteps of emperors and pilgrims on the Kumano Kodo, a sacred network of trails leading to the grand shrines of Kumano. This UNESCO-listed pilgrimage route takes you through serene forests, picturesque villages, and along tranquil mountain paths.
Kirishima National Park, Kyushu
Renowned for its volcanic terrain and stunning crater lakes, Kirishima provides varied and scenic trails. The Ebino Plateau and the Takachihonomine summit offer spectacular viewpoints of Kyushu’s rugged landscapes.
Yakushima Island, Kagoshima
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Yakushima Island is home to towering, thousand-year-old cedar trees and mystical moss-covered forests. This subtropical island offers breathtaking hikes such as the trek to Jomon Sugi, one of Japan’s oldest trees.
Mount Fuji, Central Honshu
Hiking up iconic Mount Fuji is an unforgettable experience. The ascent is best done during the official climbing season (July to September), with breathtaking sunrise views awaiting those who reach the summit.
Ready to lace up your hiking boots and explore Japan’s natural wonders? Get in touch with us to plan your trip.
Grand Tour of the Azores
Set adrift in the Atlantic, the Azores promise a wild and wonderful island escape. On this in-depth tour of five Azorean islands, you can hike crater lakes, spot whales in coastal waters, soak in hot springs, and savour local wines. September and October are the best months of the year to visit with pleasant temperatures for walking and whale-watching.
15-day tour from £3,185 including flights
Undiscovered South Atlantic
The remote outpost of Saint Helena offers a rare opportunity to step back in time and discover how the infamous dictator Napoleon Bonaparte spent his final years in exile. Rich in history and natural beauty, Saint Helena is a small island packed with dramatic landscapes and fascinating heritage.
Engage with the friendly local community, enjoy freshly caught fish for dinner, and take in the breath-taking scenery that surrounds you. A perfect tour for those seeking a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure, Saint Helena is one of the world’s most isolated and rewarding destinations.
8-day tour from £3490 excluding flights
The Kingdom of Eswatini
Explore the captivating landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) on this immersive 12-day journey.
Begin with guided walks in Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can observe wildlife such as wildebeest, impala, and zebra on foot. Experience traditional Swazi culture through visits to local villages, witnessing vibrant dances and harmonised singing. Delve into the arts and crafts scene at Gone Rural and Swazi Candles, and hike to Eswatini’s highest waterfall in Malolotja Nature Reserve.
Enjoy thrilling safaris in Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve, home to lions and rhinos.
This tour offers a perfect blend of wildlife, culture, and scenic beauty in one of Africa’s most welcoming kingdoms. October is a perfect time to visit.
12-day tour from £2995 excluding flights
China’s ancient towns and villages
China’s ancient towns and villages are captivating windows into the past, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich heritage away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities.
One of the most famous of these ancient towns is Lijiang in Yunnan Province. Nestled at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its intricate wooden architecture and maze-like cobblestone streets. It is also just a few hours’ drive from the impressive walled town of Dali, the medieval capital of the Bai kingdom, and the picturesque ancient village of Shaxi.
Pingyyao in Shanxi Province is another must-visit ancient town which is renowned for its remarkably preserved city walls and buildings that date from the Ming and Qing dynasties. For those seeking a more rural experience, Hongcun and Xidi villages in Anhui Province are great places to explore. Hongcun is the very image of picturesque ancient China and was used as a film location for Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Meanwhile, Xidi Village has a history of over 900 years, with construction beginning in the Song Dynasty, and is a firm favourite with local painters and photographers.
Also in the east of the country, the ancient water towns of Tongli, Luzhi and Zhouxhang (known as the ‘Venice of the East’) are famous for their networks of canals, stone bridges, classical gardens and for offering a romantic atmosphere where visitors can enjoy boat rides, try local delicacies, and explore well-preserved mansions.
If you are inspired to visit China’s ancient towns and villages please get in touch and we can create for you a fully tailored China itinerary.
And finally …
Looking 12 months further ahead – it’s always important to book a whole year in advance to get availability at the very best bear-viewing lodges in Western Canada.
Here are a sample of our favourite lodges:
Knight Inlet Lodge
Accessed by floatplane, your adventure starts before reaching this Indigenous-owned lodge which is in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. Spend your days viewing the magnificent wildlife and your nights in comfortable accommodation in the most spectacular natural environment surrounded by ancient forests and snow-capped mountains. Open until mid-October with viewing by boat until early autumn and then from platforms watching bears feasting on salmon.
Farewell Harbour Lodge
Reached by boat from Alder Bay, this family-owned lodge sits in a sheltered inlet on the southern edge of the Great Bear Rainforest. With its proximity to the grizzly bears of Knight Inlet and the orcas of Johnstone Strait the lodge is blessed with some of nature’s most charismatic wildlife, and you’ll enjoy full day excursions by boat.
Klahoose Wilderness Resort
Sitting on the remote shores and calm waters of Homfray Channel on Desolation Sound this Indigenous-owned, all-inclusive eco-resort is only accessible by water. The resort offers immersive exploration into a pristine region rich in wildlife including grizzly bear viewing tours in the Toba Inlet.
Book early to guarantee lodge availability – 2026 dates are already on sale
Happy travelling!