Readers like you keep news free for everyone.
More than 5,000 readers have already pitched in to keep free access to The Journal.
For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away.
# national geographic
Thinking of a getaway? Here are some of the 'best autumn escapes'
The National Geographic as compiled a list of its top 10 ‘Best Fall Trips 2017′
AS SUMMER BEGINS TO wind down and the weather becomes cooler, it may be the perfect time to book an autumn getaway.
From hiking in the national parks of the US and Canada, to experiencing the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, swimming in Victoria Falls in Zambia, spotting penguins in Cape Town and participating in sacred rituals in Bhutan, there’s something on offer for everyone.
The National Geographic has compiled a list of its top 10 ‘Best Fall Trips 2017′:
Bhutan
[image alt="taktsang-palphug-monastery-bhutan_001" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/taktsang-palphug-monastery-bhutan_001-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Sean%20Caffrey" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
The constitution of Bhutan designates that 60% of the country remain under forest cover. In between your wooded explorations, explore the Taktsang Palphug Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest.
Lizard Island, Australia
[image alt="lizard-island-national-park-australia_002" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/lizard-island-national-park-australia_002-296x199.jpg" width="296" height="199" credit-source="Oliver%20Lucanus" credit-via="Minden%20Pictures" class="alignnone" /end]
Spend endless hours exploring the coral reef that dominates the waters around Lizard Island, home to one of our Unique Lodges of the World.
Zion National Park
[image alt="zion-national-park-utah_003" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/zion-national-park-utah_003-296x222.jpg" width="296" height="222" credit-source="Manuel%20Sulzer" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
The Virgin River flows through Zion National Park in Utah, one of many national parks worth exploring during this colourful season.
Cape Town
[image alt="table-mountain-cape-town-western-cape-south-africa_004" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/table-mountain-cape-town-western-cape-south-africa_004-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Neil%20Austen" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is certainly an efficient way to get to the top for this epic view, so be sure to spend time at the top soaking in the full range of views.
Zambia
[image alt="elephant-hotel-zambia_005" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/elephant-hotel-zambia_005-2-296x196.jpg" width="296" height="196" credit-source="Barcroft%20Media" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
An African Elephant walks through the reception area of the Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park.
France
[image alt="vougeot-castle-vineyard-burgundy-france_006" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/vougeot-castle-vineyard-burgundy-france_006-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Matteo%20Colombo" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
The Vougeot Castle sits in a colourful landscape beyond a vineyard in Burgundy, France.
Greece
[image alt="olive-trees-greece_007" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/olive-trees-greece_007-296x196.jpg" width="296" height="196" credit-source="Berthold%20Steinhilber" credit-via="Laif%2FRedux" class="alignnone" /end]
The mountain village of Parthenonas is seen through neighbouring olive trees, which are ready for harvest in the fall.
Vietnam
[image alt="market-lao-cai-vietnam_008" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/market-lao-cai-vietnam_008-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Elena%20Aleksandrovna" credit-via="Getty%20Images" class="alignnone" /end]
A street market with stalls full of food stays busy in Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam.
India
[image alt="india-Diwali-009" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/india-diwali-009-2-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Jonathan%20Irish" credit-via="National%20Geographic%20Expeditions" class="alignnone" /end]
The Taj Mahal.
Mexico
[image alt="Mexico Oaxaca Day of the Dead Souvenirs-010" src="http://cdn.thejournal.ie/media/2017/09/mexico-oaxaca-day-of-the-dead-souvenirs-010-296x197.jpg" width="296" height="197" credit-source="Oana%20Dragan" credit-via="G%20Adventures" class="alignnone" /end]
Day of the Dead souvenirs in Oaxaca, Mexico
Read: This stunning moment won the top prize for the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year
More: Dreaming about a holiday? Here are some of the world’s best ‘eco escapes’
