Perfect timing for off-season trips from October to December: when South Tyrol glows golden, Rabat tempts with mild temperatures and Bhutan becomes a quiet winter journey.
When summer is finally over, what may well be the most beautiful travel season begins for some destinations. Fewer people, more pleasant temperatures and sometimes even lower prices make the off-season especially appealing. Three destinations for the final three months of the year: South Tyrol, Rabat and Bhutan.
October: South Tyrol
Popular in July, bursting at the seams in August, well booked in September. Before the busy winter season begins in South Tyrol’s valleys and mountains in December, the region allows itself a little pause. In autumn, the larch forests turn into a glowing rush of yellow and red, the views are crystal clear, the temperatures mild — perfect conditions for extended hikes well into November. Food and drink are taken care of along the way: the Törggelen season, with chestnuts, young wine, grape must and hearty delicacies, falls exactly into this period. One fixed point in mid-October is the Merano Grape Festival.
November: Rabat
Morocco remains firmly on trend and has transformed Marrakesh into a much-visited lifestyle city. Those who know the country, however, have other addresses in mind: the far less crowded and chronically overlooked capital Rabat is a real deal — and, by name alone, practically invites a play on discounts. Sea views can be enjoyed especially exclusively at the “Four Seasons Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr”, a restored 18th-century palace. Once you have explored Rabat’s mix of modernity and tradition, you can speed on by high-speed train to Tangier — Morocco’s fashionable creative city with Bauhaus heritage and plenty of cool flair. November is ideal for this: fewer visitors, pleasant temperatures, extra discounts.
December: Bhutan
The family celebration comes at a price: anyone who would like to turn their back on the chronically hectic Christmas season for a change will be warmly welcomed in the Kingdom of Happiness. Bhutan in December radiates pure calm. At lower altitudes, temperatures are pleasant and ideal for hiking. The days are dry and clear, and the distant views of the mountain giants, already freshly dusted with snow, are superb. The Buddhist temples belong to the monks and the few guests, while amateur ornithologists can now spot the very rare black-necked cranes. Luxury resorts such as “Amankora” or the lower-lying “Six Senses Punakha” indulge guests with wellness and reduced rates, while the new homestay programme invites travellers to stay with private host families — complete with homemade meals and typical hot stone baths.
