From winter sun and far-flung islands to wild landscapes and cultural escapes, the final months of the year offer plenty of reasons to squeeze in one last adventure.
For some end-of-year inspiration, travel experts including Flight Centre, Audley and America As You Like It, share the destinations they recommend visiting before the year is out.
Montenegro:
With its fjord-like bays, honey-hued medieval towns, wild mountain landscapes and glittering Adriatic coastline, Montenegro packs an extraordinary amount into its diminutive borders. Autumn is an especially rewarding time to visit, when the summer crowds have thinned in Kotor and Budva and warm days linger on the coast into October, making it easier to explore at a slower pace. And with a new wave of luxury hotels and experiences on the horizon – including seven openings planned for 2027–28 and an extension of the spectacular Lovćen cable car – now is a good time to discover Montenegro before even more travellers take notice.
“This beautiful part of Europe has a great mix of pretty coastlines, dramatic landscapes, and historic towns. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to try somewhere a little different, and our partners at G Adventures have a brilliant tour that takes in some of the best of the country, making it easy to see the country’s highlights in one trip.” – Leo Mbiyu, Store Manager at Flight Centre, Ealing
Nevada, USA:
Nevada provides travellers with the iconic American road trip, endless desert landscapes, open highways as far as the eye can see, and the freedom of the open roads. From thrill-seeking adventures in stunning state parks to iconic film locations, and oddball art installations, there is nothing visitors can’t find in rural Nevada, it’s one of the more exciting destinations. Autumn and early winter are an ideal time to go, with cooler temperatures making desert hikes and long drives more comfortable, and long, clear nights perfect for stargazing.
“Nevada offers a side of the USA that many visitors never experience. Beyond the bright lights of Las Vegas and Reno, you’ll find authentic Western towns, spectacular scenery and wide-open spaces perfect for scenic drives and outdoor adventures. From the historic Loneliest Road and Virginia City to incredible stargazing and rich mining heritage, Nevada is ideal for travellers looking to discover the American West at its most authentic.” – Anna Sperry, America As You Like It
Chile & Rapa Nui:
From the cosmopolitan streets of Santiago to the otherworldly landscapes of Rapa Nui, Chile offers extraordinary variety for travellers looking for an adventure before the end of the year. This November brings an added reason to visit, as Rapa Nui takes a starring role in Martin McDonagh’s new film Wild Horse Nine, with Abercrombie & Kent launching a new Tailormade journey inspired by the film and the locations in which it was made.
“Chile is one of those destinations that offers an incredible amount of variety in a single trip, and pairing Santiago with Rapa Nui makes for a particularly special journey. With Wild Horse Nine bringing the island’s dramatic landscapes to the big screen this November, it’s a timely opportunity to discover Rapa Nui for yourself – from its iconic moai and extraordinary scenery to its fascinating living Polynesian culture. Our new Wild Horse Nine: An Easter Island Adventure itinerary has been designed to take travellers beyond the film locations and offer a deeper understanding of both Santiago and Rapa Nui through expert-led experiences and meaningful encounters with the local community.” – Adam Fogg, Global Tailormade Product Manager for South America, Abercrombie & Kent
Los Cabos, Mexico:
Set at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, is Los Cabos one of those destinations that pairs dramatic desert landscapes and golden beaches with the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez. The destination continues to evolve with a wave of new luxury hotels, restaurants and experiences, from the recently opened Amanvari and LAIVA San José to new championship golf, private adventures and a growing culinary scene. The end of the year is a great time to visit, as the summer heat eases into warm, sunny days and whale-watching season gets under way in December.
“Mexico has always been a firm favourite for anyone looking for guaranteed sunshine, luxury resorts, and top-notch service, but Mexico has so much more to offer than the mega-resorts of Cancun and Riviera Maya. Instead make your way to Mexico’s Pacific Coast and the resort of Los Cabos where you will find white sand beaches, an amazing wine and food scene but also so much more from whale-watching trips to first class golf. A personal favourite is to find a bar in San Jose del Cabo and watch the world go by over a spicy margarita.” – Geoff Dobson, Regional Destination Manager – Americas, Travelbag
Arizona, USA:
With over 330 days of sunshine a year, Arizona offers outdoor adventure in almost every season – but the final months of the year are particularly appealing. . Head north to Flagstaff, which celebrates 25 years as the world’s first International Dark Sky City this October, or escape the colder weather further south in Tucson, Arizona’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy, where mild winter temperatures make it an ideal time for hiking, dining outdoors and exploring the surrounding Sonoran Desert.
“Arizona is a fantastic choice for your next holiday. Enjoy year-round sunshine, authentic ranch stays and some of the USA’s most spectacular scenery. From Monument Valley and Sedona’s red rocks to Saguaro National Park and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.” – Anna Sperry, America As You Like It
Kii Peninsula, Japan:
Stretching south of Kyoto and Osaka, encompassing Wakayama, Nara and Mie prefectures, the Kii Peninsula is a region rich in spiritual and natural heritage, home to the UNESCO recognised Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail. The region offers a peaceful, introspective experience that invites guests to slow down, disconnect and immerse in Japan’s spiritual heartland. There are new reasons to explore the wider region in 2026 too, with the launch of the GRAN TENKU sightseeing train linking Osaka with the gateway to Koyasan, while the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara in Nara Prefecture joined UNESCO’s World Heritage List this summer. Autumn is a particularly rewarding time to visit, with cooler days for walking the Kumano Kodo and the forests around Koyasan turning shades of red and gold, typically from late October.
“The Kii Peninsula is one of the more popular destinations for travellers seeking culture, nature and spiritual heritage, and there are two standout reasons we recommend visiting – the sacred mountaintop temples of Koyasan and the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo. To help protect the trails and local communities from increasing visitor numbers, access and booking arrangements have been carefully reorganised by local authorities in the last year as part of a more sustainable tourism strategy. Audley is among the select tour operators that have been granted continued access to offer Kumano Kodo itineraries, meaning clients travelling this year will have the opportunity to experience the pilgrimage in a responsible way, at a time when visitor numbers are expected to be more manageable.” – Joanna O’Neil, Senior Product Executive, North & Central Asia at Audley Travel
Florida’s Paradise Coast, USA:
Set in southwest Florida, Florida’s Paradise Coast combines more than 30 miles of white sand beaches with the natural beauty of the Everglades and the distinctive destinations of Naples and Marco Island. The final months of the year mark the beginning of the region’s drier season, bringing lower humidity, sunny days and prime conditions for exploring the Everglades and spotting wildlife. The destination is also entering an exciting new chapter, with major hotel openings and transformations including the new Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort and Olde Naples Hotel, alongside further investment planned for 2027.
“Florida’s Paradise Coast is one of the more ideal destinations for travellers looking to combine beautiful beaches with outdoor adventure. With more than 30 miles of white sand coastline, family friendly resorts on Marco Island, water sports, Everglades airboat rides and over 90 golf courses, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation, nature and active experiences.” – Anna Sperry, America As You Like It
Some images supplied. Some images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
