Summer vacation may just be getting started, but the autumn season has a lot to offer by way of travel. With mild temperatures, natural beauty and still active communities, fall is the perfect time to travel — especially with the added fun festival excuse.
Scope out something unique and enjoy an offbeat family vacation. Take the summer to plan with the younger children or take advantage of the post-school season with the older kids and enjoy an exotic family festival.
Lake of Stars World Music Festival in Salima, Malawi: Sept. 28–30
Enjoy the annual Lake of Stars Festival in Salmina, Malawi, Sept. 28–30, for music, art and natural beauty. Celebrated each year on the shores of the lake of Kabumba Hotel resort, Leopards Bay, guests enjoy both local and international artists, dancing and cultural celebrations. This event is an Instagrammer’s dream.
Qatar Prix de L’Arc Triomphe in Paris, France: Oct. 6–7
Have a few horse lovers in the family? Join Parisians and horserace fans at the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe weekend, Oct. 6–7, for a 100-year-old tradition. Watch one of the world’s finest horse races at the Hippodrome de Longchamp, Bois du Boulogne. The elite weekend boasts 15 flat races and is one of the most sought-after thoroughbred races in the world with the final flat stage, EPIQE Series.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival on Inle Lake, Shan State in Myanmar: Oct. 10–27
This fall, head to the picturesque waters of Inle Lake in the Shan State, Myanmar, for one of the largest Buddhist celebrations in the word. The Southeast Asian festival boasts vibrant decorations, boat races and local traditions the whole family can enjoy. The epicenter of the celebration mainly consists of four Buddha statues transported clockwise from village to village, blessing surrounding monasteries. Transported by a mythical bird-shaped barge, participants play traditional music while dancing, celebrating and enjoying the traditional blessing ceremony.
© James Mattil | Dreamstime.com
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico: Oct. 31–Nov. 2
A fall festival list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Day of the Dead in Mexico. Specifically celebrated in Oaxaca, enjoy the beautifully decorated city, altars and incredible celebrations throughout town. This festival is a must-see for all ages and a truly unique celebration of life, death and family. Stop in quaint shops and restaurants while celebrating the life, heritage and local tradition of El Día de los Muertos. Turn the entire occasion into a foodie festival and plan your expedition.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / Europe
May 22, 20256 Stroller-Friendly Cities in Europe
Families traveling with young children learn to be creative in getting strollers into seemingly impossible places. Some cities confound even the most determined parents: Innumerable bridges with steps are a challenge in Venice, and Lisbon’s hills seem insurmountable. Narrow or rough stone-paved streets are not stroller-friendly, either. Save those cities for another year and consider these instead.
Cruising
May 22, 2025Special Needs Group Makes Cruising More Accessible
As school comes to an end, family travelers gear up for summer travel. Thanks to endless multigenerational activities on cruises, many families gravitate to a trip on the high seas. That said, families who might need more assistance when traveling might stray from cruises; it may not be easy or ideal to bring all your equipment on your journey. Now, families won’t have to worry thanks to Special Needs Group/Special Needs at Sea.
Slideshow
May 22, 20256 Roman Walls for Family Travel
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these Roman walls with us.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Santa Monica’s New AI Program Makes Visiting a Breeze
Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and it really is changing the way we travel. Santa Monica, the vibrant Southern California hot spot where family travelers to Los Angeles go to enjoy the sea, sand and quintessential “beach lifestyle,” joins the AI trend. When it comes to using AI to improve the tourist experience, plenty of destinations have recently gotten with the program, like Lake Tahoe, Aruba and New Zealand. By partnering with GuideGeek to create customized itinerary support to help travelers plan their vacations, Santa Monica is keeping up.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025Explore Hawai’i with “Lilo & Stitch” Magic
Ohana travelers might want to take time out of their busy Memorial Day weekend plans to head to the movies for the premiere weekend of Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch. With the movie set in stunning Hawai’i, family travelers might find themselves inspired to plan their own Hawaiian adventure.
Destinations / North America
May 21, 2025The Family Heritage Experience Opens in Boston
There’s an innovative new exhibition for family travelers to Boston. Family Heritage Experience opened to the public on April 25, inviting visitors to ponder questions about their own family, from its origins to its cultural traditions.
ShareThis