As the leaves turn shades and autumnal breezes enter the air, travelers plan their fall and winter getaways. While some opt for beach vacations or off-season trips worldwide, many travelers chase the best of fall that showcases the best foliage this time of year. From countries entering a frosty fall season like Norway and Canada to crowd-favorite spots like Scotland and France, HomeExchange Collection, the luxury division of the global home swap platform HomeExchange, offers travelers an opportunity to swap places with members in peak-fall destinations. With more than 5,000 homes to choose from in more than 85+ countries, luxury, and local-emphasized travel is possible no matter the time of year or destination. Read below for our recommendations on this autumn season’s top home swaps and destinations.
For the perfect segue to fall or an adventurous home base for a winter expedition across Canada, this three-story mountain home close to Vancouver’s main attractions provides stunning panoramic views and modern luxury. The master bedroom and main living area overlook the surrounding landscape, and the vaulted ceilings feature skylights, providing guests a glimpse into the changing scenery or starry night sky. At the bottom of the property, guests can access the Trans-Canada Trail where they can begin their rejuvenating journey. – Images
Destination: Vancouver’s temperate oceanic climate curates breezy summers that lead to cool and crisp autumns. Around early September, the foliage around the city transforms into rich shades of red, orange, and gold. The never ending list of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, ziplining, walking the greenways and regional parks, tip-toeing along the suspension bridge, or taking a seaplane tour, are most beautiful and pleasant at this cooler time of year.
Dijon marks the perfect homebase for a fall journey throughout Burgundy, and this four bedroom eco-friendly house is just minutes away from the historic city center. The open concept floor plan and wood accents make the home a cozy and inviting space to sit by the fireplace after days spent exploring one of France’s best wine regions. For warmer fall days, a pool and roof-top terrace await. – Images
Destination: As Burgundy’s grape harvest comes to a close, the vineyard landscape transforms into sparkling golden hues. The renowned wine region, filled with historical villages and towns, award-winning pinot noir and chardonnay, French war history, and plenty of snails, is at its most vibrant. Walking the streets of the old cities like Dijon or Beaune, travelers will smell the iconic boeuf bourguignon bubbling on stovetops, stumble upon festivities like the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction and music festivals, and indulge in seasonal truffles and mushrooms at fine-dining establishments headed up by Michelin-starred chefs.
Nestled amongst the winding roads dissected by sea lochs and rolling hills, this Argyll and Bute 19th century Arts and Crafts style home invites visitors to experience the magic of the Scottish Highlands. With stunning water views and original features like an open fireplace, skylights, and garden, this three bedroom estate is ideal for slow traveling the region at its peak. – Images
Destination: The Scottish Highlands are truly spectacular in autumn, as the landscape bursts into a riot of rich oranges and reds and yellows. The sloping hills and glens offer endless exploration, whether on foot, horseback, or in a car. Travelers will be embraced by a true Scottish fall starting in late September through November, with bright blue skies and chilly temperatures, making Scotland the quintessential destination for fall travel.
Coziness abounds at this spacious mountain cabin 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the surrounding national forest fills the wood-paneled rooms. This slice of heaven in the High Sierra features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, heated bathroom floors, spa-like master bathroom amenities, and inviting fireplaces, all just steps away from the hiking and mountain biking trails of the Tahoe National Forest. – Images
Destination: Backdropped by the Sierra Nevada mountains, the alpine, crystal clear Lake Tahoe sets a picturesque scene year-round. While typically crowded in the summer and early fall months during peak season, travelers eager for an autumnal getaway will enjoy the dryer climate Lake Tahoe offers starting early October. Recreational activities range from hiking, boating, kayaking, cold plunging, skiing and more, providing something exhilarating for every traveler.
