| Hi All, This week's picks are all about trips you don't want to leave to the last minute — fall foliage vibes, safari season, or one of Europe's biggest cultural events. Here are three destinations worth locking in now for late summer or autumn.
| | | | 1. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND For August to early September | | | WHY BOOK NOW? August is peak festival season in Edinburgh—home to the Fringe, the International Festival, and the Royal Military Tattoo. Hotels fill up fast, and prices only go one way from here. After exploring the city, we suggest heading north into the Scottish Highlands for some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. We love the Isle of Skye. But if you're looking for something a bit more remote, we highly recommend The Assynt. | | | BOOKING TIPS Getting There: Fast and efficient rail services connect London with Edinburgh in just 4–5 hours. Alternatively, Ryanair currently has cheap flights for around £16 one way. Where to Stay: In Edinburgh, check out The Witchery by the Castle for gothic glam or Eden Locke for sleek apartment-style stays. In the Highlands, The Fife Arms (Braemar) is a design-forward gem. Don't Miss: A scenic rail ride on the West Highland Line—one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. | | | | 2. NEW ENGLAND, USA For Late September to October | | | WHY BOOK NOW? Leaf-peeping season is wildly popular, and New England's small-town inns and cabins fill up months ahead—especially for weekend stays. The colours usually peak late September through mid-October, but it varies by state and altitude. Flights to the US are currently cheaper, and the dollar is weaker. So, if you're not put off by what's happening in the world at the moment, now is a good time to book a great value trip to the US.
| | | BOOKING TIPS Getting There: Skyscanner has one-way fares to Boston starting from £175. Expedia has return trips from £280. Where to Stay: The Pitcher Inn (Vermont) is a luxe yet rustic base, while Hidden Pond in Maine offers woodsy-chic cottages near the coast. Don't Miss: Drive the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or book a fall foliage train ride through the Berkshires. | | | | 3. SOUTH AFRICA For September to November | | | WHY BOOK NOW? September to November is prime time for safaris—dry season in Kruger means better animal sightings, and spring in Cape Town brings warm days, fewer crowds, and vineyard visits in full bloom. Lodges and boutique hotels have limited space, and flights tend to jump if you wait until summer. For more inspiration, read about our favourite places in South Africa.
| | | BOOKING TIPS Getting There: Start monitoring deals now for September–October departures. Consider flying into Johannesburg for safari, or Cape Town if you're doing a city-to-wine-country route. Where to Stay: Tanda Tula for luxe, intimate safari camps; in Cape Town, try The Silo for art-forward luxury or Camissa House for Table Mountain views. Don't Miss: We highly recommend Sabi Sands in Kruger which was one of the best guided safari experiences we've had. Read more here. | | | | Happy travels! Paul & Mark. PS. If you like our newsletter, forward it to your friends who can sign up here. | | | | | | | Wellesley House, 204 London Rd, Waterlooville, UK | | If you buy through links on this newsletter, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Have a question? Just hit reply and we'll be happy to assist! | | Unsubscribe | Update preferences | | | | |