Rent a car and you can see the world. Or, at least, you can see these 20 countries. Oh, and you should see them in the fall.
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Canada
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A close option for many in the United States, Canada has lots of great places throughout its expansive land for a fall road trip. It’s excellent for early fall, as the weather and leaves turn a little sooner up north.
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Italy
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Italy is gorgeous in the fall. The weather is a bit cooler, and the crowds have thinned out, making it an excellent time to stop at some iconic landmarks and see the beautiful terrain.
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France
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France is another great spot for a fall road trip. The French countryside is stunning, and the cities are beautiful in the fall, too. You’ll see plenty of great foliage, and you’ll have lots of options for delicious food to keep you energized throughout your travels.
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Japan
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Japan has some of the most stunning fall foliage in the world. With a vehicle of your own, you can easily explore both the coast and the mainland, making it a great destination for a fall road trip.
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Austria
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Austria offers multiple great road trip routes, all of which are quite stunning in the fall. The country is full of beautiful scenery, and while the tourists aren’t quite as plentiful in the fall, there’s still plenty to do if you’re visiting.
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Switzerland
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Just next to Austria is Switzerland, another great country for a fall road trip. Though the country is better known for winter sports and its scenery in the summer, Switzerland is just as stunning in autumn. You won’t be disappointed by any of the views.
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Spain
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A road trip through Spain can take you to quiet towns and lively cities, gorgeous coasts and equally stunning mainlands. You’ll experience the vibrant culture while seeing some of its best views through an autumnal lens.
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Croatia
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Croatia doesn’t get as much love as some of its nearby countries, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination. It’s full of magical scenery, and taking a Croatia road trip in the fall will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world.
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Germany
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There are all sorts of historic landmarks to stop at while touring Germany by vehicle. Each place has a unique story worth hearing, and it’s more than likely sitting against a fall backdrop too beautiful for words.
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Argentina
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Argentina is another breathtaking country to visit in the fall. It’s full of red and orange leaves, and it’s got lots of outdoor activities to partake in if you need a break from the car.
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Scotland
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Scotland is gorgeous in the fall. You’ll see stunning fall colors and enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll also have beautiful backroads and cities alike to drive through.
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England
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Don’t skip England for a fall road trip. The English countryside is beautiful, especially as the temperatures drop. You can visit national parks, villages, historical sites, and more when driving through England.
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Belgium
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There is so much to see and do in Belgium in the fall. There are festivals and other activities happening, and the scenery is breathtaking. You’ll be enthralled by the beauty and charm of this lovely country.
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South Korea
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South Korea is another Asian country that is perfect to visit in the fall. There are several months throughout the season when you can see the foliage, so you can coordinate your visit according to the other activities you want to do while there.
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Iceland
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Iceland isn’t only a great place to visit in the winter. It’s absolutely lovely in the fall, too, with stunning colors and unique natural landscapes. You have plenty of chances to see the Northern Lights in the fall, too.
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Netherlands
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If you want to take a road trip through the Netherlands in the fall, there are plenty of itineraries already available for you to follow. They’ll get you to all the best places in the country in a matter of days, all while seeing the pretty fall scenery.
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Bavaria
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Bavaria is an underrated country, especially in the fall. There’s a landscape for everyone, and the entire state has a bit of whimsy to it. You’ll immensely enjoy your drive through Bavaria.
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Latvia
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Another underrated country, Latvia is all sorts of beautiful. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, there are other countries nearby, namely Estonia and Lithuania, that you can explore by car, too.
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Ireland
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You’ll be hard-pressed to find a reason not to visit Ireland in the fall, especially if you have control of your travels via vehicle. Whether you have just a few days or an entire month to travel, you won’t run out of things to see and do in Ireland.
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United States
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The United States is a much larger undertaking for a fall road trip, but there are plenty of states that are perfect places to drive through during the fall season. New England and the Pacific Northwest are among the best options for fall road trips.
Acacia Deadrick is a South Dakota-based writer who has written for sites such as Nicki Swift, The List, and Glam. She loves music and all things pop culture, and she can be found watching TV, completing a crossword puzzle, or reading in her spare time.