Top 10 Fall International Destinations (SLIDESHOW)

With the summer becoming a distant memory it’s time to start planning that next escape. American Express Travel has released their Top Destinations list for a fall getaway in 2014. Travel Agent has rounded up the top events happening this autumn in each of their top ten international destinations, so you don’t miss out on the must-sees this season. 

London

London marks the beginning of their cold crisp autumn with ‘Guy Fawkes Night’ or Bonfire Night. Observed annually on November 5, the capital puts on an abundance of firework shows, whilst travelers will find a profusion of bonfires both big and small in the surrounding towns. The event finds its roots in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the House of Parliament and King James I.

Paris

With Fashion Week already hitting up New York, London and Milan, the Spring/Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear shows come to a close in the City of Lights. Running from September 23-October 1, 2014, fashion saves the best for last with runway presentations from Chanel, Lanvin and Louis Vuitton. Can’t bag a ticket to one of the shows? Don’t fret; it’s the streetsyle fashion that’s the main event. Stop by the various venues including Palais de Tokyo, the Carrosuel de Louvre and the Grand Palais for the best views.

Cancun

Each year Xcaret Park plays host to the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, the Mayan celebration of Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Hanal Pixan (Food of Souls). Taking place October 30-Novemeber 2, attendees celebrate and honor the souls of their beloved with four days of workshops, parades, music, theatre and culinary experiences. 

Rome

Late September/early October marks the beginning of the highly anticipated Italian opera and theater season, which runs until March or April. The Teatro dell'opera di Roma (Rome Opera House) will host a number of shows this season. Check out Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto premiering October 21 and Aida debuting 27 November or Gioacchino Rossini's The Barber of Seville on the 24 of September. 

Aruba

Aruba celebrates its musical scene with the 8th Annual Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival. Taking place across three beachside stages on October 3-4, the lineup includes an impressive collection of international and local jazz, soul and Latin musicians, including the Richard Bona Quintet and Liv Warfield & NPG Hornz. The Renaissance Market Plaza hosts the event and will provide a number of bars and food stalls providing local Caribbean cuisine alongside bigger chains. There is a four-day warm up prior to the main event, which is held in smaller venues around the city. 

Puerto Vallarta

Foodies will want to join in the celebration of Puerto’ Vallarta’s Festival Gourmet International’s 20th anniversary. The 10 day (November 13-23) festival highlights both local and international gastronomy and wine, with host restaurants collaborating with a guest chef. Other festival events include a Sunday brunch with a mariachi band, cooking classes, wine pairings and a special Chef’s Table and Winemaker Dinner, an intimate meal where diners can meet their chef. The event concludes with the Polo Tournament Festival Gourmet Cup 2014.

Cabo

November sees the start of Cabo’s Art Walks, which take place every Thursday night in downtown San Jose Del Cabo until June. 16 galleries in the area’s art district open their doors for special events, such as artist in attendance or openings of new work. 

Israel 

The 30th Haifa International Film Festival will take place October 9-18 at the Haifa Cinematheque and is expected to attract over 300,000 attendees. The event showcases both Israeli and international films, animations and documentaries and features three international film competitions. Noteworthy productions include the Israeli made Next to Her by Asaf Korman and Dani Menkis’s Is That You. Expect a slew of live music and an artist’s market alongside the festival.

Dublin

A slice of Germany comes to Ireland, with Dublin’s Oktoberfest celebration. Set in a marquee identical to those at the Munich event, guests will be greeted by 24 authentic Oktoberfest bartenders. Beers this year include German Erdinger “Fischer’s Hell” and “Weizenbier” (wheat beer). Guests will also be able to enjoy some traditional dishes such as Bratwurst, Sauerkraut (sour cabbage) and German Schmalzkuchen (donuts). Bavarian outfits are encouraged.

Madrid

Madrid’s bullfighting season comes to a close at the start of October with the Feria de Otoño (the Autumn Fair), a program of six bullfights which generally host big names and bull ranches. This year the event takes place Friday October 3 – Sunday, October 12 at Madrid’s bullring, the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas.