Sure, summer is great for getting your tan on and spending days on end at the beach, but fall is right around the corner and brings its own appeal to the avid or aspiring traveler. Particularly for the United States and Europe, fall is the perfect time to visit. The days are breezy and sunny, the nights are cool and crisp, travel prices are lowered dramatically, and the spirit of the season comes to life in the form of great festivals to attend.

Regardless if you’re a foodie, history buff, or thrillseeker, there is something for everybody in fall in both Europe and the U.S. If you’re looking for some great destinations to fill up your calendar in autumn, look no further; we’re here to help. Let’s take a look at six of the best fall festivals to travel to in the U.S. and Europe.

Europe

#1: Oktoberfest

Where: Munich, Germany

When: September 21 - October 6, 2019

What to Expect: If you haven’t heard of the Oktoberfest, you must live under a rock. Oktoberfest is easily the most recognizable fall festival in Europe, let alone the world. For nearly two weeks, Munich turns into a raving beer festival that’s filled with dancing, music, celebration, parades, performances, and of course, premium German beer. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

#2: Amsterdam Dance Event

Where: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

When: October 16-20, 2019

What to Expect: As the largest electronic club music festival in the world, Amsterdam Dance Event (or ADE) is a must for the musically-inclined. The festival features some of the world’s best DJ’s as well as on-the-rise musicians, which allows you to enjoy performances from more than 800 total artists. Not only is ADE a music festival, but it is also a conference where experts in the field gather together to discuss and plan the future of electronic dance music.

#3: Les Festes de la Mercè

Where: Barcelona, Spain

When: September 20-24, 2019

What to Expect: In September, expect the beautiful city of Barcelona to come to life during Les Festes de la Merce, a large and vibrant festival that boasts more than 600 events on display. The festival consists of many parades, spectacles, contests, fireworks, art shows, street performances, and wonders, while beautiful Catalonian music further livens the atmosphere. One of the key highlights of the festival is the Castellers (large human towers) in Placa Sant Jaume and the Giants Parade in Placa de la Merce. If you’re a culture enthusiast, this festival will give you a full journey into the Catalan culture.

United States:

#4: National Apple Harvest Festival

Where: Biglerville, Pennsylvania

 When: October 5-6 & 12-13, 2019

 What to Expect: Regardless of whether you’re into apples or not, this festival is a lot of fun for the entire family. As what is quite literally a massive fall harvesting of apples, the National Apple Harvest Festival came about as a pure celebration of autumn and the apple fruit that comes with it. At the festival, you can expect to enjoy fresh-pressed apple cider, go bobbing for apples, snack on some apple dumplings or apple sauce, and even take a few fresh fruit home with you. People also dance, drink, and be merry, of course.

#5: Harvest on the Harbor Festival

Where: Portland, Maine

When: October 17-20, 2019

What to Expect: For starters, the fall foliage in New England is absolutely stunning. Pair that with a bunch of delicious locally-produced food and you’re in for a great time. The Harvest on the Harbor Festival invites over 5,000 people to Portland to enjoy some of Maine’s best locally sourced foods, beers, and wines, all prepared by amazing (and award-winning) chefs and companies. Live music is also served up during the festival, making for a lively and unforgettable experience.

#6: International Balloon Festival

Where: Albuquerque, New Mexico

When: October 5-13, 2019

What to Expect: If you like hot air balloons or have been wanting to ride on one, the International Balloon Festival is easily the best way to do it. Each and every year, a collection of over 600 hot air balloons take off into the sky over a 365-acre park. Starting at 7 am every morning, you can watch the balloons take off, and even witness some flying competitions and fireworks! If you’re a photographer or social media influencer, this is the opportunity to take a perfect shot. The event is so picturesque that Canon sponsors the festival. It's THAT scenic.

Keep in mind that there are certain restrictions and specifications involved with what you carry in your luggage and how much each bag weighs, please check Airline Luggage Specifications here