There’s something about the start of fall that makes us want to draft mental mood boards—proof, perhaps, that back-to-school optimism never really dies. Here at Condé Nast Traveler, we like to chart new beginnings vis-à-vis destinations, keeping in mind the things we’re excited to bring along with us. This fall, some of us are embracing shoulder season travel, squeezing out the last bits of sunshine from places like the Hamptons or the South of France, while others are chasing the changing colors of the trees in Austin and Montreal. We’ve got a few weddings on the docket, too, which means we’re carefully considering what’s going into our suitcases. Here, our editors share what they’re up to in the autumn months ahead, and what they’re adding to their packing lists.
This fall, I’m trading in some of the usual chill for a bit of sun-drenched escapism—with a few cozy detours along the way. First up: a bucket-list stay at the Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island in Fiji—hello, turquoise water and tropical sunsets. I’ll be traveling light with my Nobl Duo carry-on, packing breezy linens like the crisp white Seamed dress from Everlane for the beach-bound legs of the journey. From there, I’m off to chase the sun—I’ll be escaping to Nassau for a stay at the SLS Baha Mar, where rum punches, white-sand beaches, and poolside lounging might make the itinerary after press conferences and meetings. From there, I’m fully leaning into peak fall energy with some family time in Michigan. There is nothing better than Michigan in the fall, think—apple orchard runs, cider donuts, crunchy leaves underfoot, and maybe even a little flannel (layered under something packable, of course). I'll definitely be packing some long-sleeve shirts from Aritzia and taking my ultra-soft Nano Puff jacket from Patagonia. —Paris Wilson, commerce writer
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When my son was little, I used to live on the East End of Long Island, and I’m long overdue for a visit. Canoe Place Inn in Hampton Bays was vacant for a few years, but it’s been newly refurbished, so I’m curious to see what it’s like now. I’m also really psyched to stay at Shou Sugi Ban House, which is another property that didn’t exist when I lived in the area. I still dream about the delicious brussels sprouts and skillet cornbread at Cowfish, where you can have brunch by the inlet and watch boats go by. I used to work down the street from Tate's on North Sea Road in Southampton, which is great if you don’t mind gaining 50 pounds every day. Most people don’t realize that those delicious crispy cookies in the ubiquitous green package originated from a real place! I especially look forward to stocking up on its gingerbread cookies, which are only sold in-store, and stashing them in my Dagne Dover backpack. I’ll be rocking this tuxedo shirt from Anthro and this denim blazer while hanging out, and dark neutrals from Beyond Yoga while jogging along Dune Road. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Come October, I’ll be going to Montreal and then Quebec City to attend a travel conference. I’ve visited the former several times and love it dearly—when I’m there, I’ll eat, eat, and eat some more everywhere from Joe Beef and Fairmount Bagels to Vin Mon Lapin and Pichai. Between all the eating, I’ll do some walking—early autumn is a lovely time to be outside in this part of Canada—up Mont Royal as well as here, there, and everywhere in my trusty Weejuns, which are my walking shoes of choice. Most of my clothes are hand-me-downs or bought on eBay, but I will also likely be packing some broken-in Oxfords from J. Crew and my trusty pair of Achille jeans from A.P.C. (it will be well past Labor Day, but I find that cream-colored denim goes quite nicely with a navy sweater) in my Carl Friedrick carry-on. I also have a cable knit zip-up cardigan that belonged to my grandmother but looks something like this current model. The train will bring me to Quebec City, where I have not yet been but will be staying at the historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Work can be such a drag. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor
Summer travel is out, fall travel is in. At least that’s what I’m telling myself as I manifest a weeklong trip in the South of France for early Octobre. It would be a break from the office, but also an intentional sojourn, seeking inspiration for a new book I’m working on. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend 63-degree afternoons people-watching along the seaside Promenade des Anglais in Nice in an easy-to-wear Todd Snyder sweater polo (perfect for shoulder-season travel) and oh-so-French Veja sneakers, of course—or exploring the Roman ruins of Arles, with pocket notebooks for my field notes and impromptu sketching? Though the sun sets earlier in the autumn, I won’t forget to bring along some sunscreen, namely this lightweight SPF from La Roche-Posay; and I’ll pack my go-anywhere Moncler zip-up sweater for chilly evenings. Though I plan to book an Airbnb with très cozy vibes, I might treat myself to a quick stay at a hotel I’ve had my eye on for a while, perhaps majestic Hôtel Crillon le Brave in the eponymous French small town, or chic Toile Blanche in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, the town where legendary American writer James Baldwin spent much of his later life. —Matt Ortile, associate editor
I’ve planned a whirlwind fall for myself, which means I’ll be emptying my suitcase from one trip just as I refill it for another (luckily I thrive on this type of chaos). In September, I’ll be heading to Lima, where I plan to eat and shop like crazy, then in October, I’m doing a long-awaited honeymoon to Japan and South Korea for much more of the same. Because all three countries will be in that sweet spot of mild shoulder season weather, my capsule wardrobe will be working hard: jeans that are comfy enough for plane and train rides (like these cargo pants from Damson Madder), a pair of shoes that can transition from long days of city-walking to dinner at cool new restaurants (like these buttery M. Gemi block heels), some J. Crew basic white and black tees I can’t quit, and one oversized leather jacket that I can wear over and over (most of my leather is vintage, but Frankie Shop has some nice lookalikes). Because I’m hoping it’ll still be warm enough for some wetsuit water activities (surfing in Lima, and some diving in Jeju) I’ll be bringing along my reliably sporty Lululemon one-piece (only on sale in summer, so check back!) and plenty of Colorescience sunscreen. —Megan Spurrell, associate articles director
I’m starting my fall off with a bang on a trip to Austin, Texas, for my older brother’s wedding, as well as a day or two at the Austin City Limits music festival. I’ll be staying at the Fairmont Austin for a few days (meaning a swimsuit is a must; Aerie makes some of my favorites) before checking out a very quirky Airbnb in West Austin. For the wedding, I’m packing new heels from Sarah Flint; I haven’t worn them out yet, but practice runs in my apartment indicate they will be comfortable enough to keep on all night. I’ll probably bring this JW Pei purse, too—it’s my go-to for formal events. It will still be warm, so I’m also bringing my trusty handheld fan to try and keep cool, and something comfortable and breathable to wear to the concert, like my Hoka Kawanas and one of the athletic skorts I’ve been living in this summer. —Madison Flager, associate commerce director
Living in a city like New York can feel endlessly new and exciting, yet sometimes I find myself craving a slower pace. This fall, I’m turning the page backwards a bit and embracing college nostalgia along with some family time. My first stop is at my old college town, Geneseo, New York, for a close friend’s wedding. I’ll be staying at Temple Hill Bed & Breakfast for a few nights. Shoulder season weddings feel like a gift in terms of choosing your attire, so I decided to order a seersucker suit from The Black Tux, which feels just formal enough. Plus, it left enough room in my budget to get the suit tailored. The suit fits well in my Solgaard carry-on without wrinkling, and I can store my shoes and accessories in the built-in zip compartments. In October, I’m heading to Ana María Island for a weeklong retreat with my family. I’ll mostly be going from the beach to the pool and back, so my Birkenstock Boston Clogs and J.Crew bathing suit are at the top of my packing list. And because the Gulf Coast sun rarely lets up, I’ll be stocking up on La Roche Posay’s tinted mineral sunscreen. It’s also my father’s birthday, so I’m referring back to some of my coworkers’ gift recommendations. Almost all of their suggestions fit in a carry-on, so I'm hoping to find a better gift than my usual picks from the Yankees’ MLB shop. It’s a time of celebration—one of the best reasons to travel. —Erik Buckingham, commerce producer
