Around the summertime, Europe races to the forefront of our minds. It’s ranked as one of the top global travel destinations for a reason: it offers an abundance of cities to explore, cultures, and activities to keep your summer fresh with entertainment. However, something that I’ve observed is that the hype of Europe starts to dwindle as summer hands the baton to fall. This is likely due to the misconception that European getaways to the south of France, to the London Eye, or the cobbled streets of Ireland are best spent during warmer months. Or it could be due to the lack of advertising for European life during the fall. Whatever the reason, I’m here to tell you that Europeans know a thing or two about making the most of fall. So, whether you’re looking to book a ticket overseas or simply glean the best lifestyle habits, here are seven ways to romanticize fall the European way.
1. Enjoy ‘fika’ with loved ones
Although this Swedish tradition can be practiced year-round, fall invites an element of coziness that we crave during cooler months. “Fika” (or “a coffee break”) incorporates all the essentials of fall: connection, comfort, and presence. Fika in fall looks like taking a pause during the day, meeting up with some friends and family, and enjoying coffee (or another warm beverage) along with a snack (like baked pastries or bread).
2. Invite ‘hygge’ into your home
Originally born in Norway (and later adopted and popularized in Denmark), “hygge” describes the feeling that is activated when we put on a knitted sweater and socks to sit by the fire, passing the time with a cup of hot cocoa and a book (in other words, that feeling of comfort, well-being, and contentment). To practice hygge, start by arranging your environment for optimal coziness (think: fluffy throw blankets, candles). Then edit your grocery list to include warm dishes like soups and casseroles. Lastly, host or initiate gatherings with loved ones (ideally in a cozy environment such as a home or cafe).
3. Have an afternoon tea
When I was studying abroad in London during the fall semester of my senior year in college, one of my favorite pastimes was walking to The Hive, a campus cafe, between classes and enjoying a cup of coffee. When my friends joined with their coffee and tea orders, it felt like a much-needed reset before I tackled the rest of the day. Regardless of your beverage (though to truly live the British experience in your backyard, tea is recommended), you can get a taste (or rather sip) of England with an afternoon beverage at home on your porch or a nearby park.
4. Stay at a nearby cabin
Are there any Emily in Paris fans in the group chat? One episode that stood out to me was Emily’s winter getaway to a cabin in Megève, Paris. Although it was winter, cabin vibes also work for fall. If a round-trip ticket to Europe isn’t in the budget, try looking for cabins in your area that you can rent for a mini staycation. To take it a step further, test out a new fall-inspired recipe (see: Giant Butterscotch Pecan Cookies recipe).
5. Take a walk in a forest
Okay, not all of us live in a location where we have access to a walking trail through a forest like the Dutch do, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reap the benefits of Herfstwandeling. Herfstwandeling, which translates to “autumn walks,” can be customized and enjoyed wherever you are. This can be around your neighborhood, a park, or a local trail. Take your headphones and romanticize your walk with a fall playlist, or turn your Herfstwandeling into a walking meditation, observing the changing of colors and rustling of leaves.
6. Visit an autumn market
There’s something irresistible about throwing on your favorite sweater and wandering through a market in the fall. The weather, coupled with the different stands of food and trinkets, makes it feel like an episode out of Gilmore Girls. In many European countries, autumn markets are staples. For example, Belgians set aside a day to stroll through local autumn markets and embrace fall by admiring the scenery, exploring different vendors, and partaking in traditional baked goods (i.e, Belgian speculoos) and warm beverages.
7. Have a bonfire with storytelling
As the Irish will advise, pour some tea or whiskey, light up a fire, and sit with loved ones to share and listen to stories. If you don’t have access to a bonfire-safe location, then opt for a fireplace where you can cuddle up with friends and family to read a few online folk stories. Or if you want to do this activity solo, grab a book or queue up some folk stories on Spotify to enjoy in the presence of a warm fire.
Got your passport? We got you. Recommendations for a European Fall Getaway
The advantages of traveling to Europe during the fall are that one, flights and transportation are likely cheaper since fall is considered a shoulder season, and two, most popular destinations will be less crowded. For those seeking inspiration on things to do in Europe during the fall, here are a few of my favorite activities I do to welcome the fall season while living abroad.
1. Try a seasonal dish
The first bite I took of La Casa Viva’s lasaña de calabaza (pumpkin lasagna) somehow signaled to my brain that fall had officially arrived. The fascinating thing about food is that it has the power to set a mood, which is why looking for a seasonal dish to try abroad is a certified way to romanticize fall. You can do this at any restaurant of your choice (I recommend La Casa Viva if you’re in Valencia); just aim for dishes with fall-inspired ingredients (i.e., pumpkin, butternut squash, cranberries, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon).
2. Take scenic train rides
One of my favorite things to do in the fall here in Europe is to take train rides. During your trip to Europe, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take trains as you explore cities and countries. The secret to fully embodying the fall spirit on train rides is, of course, to dress the part and wear your coziest outfit, pack a book in your tote bag, and stop by a cafe beforehand to get a warm beverage to enjoy along the way.
