Autumn in Finland is especially breathtaking and defined by the spectacular golden explosion in the northern forests, where the ground is covered by fallen leaves and dotted with a collection of gourmet woodland gifts. Ruska, as the season is referred to, is when you can enjoy the abundant forests and pick berries and mushrooms for free under the Finland's 'everyman's right', which allows open access to forests for foraging regardless of land ownership. Nuuksio National Park offers a three-hour guided nature hikes taking in the best picking places for mushrooms and berries, which costs 75€ per person including transport from Helsinki or Espoo. For somewhere lovely to stay, check out Hawkhill Nature Cottages which provides a beautiful setting to embrace the Finnish Autumn surrounded by magnificent woodland. After a day of exploring the wonders of the wildlife or rowing in a nearby lake, you can unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna or relax by the fire. Cottages are available from €64 per night.

The Gower Peninsula in South Wales attracts many tourists to its surf in summer, but it's autumn that the locals live for. September and October is when the sea is at its warmest and when mid-Atlantic storms pump more swell onto the beaches – the peninsula’s intricate coastline guarantees shelter from larger waves or winds for beginners. Better still, autumn means fewer visitors and more waves to surf - in other words, more fun! Head for Llangennith, a popular destination with families and surfers, which is regarded as the surfing capital of Gower. Stay at The Kings Head (five nights in a double/twin room from £349), located close to the beach, with its locally-sourced food and real ale.

October sees the start of eagle hunting season in Mongolia, where hunters train their raptors as they soar over grasslands. It is a real spectacle of traditions that has remained unchanged for centuries. Native Eye offers a 23-day Altai Explorer adventure, priced at £2,599 per person. The tour offers you the chance to spend a night with an eagle hunter, learning about traditions and how they train and domesticate Golden Eagles as accomplished hunters. The people here are Kazakh and Muslim, unlike the largely Buddhist population of Mongolia.

Ever wondered what food cooked inside a volcano tastes like? Head for the undiscovered archipelago the Azores, where you can sample cuisine from a Portuguese village located inside the crater of a sleeping volcano. In Furnas, on the island of Sao Miguel, you can witness your meal being pulled from the ground in a ceramic pot before it is served to you. Azorean restaurant Tony’s serves the island's traditional slow-cooked dish Cozido Das Furnas, which is a hearty stew of local sausage, beef and vegetables. Stay in Furnas within walking distance of Tony’s for a week with Azores Choice from £898 per person for a family of four in October, including accommodation in a villa, return flights, car hire and a selection of activities.

The first place you probably picture when you hear 'fall' is New England, but there are plenty of other destinations to experience the spectacular scenes of autumn in North America - and without the crowds. New Brunswick is one of Atlantic Canada's Maritime Provinces and a wonderful place to see the spectacular colours of the season. You'll fall in love with the gorgeous landscapes of blazing foliage that you can experience by hiking, cycling or kayaking. Spot whales, visit the farmers markets with fresh autumn flavours and take part in the Giant Pumpkin Provincial Festival. Opt for a glamping holiday and stay in a unique Dream Dome (from £76 per night) at Ridgeback Lodge, overlooking Kingston Creek, with its huge windows so you can enjoy the views of the forest.

Japan’s cherry blossom season in spring is a stunning sight, but in autumn the maple trees blaze into vivid displays of scarlet, saffron and gold, creating an equally spectacular scene. The koyo (colourful autumn leaves) are superb in October and can be witnessed in gardens on scenic strolls and ancient walks. HF Holidays offers a 12-night Imperial Japan holiday (£3,399, including flights, accommodation and tours) in October, with highlights that include walking the gardens of temples in Kyoto and a stay in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.

October is the best month to visit Madagascar as the lemurs are born this month, it is bird breeding time and the central highlands are warm enough to visit yet the dry south west of the island is not too hot. Small group adventure specialist Imaginative Traveller has four new trips to Madagascar this year. The 15-day Highlights of Madagascar holiday takes in Perinet, where the rare Indri lemur can be found, a visit to the cloud forest of Ranomafana National Park and a city tour of Antananarivo. The trip costs from £1,699 per person and includes accommodation, tours, some meals and internal transport.

Head to Lyon, France’s capital of gastronomy, this October to witness the city’s Lumiere Film Festival (12 to 18 October) when international movie stars descend on the city for over 150 film screenings. Using the new Eurostar service, you can reach Lyon by train in less than five hours for a long weekend. While in the city, sample star chef Paul Bocuse’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges, or try the city’s famous ‘bouchon’ restaurants, traditional taverns serving typical Lyonnais cuisine. Explore the sites, perhaps paying a visit to the newly-opened science centre and anthropology museum, the Musée des Confluences. Stay at the four-star Grand Hôtel des Terreaux, a 19th century town house ideally located in old Lyon from £449 per person including return First Class rail from London to Lyon and four nights' B&B accommodation with Planet Rail.

Orlando is a fun place to visit in October, especially around Halloween as many events take over the top theme parks. Whether it involves horrifying haunted houses or costume parties with friendly characters, Orlando’s theme parks bring Halloween to a whole new level with more than 80 individual events leading up to October 31. Little ones can enjoy tame fun at Walt Disney World Resort during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and braver souls seeking a scare can check out Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. For an alternative to the Halloween celebrations, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Food & Wine Weekends at Waldorf Astoria Orlando celebrate fine wine, Orlando's dining scene and culinary arts. Stay at Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek from $179 per night.

Spain's famous wine region is truly fantastic in autumn when the vineyards undergo a transformation from green to the most vibrant tones of red. La Rioja bursts into life as the area prepares for the harvest and it is a delight to witness. The effect is more dramatic than other wine producing areas due to the specific varieties grown (principally Tempranillo and Garnacha). Gastronomically, it’s also a great time to visit with harvest fare: wild mushrooms and even local truffles on offer. Casas Cantabricas offers two hotels in the area: Castillo del Collado (from £180 per night) in the medieval village of Laguardia and Posada Sajazarra (from £80 per night) in La Rioja Alta. The hotels can be booked individually or as part of a tour, for example the Wine & Castles tour.