Autumn is just around the corner, bringing the perfect chill in the air, landscapes prettier than ever, and vibrant colors all around. Though short-lived, the season brings immense joy while it lasts. For photography enthusiasts, nothing surpasses autumn’s vivid hues. Forests burst into dazzling displays of red, orange, yellow, and gold. From Canada’s eastern provinces, like Quebec and Ontario, with their fiery maple forests, to Japan’s Hokkaido, with its crimson and amber maples, autumn’s spectacles are unforgettable. Here are seven countries with the most colorful autumn landscapes.

Canada

Canada’s autumn is something worth travelling for. The forests transform into a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, oranges, yellows, and golds, especially in the eastern provinces. Quebec’s Laurentian Mountains and Ontario’s Algonquin Provincial Park are iconic for their sugar maples, red maples, and oaks, which produce intense crimson and amber hues. The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia winds through coastal cliffs and hardwood forests, offering panoramic views of scarlet and gold against the Atlantic. In Western Canada, British Columbia’s Canadian Rockies feature golden aspens, and places like Banff and Yoho National Parks showcase vibrant foliage against snowy peaks. The season typically peaks from mid-September to mid-October.

Japan

In Japan, autumn is called “koyo,” a cultural and natural phenomenon. This is when the maple trees steal the show in shades of crimson, orange, and yellow. The meticulously tended gardens of Kyoto are famous for Japanese maples, whose red and golden foliage will definitely win your heart. In Hokkaido, the season starts around late September. The birch and maple displays are simply stunning. Japan’s autumn is deeply tied to tradition, with “momijigari” (leaf-hunting) outings drawing locals and tourists to scenic spots.

Germany

Germany’s autumn means a lot of gold, red, and orange, particularly in the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps. The Black Forest’s dense woodlands, filled with beech, oak, and elm trees, create a warm and colourful scenery that contrasts with evergreen pines. Autumn in Germany aligns with cultural events like Oktoberfest in Munich.

Slovenia

Slovenia offers a breathtaking autumn display centered around Lake Bled, one of the world’s most picturesque destinations. The lake’s turquoise waters reflect bronze, gold, and red foliage from surrounding beech, maple, and linden trees. The Triglav National Park, encompassing much of the Julian Alps, features alpine meadows and forests that turn golden in October.

Finland

Finland’s “ruska” season, particularly in Lapland, is a vibrant celebration of autumn, with forests of silver birch, mountain ash, and aspen turning red, yellow, and orange. Oulanka National Park is a highlight. Here you will find rolling hills and river valleys exploding with color. The season is short, typically peaking in September.

Italy

Italy’s autumn is a warm, golden affair, with regions like Tuscany and Lombardy offering vibrant displays. In Tuscany, the Chianti region’s vineyards turn red and gold. The oak and chestnut forests of Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, glow under the autumn sun. For a unique experience, visit the Dolomites, where larch forests turn golden against jagged peaks.

South Korea

Seoul’s Namsan Park and Olympic Park feature maples and ginkgoes that turn crimson and gold, while Gyeongbokgung Palace’s grounds offer a serene backdrop of ancient architecture and colorful trees. The season peaks from October to early November, with cultural events like the Seoul Lantern Festival or harvest celebrations enhancing the experience.

Dreaming of Japan but worried about the cost? Don’t let budget constraints hold you back! Explore affordable accommodations like capsule hotels and guesthouses. Utilize rail and bus passes for cost-effective travel. Embrace local dining at konbini and conveyor belt sushi restaurants. Travel during shoulder seasons for lower prices and explore free attractions like shrines and parks.

At least once this year, you have thought about a trip to Japan. For some it came true, and then for some, it remained a dream. We are not very far from the truth when we say that budget is one of the main culprits behind your pending Japan trip. It’s understandable. Japan is one of the most expensive tourist destinations in the world, no doubt. But don’t let that hold you back, no. There are ways to make the most of your Japan trip without causing a major budget crisis, you see. Here are seven practical ways to enjoy an unforgettable Japanese adventure on a budget. Thank us later.

Opt for budget accommodations

Ditch expensive hotels and instead, go for capsule hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. They offer affordable lodging. Capsule hotels cost around JPY 5,000 per night, and they provide more privacy than dorm-style hostels. But if you still want to cut down on budget, dorm-style hostels will cost as low as JPY 3,000. Keep in mind that many, just like you, will be looking for budget accommodation, especially in peak season, it’s better to book in advance, especially for cities like Tokyo and Osaka.

If you want to go the traditional way, try minshuku or the traditional guesthouses, especially in rural areas. They will cost approximately JPY 6000-8000 per night with meals.

Use rail and bus passes

Taxis are considered expensive in Japan, so when travelling in Japan, go for the Japan Rail Pass, starting at JPY 50,000 for 7 days. This pass covers unlimited travel on most shinkansen (bullet trains) and JR lines, and they are ideal for multi-city trips. Now that’s smart. There are regional passes available as well like the JR East or Kansai Area Pass. These are ideal for short trips.

Eat like a local

By now, social media must have made us feel comfortable about grabbing food from places like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. These convenient stores are called konbini in Japan. These stores offer affordable meals such as onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes for under JPY 1,000. You can also try kaitenzushi or conveyor belt sushi. These provide hearty meals for JPY 1,000–2,500. Also, if you visit the department stores near closing time, you can get your hands on discounted gourmet bento boxes.

Visit during shoulder seasons

Repeat after us: Shoulder Season is Budget Season. Japan in January-February or September-October is less crowded. These are the best times to avoid touristy crowds and sky-high prices. Flights, accommodations and eating out are cheaper as well. If you are planing for October, you will be just in time for the gorgeous autumn foliage. These attractions come with no price tag!

Explore free attractions

Speaking of attractions with no price tag, there’s nothing greater than tourist attractions or places where there’s no need for an entry fee. Free is what we love and what we look for. And lucky for us, many of Japan’s cultural treasures, like Shinto shrines (e.g., Fushimi Inari in Kyoto) and some temples, are absolutely free. Public parks and historic districts, such as Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, also cost nothing.

Shop smart for souvenirs

When we say shopping, we don’t mean for you to get carried away. Go for souvenir shopping because that’s all you need. Skip overpriced tourist shops and head to 100-yen stores like Daiso for unique, affordable souvenirs. You might as well check out flea markets and secondhand shops while you are at it. These places are great for budget-friendly traditional items.

Make use of technology for deals

Try apps like Tabelog to find affordable, and highly rated restaurants. Hyperdia or Google Maps will help optimize train and bus routes for cost and time. Also try booking platforms like Rakuten Travel to find deals on local accommodations.

You might think keeping the window shades up is an inconvenience, but it is primarily concerned with air passengers’ safety. Here’s what really happens.

If you have ever flown on a commercial flight, you have probably heard the polite but firm request from flight attendants right before landing, “Please keep your window shades open.” At first, you might think it is a minor inconvenience, like what difference does it make if the shades are up or down? However, this small instruction is not about comfort. There is a major safety reason behind it. In fact, this is one instruction that every airline across the world follows. But why are flight attendants so adamant about keeping the window shades up? Let us find out.

5 Reasons You Must Keep Window Shades Open During Landing:

1. Spot Emergencies Quickly

Takeoff and landing are the riskiest parts of a flight. When the shades are open, both passengers and the flight crew can quickly spot emergencies like smoke, sparks, or fire outside. If there is an emergency, knowing which side of the aircraft is safer for evacuation becomes critically important. Open shades give everyone a chance to react faster, rather than wasting precious seconds trying to figure out what is happening outside.

2. Crew And Passengers Remain Alert

When shades are down, the cabin feels darker and cosier, which can make people drowsy or less attentive. Airlines keep shades open so passengers remain mentally alert during the most important stages of flight. Flight attendants also find it easier to scan the cabin and examine passenger reactions. This approach keeps everyone in “ready mode” rather than “relaxed mode.”

3. Prepare Your Eyes for Sudden Light

Imagine an aircraft landing in broad daylight and an emergency requiring immediate evacuation. If the shades were closed, passengers’ eyes would take some time to adjust to the sudden brightness outside. Similarly, at night, open shades help adapt vision to the external environment. Quick adaptation of eyesight enables faster and less disorienting movement in case of evacuation.

4. See Which Exits Are Safe

In a rare emergency landing, not all exits may be safe to use. For example, one side of the aircraft could be blocked by fire, smoke, or obstacles. Keeping shades open allows the cabin crew to instantly assess which side is safer for evacuation. Passengers can also see clearly outside and follow instructions confidently. This ensures smoother and quicker decision-making, avoiding confusion during high-pressure situations.

5. Follow International Aviation Rules

The open-shade rule is not unique to Indian airlines. It is a standardised international aviation protocol. Aviation authorities like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) include this practice as part of overall safety measures. By making it a universal rule, airlines ensure that no matter where you fly, passengers and crew are trained to follow the same safety steps. It is one of those invisible layers of safety built into modern air travel.

Myths and Misconceptions About Window Shades

Many passengers think keeping shades open is purely about airline rules or comfort. Some believe it is so they can enjoy the view, or that the instruction only applies to takeoff. In reality, the request is a critical safety precaution designed to protect passengers in emergencies. Understanding this helps passengers comply without irritation and appreciate the reasoning behind the rule.

Common Questions About Keeping Window Shades Open

1. Why Are Cabin Lights Dimmed But Shades Kept Open?

Cabin lights are dimmed so passengers’ eyes naturally adjust to the light outside, while shades remain open so external conditions are visible. Together, these measures ensure passengers can evacuate quickly without being blinded or confused by sudden brightness or darkness.

2. Do All Airlines Follow This Rule?

Yes. While some airlines may phrase it as a “request,” it is in reality a mandatory part of safety checks. International aviation authorities emphasise that even if you are flying domestically in India or taking a long flight to Europe, the instructions will always be given.

3. What Happens If a Passenger Refuses to Open the Shade?

If someone resists, the cabin crew will firmly but politely insist. It is considered a safety compliance issue, similar to wearing a seatbelt. Crew members are responsible for ensuring every passenger follows the rules before landing.

4. Is the Rule Different for Night Versus Daytime Landings?

No, the rule is the same. During the day, shades help with spotting emergency situations and light adaptation, while at night, they allow external lights such as runway signals to be visible. Both scenarios require open shades for safety.

5. Do Middle-Seat and Aisle Passengers Also Benefit?

Yes. Even though middle and aisle-seat passengers do not have direct access to windows, they rely on those seated near windows to report anything unusual. During an emergency, all passengers and crew members benefit, not just those at the window.

Other Airline Safety Rules Explained

1. Why Must Seats Be Upright During Takeoff and Landing?

During takeoff and landing, airline staff ask passengers to keep their seats upright for safety reasons. These phases are critical for emergencies, and upright seats allow for quick evacuation. Stowing tray tables and keeping belongings under the seat also helps maintain a clear path. This ensures your safety and that of fellow passengers in case of an emergency. It is a crucial precaution to prevent potential hazards.

2. Why Are Cabin Lights Dimmed Before Takeoff And Landing?

Before takeoff and landing, cabin lights are dimmed, and it is not just for ambience. This safety measure helps your eyes adjust to low-light conditions in case of emergency evacuation. If the plane experiences a sudden loss of power, dimming the lights beforehand allows your eyes to acclimate, enabling you to see clearly and evacuate the aircraft quickly and safely. This simple step can make a significant difference in a high-pressure situation.

Safety Statistics and Real-Life Examples

In past emergency landings, open window shades have assisted passengers and crew in quickly spotting hazards. Aviation reports note that clear external visibility has enabled faster decision-making during evacuations, reducing confusion and risk. These examples highlight that following seemingly small rules like keeping shades open can be life-saving.

Practical Tips for Passengers

Passengers can follow this rule without inconvenience. Gently adjusting the shade, coordinating with seatmates, and paying attention to cabin crew instructions can make the process smooth. Understanding the safety purpose behind the rule helps passengers comply willingly and avoid last-minute delays.

Linking Safety Measures Together

Keeping window shades open is one part of several small safety measures, including upright seats, stowed tray tables, seatbelt usage, and dimmed lights. Together, these measures form an integrated safety system designed to protect passengers during the most critical phases of flight. Recognising this connection helps passengers see the broader reasoning behind airline instructions.

So, the next time you are asked to keep the window shades up, remember it is for your own safety and the safety of everyone on board.

Instead of bickering over your trip plan, here’s an easy couple’s guide to make travel stress-free and bond well.

Trip planning should not ideally follow a one-size-fits-all approach, with generic itineraries and copy-paste schedules, sightseeing spots. The plan depends on the family size: be it a multigenerational family with kids and grandparents, a solo traveller, or parents with little children. Likewise, a couple’s trip needs to prioritise planning that includes fun, intimate time together for relaxation and bonding.

Heniel Rupaarelia, founder and managing director at ETrav Tech Ltd, shared  five tips for couples on how to plan their trips:

1. Make it experience-first

• Select destinations that combine romance with light adventure, such as beaches, hillside retreats or cultural hubs, where mornings might mean hiking misty trails and evenings end with wine by the ocean. Replace rigid timetables with freedom.
• Renting bicycles in safe areas offers spontaneity and shared exploration in a way private cars rarely can.
• Keep at least one day unscheduled and plan a spontaneous visit to a local cafe, a hidden waterfall or a market unknown to guidebooks.

2. Budget smart, not tight

• Blend indulgence with authenticity. Splurge on a scenic fine-dining experience but balance it with street food walks or local market tastings, which often reveal the most memorable flavours and stories.
• Keep a flexible budget with a buffer for last-minute opportunities such as a surprise couple’s spa treatment, a private sunset sail or an offbeat cultural tour.
• Skip the expensive glamour of Paris or London in peak season and instead, enjoy Vietnam’s charming cafes, Sri Lanka’s coastal escapes or Croatia’s romantic old towns at a fraction of the price with double the charm.

3. Balance sightseeing and downtime

• It’s tempting to load the itinerary with every ‘must-see’, but overplanning can erode the very connection you’re travelling to nurture.
• Trips with one to two planned activities per day have turned out to be more fruitful than those with three or more.
• Build in slow mornings, unhurried meals and unstructured afternoons. Use in-between moments to share a coffee on a balcony, to spend a lazy afternoon in a hammock or to take a romantic stroll.

4. Divide responsibilities to avoid burnout

• Planning fatigue is real, and putting the entire burden on one partner risks imbalance.
• The most efficient travel pairs adopt a split-and-conquer model. One handles flights, visas and core bookings, while the other shortlists hotels based on location, safety and ambience.
• Assigning roles such as food scout or map master not only divides the workload but turns planning into a joint adventure.

5. Choose destinations that strengthen the bond

• Tourist-friendly hubs like Bali, Portugal or Japan offer the right mix of beauty, culture and ease of movement, all extremely crucial for a stress-free bonding. Avoid regions with safety concerns unless both are seasoned travellers.
• Travel season matters, too. Shoulder seasons like April in Greece or September in Japan offer lower prices, fewer crowds and more space for intimacy. For couples travelling from India, short-haul destinations like the Maldives, Bhutan or Thailand provide seamless escapes without long layovers.
• Design the trip to match your shared energy. Ubud in Bali offers couples’ spas and jungle views, Lake Bled in Slovenia delivers fairy-tale tranquillity and Hoi An in Vietnam charms with lantern-lit evenings.

Experience is paramount on a couple’s trip, slow, intimate moments which outshine the otherwise packed itineraries. From spontaneous detours to leisurely beginning the day with breakfast in bed, travelling for a couple is a good way to connect, especially for the new ones.