So you hit the beaches, both near and far, all summer but that travel itch just can’t seem to go away. Now what?

OneTravel is here to help. While everyone else is flocking to annual fall favorites like Chicago, Munich and San Francisco, you can stand out from the pack by giving one of these off-the-radar places a try.

Azores Islands, Portugal: While many Americans will flock to France and Spain this fall, seek tranquility in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean amidst the Azores Islands, nine islands governed by Portugal situated about 930 miles west of Lisbon. Although they feel quite remote, the Azores are a mere 4-hour direct flight from Boston and experience a consistently cool spring-like temperature year-round, with “summer” occurring from July through December.

Once you arrive, explore the diverse range of dialects, cuisines and cultures that exist there. Tour the only tea plantations in Europe, go hiking, whale-watching or peruse the islands’ towns by bike.

Taos, New Mexico: Art-enthusiasts will relish in the 3-week Taos Fall Arts Festival taking place from September 24 through October 11. In a town where Mother Nature’s vibrant foliage and warm sunsets are center-stage during the fall, local creative and literary talents come together to showcase their unique works in three exhibitions: Living Masters, Taos Invites and Taos Open. Stop by the Taos Convention Center, located at 120 Civic Plaza Drive, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily to view the works on display. While you’re in town, be sure to tour all five of Taos’ museums for only $25 with a Museum Association of Taos combo ticket.

Fayetteville, North Carolina: This summer, North Carolina got yet another reason for travelers to be drawn to the state.  ZipQuest, a brand-spanking-new eco-attraction, was unveiled in north Fayetteville and is receiving favorable reviews from eco-adventurists. The 2.5-hour tour takes place 80 feet above ground-level across eight ziplines and three canopy bridges covering Carver’s Fall, the largest waterfall in the central and eastern regions of the Carolinas.

Heidelberg, Germany: You can join in on the mass exodus to Munich for Oktoberfest or, if beer drinking amidst crowds is not your idea of fun, you can head west to Heidelberg, a smaller town replete with history and quirky attractions. The Heidelberg Schloss, a castle majestically perched 300 feet above the small town, is a must-see attraction as are the Old Stone Bridge and the unique works on display at the Bonsai, Ethnographical and other Museums.

Aspen, Colorado: Aspen is known as a ski-town that also happens to come alive in the summer thanks to the annual Food & Wine Classic each June. So, why should you visit Aspen in the fall? Fall is a good time to get reasonable rates on travel to and accommodations in and around Aspen. There’s also the Aspen FilmFest, a five-day celebration of some of the world’s best independently produced films and the filmmakers who birthed them. The festival takes place September 29 – October 3. Visit www.aspenfilm.org to find out how to purchase tickets.   

Flickr: jsome1