THE SAVVY TRAVELLER

… India for Diwali

India’s biggest party of the year is Diwali – the Hindu festival of lights (see below).

This year it is a little later than usual, with the main celebrations falling on Nov 7. As well as giving you a chance to witness the festivities, this is a great time to visit India. The summer heat is easing, making touring regions like Rajasthan more comfortable, but beach destinations such as Goa are hot and sunny (telegraph.co.uk/tt-indiaguide).

… the Canary Islands for sun

Few places within easy reach of Britain have guaranteed warm weather in October and November. But it’s only a 4hr flight to the Canaries where peak temperatures average 70F (21C). Tenerife has the big resorts and a good choice of top-end hotels; Fuerteventura has empty beaches and dunes; and La Gomera suits walkers (telegraph.co.uk/tt-canaries-hotels).

… Abu Dhabi for the Grand Prix

It may end up being a parade for Lewis Hamilton, but the final race of the year (Nov 23-25) is always a great event, the Gulf is sunny and warm – average temperatures top 86F (30C), with zero rain – and there is a spectacular new museum, the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, for a different kind of cultural experience. Full details: visitabudhabi.ae.

… New England for the Fall

The colourful autumn leaves of oak, maple, beech, poplar, dogwood and hickory provide one of the great natural sights of North America. For the best displays, travel at the end of this month or the beginning of November; fly into New York or Boston and turn right or left, according to the latest news from the US Forest Service (fs.fed.us; or dial 1 800 354 4595 in the US). North America Travel Service (0333 323 9099; northamericatravelservice.co.uk) can arrange your trip.