By Lee San

It's October, a supposedly busy autumn travel season. Unfortunately the winter has come much too soon this year for much of the world. Or perhaps the winter is here to stay for the whole year? Not necessarily. Some are still busy with their plans!

People living in the northern hemisphere are still carrying out their day-to-day routines as ever, and the autumn is chilly.

I remember I was in Ontario, Canada, one autumn, whizzing north along the 800km Maple Road towards Montreal in Quebec province. The fiery red and orange hills, the azure blue sky. The vista was breathtaking and is still etched deep inside my heart. Yesterday, I replied the WhatsApp message of Sister Rocky who lives in Toronto: Stop tempting me! I know you're waiting for me!

In another October, I was in Irkutsk during the 9,288km Siberian rail expedition, where I was lucky to witness the advent of the city's first snow. Snowflakes fluttering down the valley of fall colors, much to the excitement of everyone. You should know that the fable-like fall colors will easily make a traveler fall into love. In short, autumn is THE season for traveling.

The group of 20 of us had planned to board the four reserved train coaches on October 3 this year from Mongolia straddling across more than 10,000km of Siberian rail tracks to arrive in Moscow just in time for the city's early winter, and then into wintry Finland via St Petersburg. I have twice taken this world's longest rail journey before, and have planned a third this autumn, as I really miss the blonde Russian housekeeper Eleanor. You know that the salmons will be back nesting in autumn! I sent a Telegram message to her and knew she would wait for me, probably until next autumn!

Here in Malaysia we only have summer whole year round. Little wonder Nozomi Sato from Hokkaido has kept tempting me over Line: Come quickly, kudasai! The deep fall in her city marks the bountiful harvest season for the local produce and marine catch. Everything on the dining table is so fresh and yummy, requiring no food seasonings at all.

It has been reported that young Japanese men and women going down the field for creative farming has become an increasingly trendy phenomenon in recent years, thanks to attractive government tax incentives. Do you still remember that autumn in Biei we found refuge inside Santouka, gobbling up the tonkotsu ramen, and also the roasted sea urchins at the morning market? How I miss you sweet Nozomi!

Looking back, in a particular year's late autumn, the seven of us were walking in northern Xinjiang as the temperature dropped suddenly. However, the golden leaves of the woods along the road and the misty clouds hovering in the distance were a sight to behold. In a back alley in one of the towns near Urumqi, we saw Uyghur ladies clad in colorful costumes having a fun time there, their pretty faces smiling gleefully. Making new friends in such a beautiful autumn is a bliss that I will miss for a very long time.

I remember this tall and pretty guide by the name of Blue Moon, who always loves to recite the words of "The Silence of Vadjra Guru Pema": Let me into your heart. In silence, and attachment. In peace, and contentment.

I messaged her on WeChat: Why have you suddenly become so quiet lately? Are you still taking groups to northern Xinjiang? She replied: I have a baby now. Not so convenient.

Indeed, as there is less work during the pandemic, it may be time to take a good rest. Isn't your child more important than anything else?

At the same time I also sent a message to Rui Rui in Beijing: Friend, How's life? Stay strong! I miss the hutongs, and your mom!

Don't you miss those days when you could go anywhere you wanted any time? A travel friend texted me: It's real! Armenia and Azerbaijan are at war! Luckily we went there last autumn, and visited the world's first church!

True, go places while you still can. Don't be like me, for so many times ignoring the calls of Taiwan's Chihshang autumn harvest festival. I have no idea how many more autumns I have to wait. This autumn, I emailed Ying Ping of Lovely Taiwan Foundation, the event's organizer: Let's make a date next fall. In Chihshang.

This year's autumn travel fair in KL has been called off, and the hand-made pineapple tarts from Flying Cow Ranch, pan-fried scallion pancake from Ilan, dried longan from Fairy Lake, and the three sisters of Da Keng Leisure Farm…they are all not coming! I miss you all! Glad to know you're still busy. Indeed, the Taiwanese government's "triple stimulus vouchers" have worked! Domestic travelers are thronging leisure farms island-wide to enjoy the fine foods served at the "farm kitchens". Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association secretary-general Yu Wen-horng and director Shinny Chiu, well done! It looks like you have an exciting season over there. Can't wait to meet up with you and listen to your stories when the travel ban is eventually lifted.

20% of temples across Japan may have to close down this fall, and 25% of monks will be out of work. Our future lies in our own hands. Everyone is struggling to make a living, and we are not going to give up just that!

Our team in KL is not going to stop, either. Our "Buy Now, Travel Later" travel recovery campaign #TRC is ready to go places with you, this season or next.

Meanwhile, I can only send her a short message this autumn: Let's make a pinky promise. We'll see each other very soon. Wait for me, ya?

(Lee San is Founder and Group Executive Chairman of Apple Vacations. He has traveled to 132 countries, six continents, and enjoys sharing his travel stories and insights. He has also authored five books.)