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15 Best Places to Travel in October

These are the best places to visit in October in the United States and around the world.

Greater Palm Springs, California

Austin, texas, scottsdale, arizona, savannah, georgia, dallas, texas, st. pete-clearwater, florida, cappadocia, turkey, kyoto, japan, florence, italy, okanagan valley, canada, phuket, thailand, the cotswolds, united kingdom, mexico city, mexico.

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It’s just about unanimous among travelers and Travel + Leisure's A-List advisors — October is a great month to travel, whether for an extended trip or a weekend getaway. The weather is mild in most places, fall foliage is beautifying the landscape, and crowds are manageable, especially compared to the busy summer travel season. Special events offer even more reasons to plan a trip. Here are 15 of the best places to travel in October in the U.S. and around the world.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

As someone who spends time in the Palm Springs area year-round, I can say that October is my favorite month in the Coachella Valley. The weather is clear and warm — in the mid-80s with cooler evenings — and the winter visitors haven’t arrived yet, so hotel prices are attractive and restaurant reservations are easier to get. It’s a great time for shopping, dining, and enjoying the nine cities of Greater Palm Springs . Visit The Living Desert , hike in the Indian Canyons, soak in natural hot springs, relax at the Spa at Séc-He ,  tour museums, or shop downtown Palm Springs boutiques or El Paseo’s designer stores. Known for midcentury architecture, Palm Springs will host Modernism Week Oct. 24-27 with tours and home visits. Nearby, the Joshua Tree Music Festival is set for Oct. 10-13 at the gateway to the national park.

Where to Stay: From resorts to rentals, visitors have many lodging options. Sensei Porcupine Creek is a luxury wellness resort with a gorgeous golf course and tennis program. The Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas will debut major renovations in September. The new Thompson Palm Springs is expected to open in September in downtown Palm Springs, blocks from the also-exceptional Kimpton Rowan . The adults-only Azure Palm Hot Springs features natural mineral springs and spa treatments.

“October is the best time to come to Austin," says Erin Lindsey, Austin local and vice president at Bunkhouse Hotels . "The weather is finally cooler, so Austinites pack some of the best events of the whole year into this month." Lindsey's favorite is the Levitation music festival held during Halloween weekend, but there are plenty of others: Austin City Limits Music Festival (Oct. 4-6 and 11-13), which brings in top names to perform at Zilker Park; the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix (Oct. 18-20), including concert performances in the racetrack's infield; the Austin Film Festival (Oct. 24-31), which brings top-billed films and indies to the city; and the Austin Horror Film Festival , set for Oct. 17-19.

Where to Stay: In the heart of downtown, stay at sibling properties Thompson and Tommie Austin or Hyatt Centric Congress Avenue Austin .  Hotel Van Zandt debuts its new lobby bar, Brass Poppy, in September. A short walk from Zilker, Carpenter Hotel is a perfect festival home base. Hotel Saint Cecilia is luxurious and secluded, and Austin Motel offers a fun and affordable experience

A quintessential destination for leaf peepers, Vermont is an ideal place to enjoy crisp October air, foliage in shades from gold to crimson, apple picking, and outdoor activities. “It’s no secret New England is one of the best places in the world for leaf peeping, and for good reason," says Bruce Grosbety, president of Woodstock Inn & Resort . But that's not the only reason to visit. “Come for the foliage," he says, "but stay for the hiking trails that you’ll find steps from our inn’s door and community events that draw in local artisans and food producers from around Vermont.” The Green Mountain State is home to wineries, breweries, cheesemakers, farms, and sugarhouses for maple syrup. Museums showcase art, nature, and Vermont’s history. In Woodstock, be sure to check out the Annual Woodstock Apples & Crafts Fair & Food Truck Festival , celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Where to Stay: T+L has plenty of suggestions for a romantic getaway in Vermont , including the Woodstock Inn, The Hermitage Inn in West Dover, and Twin Farms , set on 300 acres in Barnard. The Weston provides another luxury boutique option in the Green Mountains, while Hotel Champlain and Hotel Vermont are two notable properties in Burlington.

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October is a prime month in Scottsdale, with temperatures in the low 80s by day and even cooler temps at night. You can still enjoy poolside relaxing, but it’s also a great time to experience the beautiful outdoors with a hike, a visit to the Old Town farmers market or a local pumpkin patch, or a side trip for some leaf peeping in Sedona . Another experience worth having is Ales on Rails , a four-hour Oktoberfest train ride that pairs the vibrant foliage of Sycamore Wilderness with Arizona craft beers. It runs most days from Sept. 17-Oct. 31. Getting to the city is easier than ever this fall, too, since JSX hop-on jet services will add a new nonstop route connecting Scottsdale and Dallas beginning Oct. 3.

Where to Stay: Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa , offers tennis and pickleball courts. Golfers will enjoy the short course at Mountain Shadows Resort and the two scenic and challenging courses at Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North . W Scottsdale is located in the Entertainment District near Old Town Scottsdale. I’ve enjoyed a stay at Hotel Valley Ho , with its clever midcentury style and ZuZu restaurant offering over-the-top desserts.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

In the midst of shoulder season, October is pleasant in Savannah with cooling temperatures and many ways to enjoy being outdoors. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to a favorite city, you’ll want to stroll through the squares among the ancient oak trees or along River Street’s cobblestones, perhaps watching the activity on the river. My husband and I did both when we visited Savannah, and the waterfront walk was fun, with cafés, shops, statues, and places to stop and watch the ships. October is a good time to get into the Halloween spirit with a ghost tour that combines history, folklore, and scary stories. The Savannah Film Festival is set for Oct. 26-Nov. 2, and jazz fans might want to visit in September for the Jazz Festival (Sept. 18-22). From great food to history, you’ll find lots of things to do in Savannah .

Where to Stay: Perry Lane Hotel , with a rooftop pool and bar, topped the list of reader favorites in Georgia in T+L’s 2024 World’s Best Awards . The Alida , located downtown on River Street, also made the list. Also along the river, Thompson Savannah offers pet-friendly rooms at no extra fee in the heart of the Historic District.

Vincent Mercer/Travel + Leisure

The annual State Fair of Texas (Sept. 27-Oct. 20) is a great reason to visit Dallas in early autumn, when live music, cooking contests, livestock exhibitions, and Texas-style events continue the traditions that began in 1886. The weather is in the comfortable 70s with cool nights during the end of the month, and there are plenty of things to do in Dallas in addition to the fair. The downtown Arts District is home to museums, performing arts venues, restaurants, and bars in a walkable 68-acre area. Visitors can enjoy the autumn weather outdoors by hiking on trails, exploring gardens and parks, or heading to the Dallas Zoo. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) offers convenient transportation from Dallas Fort Worth Airport directly to downtown Dallas.

Where to Stay: The Adolphus is located in the heart of downtown, as is The Joule , set nearby in a 1920s Neo-Gothic bank building. Uptown, the boutique Hôtel Swexan features a rooftop infinity pool, while the Ritz-Carlton Dallas offers suites overlooking the skyline.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

Set on the Gulf Coast, the St. Pete-Clearwater area is home to some of Florida's best beaches . Surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway, Tampa Bay, and the Gulf, activities on the water include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, sunset cruises, and speedboat rides. Stroll the boardwalks at Boca Ciega Millennium Park, Sawgrass Lake Park, or Weedon Island Preserve, or enjoy the views from the new St. Pete Pier. From Oct. 11-20, the arts community comes alive with the annual SHINE Mural Festival , transforming St. Pete into a curated, open-air museum with murals by international, national, and local artists. Visitors can take in the sights on a 2.5-hour, professionally guided trolley tour, or check out the Dalí Museum, which currently features Dalí Alive 360° , an immersive experience that makes for a fascinating way to enjoy the artist's work.

Where to Stay: The St. Petersburg Vinoy Resort & Golf Club debuted in 1925 but received a major revamp last year. The Don CeSar , known as the Pink Palace, is another St. Pete-area icon. Downtown, the new lifestyle hotel Moxy St. Pete debuts in August.

This World Heritage Site in central Turkey features a dramatic landscape of volcanic rock, valleys, caves, and formations referred to as “fairy chimneys.” Engin Kadaster , a T+L A-List advisor, says, “The colors of the fall foliage make October a great time to visit Cappadocia, and the view from the hot air balloons is absolutely amazing with leaves turning red and yellow, making the region’s rock formations look even more fascinating.” The area is home to world-class wineries producing unique Cappadocia varietals and, according to Kadaster, the grape harvest begins after mid-September. “In addition to underground cities and cave churches, Cappadocia offers charming villages. In October, the villagers get ready for winter, hanging eggplants and peppers on strings to dry, adding to the fall colors." Hot air balloon trips, available throughout the year, are a great way to experience Cappadocia from above.

Where to Stay: Argos in Cappadocia is a luxury boutique hotel carved into a hillside with caves, tunnels, multiple restaurants, and Turkey's largest underground cave spa, which opened this spring.

Daneil Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

“October is my personal favorite month to travel to Japan in general, and especially Kyoto,” A-List advisor Rebecca Mazzaro tells T+L. “One of the main reasons is the fabulous weather — mild temperatures, low humidity, bluebird days, and ideal conditions for exploring this spectacular city with endless invaluable treasures.” More than 2,000 shrines and temples are among those treasures, as are gardens, forests, bamboo groves, and excellent restaurants. In addition, Mazzaro continues, “Come late October, the stunning fall foliage begins to show its brilliant colors, and there are fewer crowds than during the peak fall color season in November. Finally, October is one of the best times to enjoy dishes made with fresh, local, seasonal ingredients such as chestnuts, mushrooms, and vegetables.” The high-speed train from Tokyo is a convenient and exciting way to arrive in Kyoto.

Where to Stay: The best hotels in Kyoto range from traditional to modern. The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu is a memorable property set in a refurbished 1933 schoolhouse. You could also opt for one of the city's newest openings: Six Senses Kyoto opened in April, and Banyan Tree Higashiyama is set to open in late August.

Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure

A center of art, culture, and history and the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is one of Italy’s most popular cities. By October, summer’s crowds have gone and the pace has slowed, making this the month ideal for enjoying museums, restaurants, and the city’s atmosphere. A-List advisor Andrea Grisdale says, “I love Florence in October as the weather is generally very pleasant around 68℉ during the day with blue skies, so it’s not too hot — perfect for exploring. Then it gets chillier in the late afternoon/evening, so you need a light sweater or jacket.” Grisdale mentions the Oct. 8 Festival of Santa Reparata , patron saint of Florence, as a great opportunity to mingle with locals as they celebrate. It’s also a time, she says, of food, wine, olive, and truffle-related events in the towns of Tuscany. “Florence is a great base for day trips into the Tuscan countryside for bike riding, wine tasting, hot air ballooning, without the heat of summer.”

Where to Stay:   Hotel Torre di Bellosguardo is set in the hills of Florence with stunning views of the city. Hotel Calimala is located in the city’s historic center. You can also check out T+L's suggestions for Florence hotels based on the advice of locals and travel experts.

John Elk III/Getty Images

This year-round destination in south-central British Columbia is known for farms, orchards, wineries, and stunning scenery. According to T+L A-List advisor Marc Telio , “October is a fantastic time of the year to visit as it’s harvest season, and orchards are bursting with apples, a fruit Kelowna is famed for. The city celebrates through culinary events, from harvest dinners in vineyards to chefs incorporating ingredients in seasonal menus.” October also brings colorful autumn foliage and the wine grape harvest. The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival is set for Oct. 18-19 and 26-27. “During October, the weather is still enjoyable for outdoor activities. While other parts of Canada are cooling down, you can extend your cycling season, enjoy scenic hikes, or go paddling on the lake,” Telio says. “Birding is also popular, and October is a great migration season to get out there and birdwatch.” The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra kicks off their season in October, and Prospera Place hosts a variety of events.

Where to Stay: Naramata Inn , on the shores of Lake Okanagan, is a historic boutique property boasting 12 rooms and The Restaurant at Naramata Inn . Lodging options in Kelowna , Penticton , and Vernon offer a range of places to stay.

Bento Fotography/Getty Images

Located in the Andaman Sea, the island of Phuket is known for white-sand beaches, clear seas, gorgeous sunsets, and delicious cuisine. Thailand’s largest island is about an hour flight from Bangkok via Phuket International Airport on the north end of the island. According to A-List advisor Grant Ekelund , visitors arriving in October “get the best of both worlds.” It’s the “tail end of the Green Season, so there shouldn’t be much rain, but things are still lush and green. [There's] also the shoulder-season bonus of decent weather without peak-season crowds and peak-season pricing.” Most visitors come for the beaches, boat tours, and scenery, but the cultural attractions are fascinating as well.The Phuket Vegetarian Festival , Oct. 3-11, is a major event with festive decorations and displays of vegetarian dishes of all kinds. The Big Buddha, a giant statue of Burmese alabaster on the peak of Mount Nagakerd, is beautiful in itself, and it’s a vantage point for panoramic views.

Where to Stay: V Villas Phuket , a luxury villa resort, offers panoramic Andaman Sea views. COMO Point Yamu and Melia Phuket Mai Khao are also excellent options.

Eduardo Fonseca Arraes/Getty Images

Having owned a cottage in the Cotswolds for 18 years, Ellen LeCompte speaks from experience. “October in the Cotswolds is my favorite month, actually," says LeCompte, who's been a T+L A-List advisor for the UK since 2003. "The hordes of summer tourists are gone, and the weather is wonderful with blue skies and white puffy clouds — perfect for exploring the many walking paths and then curling up by a country hotel fire or a cozy village tea shop with a pot of tea and a plate of scones.” LeCompte certainly paints a charming picture of autumn in the English countryside as she continues: “There is the Cheltenham Literary Festival, Oct. 4-13, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a terrific lineup of authors. Kids love Birdland, the Cotswold Farm Park, the Falconry Centre, and sheep everywhere!” The area also boasts excellent restaurants and gastro pubs, antique shops, village churches, and a wide variety of local shops and craft centers.

Where to Stay: The Lygon Arms in Broadway offers traditional afternoon tea as well as lunch and dinner at Tavern.

Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure

“October is an ideal time to visit Mexico City as the rainy season subsides, leaving better visibility — you may even get an early-morning peek of the towering Popo and Izta volcanoes from a good vantage point if you’re lucky,” says A-List advisor Zachary Rabinor . “The St. Regis and Ritz-Carlton both have privileged views,” he adds. Visitors will want to explore Mexico City’s neighborhoods, as well as museums like the Casa Azul , Palacio de Bellas Artes , and the National Museum of Anthropology . “Towards the end of the month, you’ll find the iconic Paseo de la Reforma lined with vibrant orange marigolds in preparation for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a dramatic sight,” Rabinor says. Along with the holiday, Mexico welcomes the Formula 1 Grand Prix from Oct. 25-27, making late October an exciting time to be in Mexico’s capital.

Where to Stay: T+L has a variety of suggestions for our editors' favorite Mexico City hotels , including the St. Regis Mexico City . Apart from these, the excellent boutique Hotel Volga , Hotel Alexander , and Hotel San Fernando are worth considering.

Jess Macdonald/Travel + Leisure

Located in the southwest corner of Africa, Namibia is said to be at its best during the winter months from June to October when the weather is dry. It’s peak season for wildlife viewing as the desert becomes dry and animals seek out water holes, gathering in large groups. As summer approaches during this shoulder month, the weather warms, reaching into the 80s by day while nights are still chilly. Speaking of nights, Namibia’s night skies are clear, and stargazing is an exciting way to enjoy the hours of darkness. Etosha National Park ’s notable feature is an expansive salt pan, used by some wildlife as a salt lick during the dry season. In rainy years, the pan becomes a lake, attracting thousands of migrating flamingos. At water holes in the park, visitors can observe lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, wildebeests, and more.

Where to Stay: Accommodations are available both inside and outside Etosha National Park. If you're looking for a guided tour, try GeoEx . The company recently launched a new suite of women-focused itineraries, including trips exploring Namibia from Sept. 1-13 and Oct. 14-26.

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Best places to visit in october 2024.

Fall is here, and in many regions the leaves have changed and are ready for their close-up. While in some destinations you'll still have to contend with foliage-seeking tourists, other top getaways in October offer a bit more breathing room after the departure of summer crowds. Taking into account these factors, as well as expert opinion, traveler sentiment and array of sights (among other details), U.S. News chose the best places to visit in October. Have a favorite? Vote below to influence next year's list. 

Yellowstone National Park

Zion national park, british virgin islands, serengeti national park, buenos aires, black forest, asheville, nc, acadia national park.

If "White Lotus" piqued your interest in a Sicilian getaway, but you don't quite have the budget to splurge, plan a trip for October when the summer tourists have gone home. At the start of the offseason, hotel rates in this Italian paradise can drop to almost half of their peak prices. You'll still be able to squeeze in some of the season's last beach days as temperatures typically remain in the 70s. What's more, the streets are likely to be less crowded, so you can easily spend your days sauntering through the region's quaint villages and sampling exquisite Mediterranean cuisine.

If you can handle declining temps (think: 40s and 50s), you'll be rewarded with a wonderful time of year to visit Yellowstone National Park. October sees far fewer visitors than peak summer months, which means you'll encounter less traffic and won't have to jostle for a spot at top attractions like Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring. Plus, you might catch the tail end of elk rutting season and hear their otherworldly bugling. This national park's roads close for the season in November, but keep in mind that some lodging options close earlier, so book your accommodations early.

Pleasant weather, more manageable crowds and fall foliage – what's not to love about Zion National Park in October? Daytime temperatures in the 70s will keep you comfortable for activities like hiking and rock climbing, but pack layers and prepare for cooler temperatures in sunless hiking spots like the Narrows. What's more, leaf peepers won't want to miss taking the Canyon Overlook trail to catch a glimpse of the autumn colors. While fewer travelers tend to visit this national park in October than the summer months, you'll want to avoid peak times like fall break.

Beat the winter holiday rush with an autumn trip to the British Virgin Islands. Though October falls in the middle of the rainy season, this typically means brief squalls rather than days full of rain, and low season travel will mean fewer tourists and great rates on accommodations. The Moorings Interline Regatta also takes place in October, delighting sailors and landlubbers alike with its exhilarating sailboat races and nightly parties. However, these great rewards do come with a bit of risk, as well. Since this island lies in the hurricane belt, you may want to consider travel insurance for a fall trip here.

Summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit Iceland's capital, so an October visit will give you access to top sights sans crowds. Take in the city's quirky architecture like Hallgrímskirkja and the Harpa concert hall on a free walking tour before grabbing a craft beer or a bowl of fiskisúpa (fish soup). Temperatures may hover in the 40s, but the area's hot springs and geothermal pools will warm you right up. Plus, as a trade-off for shorter days and cooler weather, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the northern lights this time of year.

October falls within the Southern Hemisphere's spring season, so expect to enjoy long, sunny days and beautiful blooming jacarandas during an October visit to Sydney. Average daytime temperatures rest in the 70s this time of year, meaning you can comfortably check out Sydney Harbour's most famous landmark , the Sydney Opera House, and tour the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. This is also a perfect time to stroll along the coastal walk between the iconic Bondi and Coogee beaches. What's more, October is when two of Sydney's most popular events – the Night Noodle Markets and Sculpture by the Sea – occur.

Serengeti National Park's wildlife-viewing opportunities are incomparable, and visiting in October at the end of its dry season offers certain benefits. October is one of the Tanzanian park's warmest months, with average temperatures sitting in the low 80s. And while you might encounter a few short rain showers toward the end of the month, October is generally still quite dry, meaning you'll find fewer mosquitos and sparse vegetation – which makes it easier to spot animals – during game drives. The best place to catch a glimpse of migrating herds this time of year is in the Northern Serengeti.

Buenos Aires' spring shoulder season promises mild weather and moderate crowds – ideal conditions for exploring this Argentinian capital's charming neighborhoods. Come October, chic Palermo's stately trees, gardens and parks are at their finest, while 70-degree temperatures breathe new life into San Telmo's street fairs and alfresco restaurants. With the money you save on accommodations by avoiding peak tourist season, buy tickets to an opera at Colón Theater, take in a tango show or wine and dine at a parrilla (steakhouse).

Japan may be famous for its spring cherry blossoms, but Kyoto's many beautiful shrines, temples and pavilions shine even brighter among the orange- and red-hued trees that begin to dot the city in October. Strolling the tree-lined Philosopher's Path or taking in the leafy views from the Kiyomizu-dera Temple's verandah will leave you with unforgettable memories of this Japanese city. Plus, if you time your visit around October 22, you can catch two popular festivals, the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages) and the Kurama no Hi Matsuri (Kurama Fire Festival).

For smaller crowds and more affordable accommodations and airfare, consider a tropical escape to Aruba in October. During this low season month, hotels slash their prices up to 50%. Plus, the island experiences some of its warmest weather (think: daytime temps in the high 80s) come October, so you can stretch out and enjoy various water sports on popular white sand shores like Eagle Beach and Palm Beach. Though October can be rainy, showers tend to be brief, leaving plenty of time for fun in the sun. Plus, since Aruba sits below the hurricane belt, storms here are unlikely.

While Germany's Bavaria region and its raucous Oktoberfest celebrations garner a lot of attention every fall, the Black Forest in southwestern Germany offers a quieter escape into nature. Despite its many evergreens, the Black Forest is one of the best destinations in the country for fall foliage. Take in the colors while driving along the Black Forest High Road, riding the Feldberg cableway or boating on Lake Schluchsee. Though you may encounter rain, the Black Forest (the birthplace of Grimm's Fairy Tales), offers plenty of enchanting villages and cozy towns to duck into.

October falls at the end of this Indonesian island's peak dry season, meaning you can enjoy great weather for most of the month without the crowds and high accommodation rates of the busier summer months. Daytime temperatures hover in the high 80s, providing ideal conditions for swimming, surfing and sunbathing at beaches like those in Padang Padang and Sanur. Families on fall break will also enjoy cooling off at the Waterbom Bali water park. What's more, tourist hot spots like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple are less likely to be packed in October, making it a great time for sightseeing.

As one of the first months without summer tourists, and the final one before chilly temperatures arrive in earnest, October in Lyon is a prime time to visit. Travelers can score dinner reservations and settle in for autumnal feasting in France's third largest city, which is widely celebrated for its cuisine. A stroll through Vieux-Lyon, the city's picturesque old town, will also be more pleasant without rubbing elbows with hordes of other tourists. What's more, this month, Lyon celebrates its fame as the birthplace of cinema – the Cinematograph was invented here in the late 1800s – with the Lumière Film Festival.

Nothing beats seeing the vibrant foliage take over Asheville in the autumn. With dozens of deciduous tree species showcasing vivid hues of red, yellow and orange come October, this North Carolina destination is a leaf peeping paradise. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fall colors and take photos at numerous overlooks. Plus, the mild fall weather is ideal for a scenic hike through the Pisgah National Forest or a stroll around the colorful Biltmore grounds. What's more, with Asheville's booming food scene, you'll be able to cozy up for a top-notch dinner after a day of adventure.

The most beautiful time to visit Acadia National Park is October, hands down. By mid-month, this top attraction in Maine is blanketed by vibrant fall foliage, both along the coast and high atop its many mountains. And starting Oct. 7 every year, Cadillac Mountain (the tallest peak on the North Atlantic seaboard) becomes the first place to see the sun rise in the U.S. Remember to register your car for a trip up the mountain, and bundle up before venturing out to catch a sunrise; it can be quite chilly at the peak early in the morning.

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The best holiday destinations in October 

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

October can be many things. It can be the dreamy scent of bonfire smoke on restorative air; pumpkins on porches; blazing leaves. Or, Down Under, it might be the abundance of spring – and a fine time to explore new Aussie cooking. In much of Asia , rain and humidity are abating, so both riotous cities and off-grid escapes are at their best. And with the steamy, congested summer a distant memory, it’s the savvy traveller’s time for a classic California road trip, or an in-demand beach break. We’ve got October holiday ideas from sustainable touring to festivals, or simply just for escaping the British weather. For more, see our guide to where is hot in October .

Our choices for the best holiday destinations in October

Reykjavík, Iceland

Temperature: 7°C high; 2°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours Time difference: GMT+0

Reykjavík is a no-brainer for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the Northern Lights , with several ‘light-hunting’ expeditions setting off from the city. Yet, this mesmerising natural phenomenon is far from easy to find, so it’s important to pick the right time of the year to go. October brings darker, longer nights before the bitter sub-zero climate hits, meaning you can enjoy the light-hunting season in more comfortable conditions. The skies also tend to be clearer at this time of the year, improving your chances of spotting the glowing display. Take advantage of fewer tourists during this month, too, by exploring the abundance of natural and man-made wonders  Iceland ’s capital has to offer. Highlights include embracing traditional bathing culture at Sky Lagoon spa’s geothermal pool or visiting the 73-metre tall Hallgrímskirkja church tower for breathtaking panoramic views.

Where to stay: As the only five-star hotel in the city, Reykjavik Edition promises a stylish stay in the heart of the scenic downtown. We also love 101 Hotel , which showcases the design scene across hotels in Iceland .

Munich, Germany

Temperature: 14°C high; 5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 1 hour 50 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

As the home of Oktoberfest , does this destination even need justifying? Actually, Munich’s world-famous beer festival begins in September to catch the longer days and warmer weather. However, true to the name, the festivities continue until the first Sunday of October each year, with 38 tents serving beer sourced strictly from local Munich breweries. Expect a hearty celebration of Bavarian culture, including nostalgic fairground rides, folk music performances and a family-friendly puppet theatre. If your trip falls after Oktoberfest, there’s plenty more to keep you entertained. The season’s golden leaves transform the city into something truly out of a German fairytale , so explore the beautiful nature in its vibrant autumn colours. Visit the 210-acre grounds of Munich’s old Olympic Park or take a day trip to Rottach-Egern, one of Germany’s most charming small towns located on the shores of Lake Tegernsee.

Where to stay: Like Berlin , Munich is home to several big hitters, including Mandarin Oriental  and  Rosewood . Bayerischer Hof is another glamorous classic on our list, with a renowned jazz club, four-floor spa and double Michelin-starred restaurant all under its roof.

Temperature: 27°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

Perfect autumn beach destination: Europe , a Mediterranean island, but so far south-east it has the climate of the Middle East . Enter Cyprus. A rich history and eclectic culture, a blissful climate and fantastic beaches. Away from the dramatically beautiful coastline and the beachfront hotels is the lesser-explored interior, the Troodos mountains – the Cotswolds of Cyprus – with their vineyards and hillside villages and friendly tavernas.

Where to stay: Anassa is one of our favourite hotels in Europe, particularly for families. For a more adult stay, try the glossy beachside Amavi in Paphos. For more options, see our pick of the best hotels in Cyprus .

Los Cabos, Mexico

Temperature: 33°C high; 23°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 15 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT-7

Beachy Eden ‘Cabo’ is all about switching off in style. This sun-drenched spot is always hot hot hot: where smart hotels such as the One&Only have restaurants by elite chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and host birthday parties for starry guests including Jennifer Aniston. In winter, all and sundry come for the weather (it rains in summer). Praise be for October, then, when the mercury’s high but occupancy low. Los Cabos is actually two towns at the southern tip of Mexico ’s Baja California Peninsula – Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. The latter retains more traditional charm, and has the chicest hotels: mid-century fans will love Thompson’s The Cape . Don’t miss Puerto Raiz in San José del Cabo, an outdoor foodie hub with two restaurants and a distillery, set within 13 acres of orchards and gardens. All produce is sourced onsite – including for the distillery’s spirits and cocktails – while cheese, meat and seafood come from local purveyors in neighbouring Baja towns such as La Paz and Todos Santos.

Where to stay: One&Only Palmilla , an elegant retreat and one of the best hotels in Los Cabos.

Mauritius, Indian Ocean

Temperature: 25°C high; 20°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+3

It's springtime in Mauritius in October; the weather is warming up after a long, warm winter. But it's not yet humid or rainy. Huge Indian Ocean-sized flowers are bursting in bloom and animal hoots and chattering come riffling out of the rainforest. There’s not a lot you can do about the carbon-belching flight to Mauritius, but, once you’re there, you can opt for a sustainable stay. Mauritius Conscious Travel offers solar-powered glamping with vegetarian meals sourced from an onsite garden, plus motor-free day trips by sea kayak, mountain bike and climbing rope. If anyone offers you a trip to Mauritius at any other time of year, we urge you not to turn it down. But October is definitely a goodie.

Where to stay: For a private stay, Maradiva is a smart all-villa resort. At Shangri-La Le Touessrok , guests can enjoy exclusive access to a private island. See more of the top hotels in Mauritius .

Provence, France

Temperature: 20°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours by plane; 6.5 hours by Eurostar Time difference: GMT+1

Everybody goes to Provence in summer. But for food, for tranquillity, for scenery, October is deeply delicious, its vineyards a vibrant ochre, morning mists shrouding the glades of the Luberon at dawn. Autumn is the season of wine and truffles and food festivals, when Provence’s slow-paced villages are uncrowded except for locals, markets heaped with harvest spoils. And the weather is still largely warm and dry – ideal T-shirt weather for country walks and bike rides.

Where to stay: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is a classic favourite; while Coquillade has just reopened after a facelift, a restored Provençal village in the Luberon, with spoiling suites, a destination spa, and its own vineyards.

Málaga, Spain

Temperature: 24°C high; 15°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

On Spain ’s sunniest costa, Málaga’s exuberant young crowd has injected a fresh energy into this little seaside city, earning it a reputation for being a pocket-sized Barcelona , where you’ll find sizzling art and food scenes and late-summer heat. Its charming old town, though small, is packed with buzzy little restaurants and boutiques selling artisan-made fashion and homewares; there’s a museum dedicated to Picasso and a theatre run by Antonio Banderas, both Málaga natives. More modern kicks are found at the regenerated port with its Rubik’s-Cube-like Pompidou Centre. And why not explore Málaga carbon-free – Urban Bicycles rents out the most beautiful handmade mint-green bikes for cruising along the promenade, which runs from the city centre to the beach bars north of the city.

Where to stay: At the 18th-century Palacio Solecio , which opened in 2020 after a full overhaul to become the city’s most beautiful hotel, and the latest in Pablo Carrington’s stable (along with Formentera’s Gecko Hotel & Beach Club and Mallorca’s Cap Rocat ).

The Greek islands, Greece

Temperature: 24°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 40 minutes Time difference: GMT+2

The more southerly of the small Greek islands – the Dodecanese and the Cyclades – are still hot and sunny well into October – and there are some sensational beaches on which to enjoy it. Rhodes, with the lovely cobbled Lindos and parties in its ancient ruins. Milos , which has some of the best beaches in the Greek Islands. We love unspoilt Symi, Nisyros and Patmos; while Santorini and Mykonos are eternal big-hitters. Pick any one, they're all lovely. Or go island-hopping around them all. Just remember: cruise ships are an issue on the Greek islands, disgorging thousands into small port towns and diverting visitors to just a small number of shops and restaurants. If you’re island-hopping, opt to do it by sailboat instead: this is not only more environmentally friendly, but smaller vessels can take you to more off-the-beaten-track beaches, coves and towns.

Where to stay: We have a long list of the best Greek island hotels to choose from. In terms of the newest openings to know about, Once in Mykonos Luxury Resort is a chilled hideaway for young families and dapper partygoers. Another name to note is Oku Kos , which effortlessly combines local culture with relaxation.

Japanese Alps, Japan

Temperature: 20°C high; 9°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT +9

The masses might go mad for cherry blossom season, but arguably Japan ’s most arresting sight is its Alps in autumn. Vibrant reds, oranges and yellows sprawl across the ranges, reflected in jade-green lakes and rivers. Hiking trails get very busy, but the outstanding vistas more than make up for it, and the ever-organised Japanese excel at high-altitude mountain huts, where you can get a private room and bento box-style dinner. Afterwards, the spa towns around Takayama are adept at soothing aching limbs. Upmarket ryokans, such as Fukuji Onsen’s Yumoto Choza, offer both outdoor and indoor hot-spring baths, fine-dining kaiseki dinners and gorgeous traditional rooms with tatami mats and sliding paper screens.

Ningaloo Reef

Temperature: 33°C high; 16°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 16 hours 45 minutes to Perth direct, then 1 hour 50 minutes to Learmonth for Ningaloo. Time difference: GMT+8

Off the coast of Western Australia , the country’s most pristine coral reef has become known as a marine superhighway. Diving and snorkelling trips are technicolour dreams, teeming with fish, turtles and sharks, and Ningaloo Reef is one of only a handful of places in the world where you can swim alongside whale sharks and humpback whales, when they journey alongside the reef on their on their way to feeding grounds in the Antarctic. Or take a boat out as they breach, dramatically, out of the water around you.

Where to stay: Guests can walk straight from their safari tent at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef – the only hotel in the Cape Range National Park – into the marine-rich waters of the reef. The tented camp’s local guides will unearth the wonders of sea and bush, and arrange experiences such as swimming with whales.

Temperature: 14–26ºC Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13h 30m (one change) Time difference: GMT+2

Marking the turn of winter into spring, October is a wonderful month to visit this storied Indian Ocean island. The weather is dry and warm, the nights are cool, the jacarandas are in bloom, and it is egg-laying season for turtles and birthing season for lemurs – poster girls for Madagascar’s unique and diverse indigenous wildlife, which is found in abundance from the country’s ancient forests to its dreamy white-sand beaches.

Where to stay: On cast away fantasy Nosy Ankao off Madagascar’s north coast, Miavana is the best eco-lodge in the country: a five-star private-island resort dedicated to conservation, with expert guides to take guests lemur-and turtle-watching, fishing and diving. Abercrombie & Kent offers the 13-night Classic Madagascar trip from £5,960pp.

Darjeeling, India

Temperature: 17°C high; 10°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 13 hours 20 minutes Time difference: GMT +5.30

This month marks the end of monsoon season, and an excellent time to visit India’s most famous hill station as the rain and fog peel back to reveal extravagant Himalayan views. Top of the list should be a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, to see the frosted peaks of the world’s third-highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in a peachy glow. The effect is said to be best in mid-October; keep your eyes peeled and you’ll even spot Everest on the left. Other than that, it’s a relaxing time tasting the ‘Champagne of teas’ at local plantations, riding the UNESCO-listed steam railway (affectionately known as ‘the toy train’) and taking afternoon tea in Victorian-style heritage hotels.

Where to stay : Ging Tea House is among the oldest tea estates in the region, from which you can take lovely guided hikes. Or see more hotels across India for gorgeous monsoon views . Do remember that water scarcity is a huge problem in Darjeeling, so look for hotels with responsible practices around conservation (such as rainwater harvesting), and be mindful of how much you use.

Vienna, Austria

Temperature : 15°C high; 5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2hrs 25 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Though Austria’s capital is better known for grand imperial palaces and an even grander musical legacy (Mozart and Beethoven), one of the city’s finest assets is its urban vineyards. Forget a designated driver, just take the tram to the pretty outer suburbs, where rows of vines spread across grassy slopes, as skyline views and the Danube stretch out below. October marks the harvest, when the vineyards are at their greenest and winemakers open up their operations to enquiring minds (and mouths). There are several designated wine trails to follow, where vintners hand out samples from both cellar and kitchen, and autumn’s mild, sunny days are ideally suited to frolics in the fields.

Where to stay: Park Hyatt Vienna , a magnificently grand stay – one of our favourite hotels in Vienna .

Austin, Texas

Temperature: 27°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours 25 minutes Time difference: GMT-6

Austin’s other festival happens in October: Austin City Limits, in Zilker Park – an altogether easier shebang to negotiate than SXSW if you’re not in the industry. And autumn brings glorious weather to Texas – blue skies, mild warm days, low humidity – which is just right for a road trip out of the USA’s coolest, weirdest state capital across the high Texan desert to find historical charm in San Antonio and more weirdness, along with knockout art and sensational food, in Marfa. Rent bikes at Lance Armstrong’s Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, fired up by a farm-sourced, single-origin, Fair-Trade, shade-grown, home-roasted coffee from the shop’s Juan Pelota Cafe.

Where to stay: The Texas-based Bunkhouse group has places to stay in Austin and San Antonio, including Austin’s  Carpenter Hotel  in a former union hall near Zilker Park and beautiful  Hotel Havana  in a riverside house in San Antonio, while avant-garde hotelier Liz Lambert, a true original, is behind the out-there trailer park  El Cosmico  in Marfa.

Churchill, Canada

Temperature: 1°C high; -5°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 21 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT -6

Better to be a visitor than a resident in Arctic Churchill, which in autumn earns the dubious honour of becoming “polar bear capital of the world”. As the surrounding Hudson Bay freezes, these massive mammals – male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 men – invite themselves over, in search of seals. Great news for wildlife watchers, who can board specially reinforced tundra buggies to get up close to earth’s largest land carnivore; not so great for the people of Churchill, who are apt to find polar bears hanging around like delinquent youths at the local bus stop. The largest groups gather in October. Consider a tundra buggy safari with Frontiers North Adventures , respected locally for thoughtful initiatives including creating the town’s first recycling programme; employing staff and sourcing supplies from within the community; and investing in causes such as Churchill’s Canadian Junior Rangers and non-profit conservation outfit Polar Bears International .

Atacama Desert, Chile

Temperature: 25°C high; 5°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21hrs Time difference: GMT -4

The world’s driest desert isn’t the hottest, but it is perhaps the most starkly beautiful – so Mars-like that actual Mars rovers are brought here for test drives. Red canyons and sand dunes, whooshing geyers and steaming volcanoes, salt flats and hot springs stretch out as far as the eye can see. It’s largely devoid of a drinking water supply or any natural shade, so there are few settlements, which means no pollution, explaining why it has also lately garnered buzz as a premier stargazing destination. The fabulously remote Explora Atacama, for example, has a private observatory as well as a spa and bespoke-bred horses. October, shoulder season, offers a holy trinity: empty vistas unspoiled by fellow visitors, lower room rates and temperate daytime conditions. Don’t ignore the highland hamlets and historic sites in the Atacama region – spending your tourist dollars here helps to sustain local and indigenous communities and preserve their heritage.

Where to stay: Hotel Wara , a spacious and rambling escape in the desert. Explora Atacama , meanwhile, is a gorgeously rugged ranch turned spoiling escape, with a spa, an observatory and an exemplary restaurant.

Watch a video of a dramatic ride across the Atacama Desert

Rome, Italy

Temperature: 22°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

Tutti Italia is on holiday all month long in August. You might think that would make Rome relatively quiet, with every Roman gone to the beach, but it's not; it's unbearably busy and unbearably hot. July, too, is unbearably busy and hot; so is much of June. May and September used to be quieter, but lots of people realised that and now they are busy too. Winter can be a bit miserable, though Christmas is quite busy. So October, by default, becomes our month of choice to visit Rome, when it is less busy, still lovely and warm, and you can selfie at the Trevi Fountain in that magic late-summer sunlight without quite so many tourists ruining the view.

Where to stay: Hotel de' Ricci , a retro-cool hotel in an artsy neighbourhood and one of the best hotels in Rome .

The Lake District, UK

Temperature: 10°C high; 2°C low Season: autumn Travel time from UK: 3 hours by train from London Time difference: GMT+0

Even when it rains – and it does rain here, a lot – the Lake District must be one of the most wistfully beautiful places in the world. Never more (many would say) than in fiery autumn, when mist and woodsmoke mix in the morning and good days are pin-sharp, bright with red-gold trees and bracken covering the fells. If only someone could capture such beauty in words.

Where to stay: Foodies will love the Michelin-starred restaurant at Gilpin Hotel & Lake House . For a quant village stay, check in to The Black Bull Inn . For a private stay, we love the look of this cosy Airbnb near Ullswater . For more, check out our list of the best Airbnbs in the Lake District .

New England, USA

Temperature: 17°C high; 7°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 7 hours 15 minutes Time difference: GMT-5

As above, except with less rain, and leafpeepers (for that is what they call them here) tend to drive to look at the Fall foliage rather than put on walking boots. Combine the fiery Vermont countryside with a Boston city break.

Where to stay: Castle Hill Inn , the best places to watch the boats become silhouettes against the Atlantic Ocean, one of the best things to do on Rhode Island.

Temperature: 35°C high; 16°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 14 hours Time difference: GMT+1

You can make a convincing case for Botswana as the world’s greatest safari destination. The government’s “low impact, high experience” mandate makes for more intimate camps; Serengeti-like jeep scrums just aren’t a thing. Then there’s the Okavango Delta, an immaculate wetland wilderness teeming with life. (Conservation is so successful that South Africa relocates endangered rhino here.) Tourism tails off in October because of rising heat, but the flooded Okavango is water-cooled, while a lack of vegetation – munched over the dry winter – puts game-viewing at its peak. Prices drop towards the end of the month, and the new, solar-powered Qorokwe Camp by Wilderness Safaris, sitting on its own lagoon, is a slick pick. A bush walk with the San – the indigenous people of the Kalahari desert – conserves their culture in more ways than one, fostering both education for visitors and employment for the San. But do your research before booking: some tours can be less than respectful.

Where to stay: Xigera Safari Lodge , a lodge putting a swish edge on sustainability, or read about the best Botswana safari holidays in the Okavango Delta .

Seville, Spain

Temperature: 26°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 45 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

A hot destination right now, the winds of change are finally blowing through old Seville – and October is the best time to visit for fresher air, when the winding streets are a little less sultry but no less romantic. Culturally there's a lot happening, from pop-up galleries and cafés to a gastronomic revolution.

Where to stay: For a taste of truly regal extravagance, book in to Hotel Alfonso XIII . For more, see our edit of the best hotels in Seville .

Temperature: 29°C high; 24°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 18 hours Time difference: GMT-11

With the summer crowds gone, low rainfall and mellowing prices before the winter holidays, what better time to head for Hawaii? Of course, there’s more to the archipelago than Big Island: Kauai for secret swimming holes and charming local bars; Oahu for top food and surf; and even Maui, with its ever-popular 30 miles of beach, has some hush-hush stuff up its sleeve – seek out the rural artists’ community at Makawao, or go on an agri-visit to Surfing Goat Dairy, a farm on the slopes of a volcanic crater. Given the amount of importing that goes on here – and that goes for hotels, restaurants and shopping chains as much as groceries – shopping local helps the Hawaiian people maintain an identity that is uniquely their own. Buying locally made fashion not only guarantees designs that are true to the culture, but supports master weavers and artisans: see the likes of Hana Hou (Big Island); Native Intelligence (Maui); Na Mea Hawaii (Oahu); and Ohana Shop (Kauai). Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Lana'i , an alluring escape.

Perugia, Italy

Temperature: 18°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK : 2 hours 35 minutes Time difference: GMT+1

It’s not difficult to get excited about a place that holds an annual 10-day festival celebrating the world’s favourite sweet treat. Every October, Umbria’s capital in central Italy hosts cooking classes, exhibitions and (most importantly) tasters to celebrate the town’s most famous export – chocolate. It’s a diabetic’s purgatory, a sweet lover’s dream and a local staple. The Belgians have their pralines, Oaxaca has its drinking chocolate and the Swiss have Lindt – but Perugia is home to baci. The word translates as “kisses”, and the story goes that a young chocolatier created a special sweet for her paramour, wrapped in a love letter and – naturally – sealed with a kiss. Today, baci somewhat seductively resemble a nipple, and still come wrapped in romantic proverbs and poems. Perugia is also a town rich in history and art, set on a hilltop peppered with medieval aqueducts, curious cobbled staircases and views that appear out of nowhere.

Where to stay: Find boutique hotels in Tuscany and Umbria, Italy

The Galapagos Islands

Temperature: 25°C high; 19°C low Season: dry Flight time from UK: 13 hours Time difference: GMT-7

Out of this world all year round – there is no other wildlife like this on earth. However for maximum nature shows, it's peak season for fish and birds from June until the end of October in the Galápagos Islands. It's also when there's least rain. Wait until October and most of the other tourists will have gone back to work; plus the sea should have warmed up a bit in case you were thinking of taking a dip (and you should) to get up close to the phenomenally varied marine life. And while most visitors explore the Galápagos via small cruise ships, it is possible to book land-based tours, where you’ll stay on several islands and take small- boat excursions by day. This means eating at locally run restaurants, visiting land-based businesses (such as farms), and exploring the human history of the islands, too.

Where to stay: Finch Bay , one of the island’s longest-standing hotels as recommended in our expert's guide to the Galapagos.

Taipei, Taiwan

Temperature: 27°C high; 22°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 13 hours 30 minutes Time difference: GMT+7

Yet to draw the trend-obsessed like Tokyo , or shoot to relevance like Seoul , the Taiwanese capital is a broadly undiscovered, just-as-thrilling blend of both. From Taoist temples to record-setting skyscrapers, flashy shopping malls to throbbing, neon-lit night markets, it’s a fascinating cultural smash: all cheap street-side beers and grilled cuttlefish on a stick one minute; a bonkers club with a waterfall on the dance floor the next. Towards the end of October the rain stops, humidity dials down and skies clear, so you can take in the glitzy cityscape, best viewed from the 230ft Miramar Ferris Wheel, or the 89th floor of once-world's-tallest tower, Taipei 101.

Where to stay: There’s more bling at the W , where room categories have names like Fabulous and Extreme Wow.

Temperature: 31°C high; 25°C low Season: summer Flight time from UK: 12 hours Time difference: GMT+6

October is the beginning of dry season in Vietnam’s north and south, where monumental natural spectacles and buzzing city scenes both abound. Up top, hill station Sapa is the gateway to misty treks; the capital Hanoi is all chaos, condensed-milk coffees on low plastic stools and some of the best food you’ll ever taste. Down at the bottom, the Mekong Delta is a whole world bobbing on canals and streams; and Ho Chi Minh City is where the bohos go – don’t miss The Café Apartment, a nine-storey block stuffed with fairy-lit mini-boutiques and craft coffee stores. High season creeps up in November, so it’s also the last chance for lower rates. In Sapa, the most popular activities are trekking the terraced slopes and staying with hill tribes, and the best way to do both is with Sapa O’Chau . This social enterprise, founded by a single mother from the Black Hmong tribe, is a nonprofit homestay and trekking service, which puts funds back into the community: improving village schools, providing English classes to Hmong guides and street vendors, distributing winter clothes to local children, and more.

Where to stay: An Lam Retreats in Ninh Van Bay , one of the best hotels in Vietnam .

Adelaide, Australia

Temperature: 21°C high; 12°C low Season: spring Flight time from UK: 21 hours Time difference: GMT+8:30

Sydney and Melbourne – so yesterday. It’s Adelaide’s time to shine, and how. The wine-producing Adelaide Hills had long overshadowed South Australia’s coastal capital, but a vital new food scene is changing all that. And thank the Hills’ surrounding farms for fresh finds that Adelaide’s urban rivals can only covet. All that natural bounty is paired with October’s crisp air, as the beginnings of spring slough off winter’s edge. If you fancy getting off-grid, CABN has a number of tiny houses tucked into the South Australian wilderness, less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD. These solar-powered minimalist escapes also have composting loos and rainwater catchment, and sit close to conservation parks, heritage bushland and wine country.

Mendocino, California

Temperature: 14°C high; 12°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 11 hours Time difference: GMT-8

October is when Northern California finally gets its act together, dropping the fog and chilly winds that never fail to surprise under-dressed tourists, opting instead for more Cali-appropriate shimmering sunshine and bright, blue skies. It’s also the ideal time to make the road trip to one of the state’s best-kept secrets, Mendocino County: a thrilling coastal drive 160 miles north of San Francisco, with enough dramatic sea cliffs, lanky redwoods and crashing ocean to put Big Sur to shame. Mendocino town looks like a slice of New England picked up and dropped off on a California headland, and recalls its 1950s bohemian heyday with a surplus of art galleries and no chains. That hippie spirit also lives on in the Mendocino wine region, known for the country’s biggest haul of organic vines. Try a true taste of Mendocino at Harbor House Inn , where the 25-seat dining room hosts an ever-changing, hyper-local menu that has been awarded the county’s first-ever Michelin star. Everything you eat here has been sourced from within a 30-mile radius.

Where to stay: Half an hour up the coast, The Inn at Newport Ranch is a place of wild extremes. Or see more of the best hotels in California for more ideas.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Temperature: 35°C high; 24°C low Season: winter Flight time from UK: 7 hours Time difference: GMT+3

Summer is when Dubai hibernates: as the desert city heats up to 40 degrees Celsius and beyond, even skyscrapers seem to perspire, the al-fresco fun packs up and everyone bolts for the AC-cooled inside. But in October Dubai springs to new life: beach clubs reopen, restaurant terraces are jammed and a dip in the Arabian Gulf no longer feels like swimming in a scorching-hot spring. Temperatures in the high 20s also make a desert excursion less like an episode of Bear Grylls’ Born Survivor. Enough of the world’s biggests and tallests? Poke into the boutiques, galleries and Foster + Partners-designed buildings of the freshly minted Dubai Design District.

Where to stay: Al Maha , an exclusive desert haven set within a conservation reserve. See more of our favourite hotels in Dubai for more ideas.

Temperature: 19°C high; 8°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 10 hours Time difference: GMT+5

The remote Himalayan kingdom known for its Gross National Happiness Index, pristine peaks and precariously perched Tiger’s Nest Monastery, makes a point of exclusivity – foreign visitors face a hefty daily tariff for the privilege of stepping within its borders. The payoff, of course, is the rare purity of a nation largely untouched by the outside world. Given that much of Bhutan’s pleasures are found in hikes to sacred mountains and remote temples, the cool mountain air and clear skies of October make it a prime time to visit. The Six Senses Bhutan – comprising five different lodges – adds a touch of luxury to some of the country’s most scenic valleys and forests. The daily tariff ensures that Bhutan only deals in sustainable tourism – limiting visitors in this way protects the kingdom’s culture, land and traditions. But you can make sure the money you spend goes directly to the Bhutanese you meet by shopping in local markets, eating in neighbourhood restaurants and sleeping in heritage properties or homestays.

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 5 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Perhaps the most captivating country in the Middle East, Jordan has an embarrassment of spectacular things to see: ancient and awe-inspiring Petra, the Roman city of Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, great desertscapes where you can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp. In October there are still bright sunny days that light the rock of Petra up rose-red; but it is cool enough to journey into the Valley of the Moon on camel or horseback by day, and warm enough to sleep out under the starry sky by night. Don’t miss the opportunity to camp out in Wadi Rum. A co-operative of Bedouin tribes runs the majority of trekking and camping trips, and they rely on tourism to hold onto their traditional way of life.

The Turkish Coast

Temperature: 26°C high; 13°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 4 hours Time difference: GMT+2

Turkey 's beautiful Aegean and Bosphorus coasts are still hot in October, the beaches uncluttered by holidaymakers. There's a distinctly Greek feel to these regions, and between the coves you'll find dreamy boutique hotels that are good value for money out of season, and unexpectedly boho fishing villages. Alaçati is one of our favourites; and picturesque Selimiye, an hour from Dalaman, tipped (by us) as the new Kalkan. Likewise Istanbul – too prickly, too hot in summer – is more pleasant to explore out of season.

Where to stay: Mandarian Oriental in Bodrum , a glamorous, starry beach base. Alaçati is a good spot for small boutique hotels – a better bet for eco-friendliness than a sprawling coastal resort. The Stay Warehouse is a super-cool, adults-only converted brewery built from regionally sourced, recycled wood, bricks and glass, and the restaurant serves platters of local fruit, olives and cheese.

Temperature: 23°C high; 16°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 2 hours 25 Time difference: GMT+1

Mallorca and Ibiza get the lion’s share of the Balearic spotlight. But little Menorca is just as beautiful. In the summer, this tiny island’s roads are largely closed to private vehicles to avoid congestion and protect the natural environment – especially around the most beautiful beaches. By October, things have calmed down, and most summer tourists have left. More fool them: Menorca is still warm and sunny well into the autumn, and the sea – warmed by the Mediterranean sun all summer – is still pleasant to swim in. In shoulder season, you can explore at your own pace.

Where to stay: at Menorca Experimental , a handsome, pared-back hideout from the Parisian Experimental Group, or at Christine Bedfor , a smart townhouse in Mahon.

Temperature: 21°C high; 14°C low Season: autumn Flight time from UK: 3 hours 20 Time difference: GMT+1

Sicily’s long been drawing Italo-philes after something a little different to the mainland – more rugged, more fierce – but the White Lotus effect has really ramped up tourism to this little island over the past few years. See what all the fuss is about by planning a trip in October when the oppressive summer heat has finally died down, and the peak-season crowds have melted away. The landscape here is extraordinary; cities plonked at the bottom of smoking volcanoes, glossy islands cast away in the sea, and gently crumbling grandiose architecture that hints at a patchwork of influences from Moorish to Norman. You’ll also find some of Europe’s best food here; fat tubes of cannoli and refreshing granita that you won’t stop talking about even after you leave.

Where to stay: In Palermo, we love Villa Igea (which was featured on our 2023 Gold List ) or stay at Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel , set against the backdrop of Mount Etna.

The best places to visit in October 2024

Aug 27, 2024 • 8 min read

It's not too early to start chasing winter sun in Menorca ©Getty Images/iStockphoto

You don’t have to stop traveling just because the year is ending. October is one of the best times for many epic adventures. Whether you want to get active in Montenegro or wander a medina in Morocco, here are the best places to travel in October.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for relaxation?

Menorca, Spain

Why now? Swim, cycle and stroll in “winter’s spring.”

Most sunbathers go home when summer’s high heat ends. But there’s still plenty of sun in Menorca. Early fall is sometimes called primavera l’hivern, or “winter’s spring,” thanks to the bright, warm days. Tourist spots are still open, but you’ll have many locations to yourself. And the Mediterranean sea lapping Menorca ’s wild beaches feels quite warm. There might be a few showers, but you’ll have fun exploring the Anglo-Spanish heritage in Ciutadella and in the capital city Maó (Mahón). Marvel at 4000 year old megalithic monuments and hike or bike the coast on 185km (115=mile) Camí de Cavalls. The wetlands in Parc Natural S’Albufera des Grau are a haven for birds and Menorca is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve . Pack binoculars, indulge in Menorcan pastries and explore this corner of Europe in peace.

Why now? Calm seas in paradise.

Seychelles is probably how Pixar would draw paradise: swaying palms, supernaturally blue seas, white sand, artfully scattered with boulders, plus a few cute turtles crawling ashore. Fantasy made real. There’s no bad time to visit this island nation for swimming, snorkeling and diving thanks to the balmy 25–30°C (77–86°F) average temperatures year round. But October is cheaper than the peak summer months. Go to Mahé , the largest island, for beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Royale, plus rainforests and rare birds in Morne Seychellois National Park . The capital city Victoria is full of markets, Creole buildings and unique sights. The Indian Ocean water can be 29°C (84°F), visibility is around 30m (100ft) and it’s an ideal time for spotting migrating whale sharks.

Where are the best places to travel to in October for outdoor festivals?

New Mexico, USA

Why now? For cooler weather, indigenous culture and hot air balloons.

New Mexico is very enchanting in sunny, mild October. High temperatures are over and the 20°C (68°F) days are ideal for discovering the historical riches and outdoor celebrations. Explore the region’s Native American origins at the 1000 year old Taos Pueblo . Spanish missionaries founded Santa Fe in 1610, and the capital city has its own style. It’s a mix of old adobes, Spanish Pueblo Revival design, and modern-art galleries. Go to the Institute of American Indian Arts’ Fall Powwow for authentic crafts and dance performances. The lively Indigenous People’s Day Weekend Celebration unites dancers, musicians and artisans from many tribes and nations. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta may take your breath away as hundreds of hot air balloons in a rainbow of colors gently ascend over the Rio Grande Valley.

New South Wales, Australia

Why now? Talk to the animals and enjoy quirky festivals.

Sun, sand, surf and scuba schooners – standard-issue beach fun awaits along the Pacific Highway, the justifiably well-trodden trail between Sydney and Brisbane . But veer a little inland to discover unique natural experiences and cultural festivals. Get up close with koalas, dingoes and raptors at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary . Buddy around with a binturong, a rare mammal that smells like popcorn, at Hunter Valley Wildlife Park .  Or trek through a rainforest and feed the neon colored wild parrots at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary . October festivals lineup includes the Griffith Spring Fest where sculptures made from thousands of locally grown oranges and grapefruits are a big draw. Stop and smell the lilacs and other blooms at the Goulburn Lilac City Festival . Head to the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival two hours from Sydney for live music, dance and poetry.

Where are the best affordable places to travel to in October for culture?

Fez, Morocco

Why now? October is the area's weather sweet spot.

Stepping through blue-tiled Bab Bou Jeloud is as close as most of us will get to time travel. It feels like going back 1200 years to a city without motorized traffic. Welcome to Fez, the largest and most mesmerizing and extensive medieval city in the Islamic world. Visit in October, the best month for  Mediterranean climate and mild weather. It’s normal to get lost as you explore the 9400 alleys in Fes el-Bali, the oldest section of the walled medina . Admire glorious Moorish zellij tile, ornately carved wood and alabaster on medersas (Islamic colleges). Feast on pastilla (spiced chicken pie), tagine stews and a traditional glass of mint tea. The plethora of tasty, inexpensive street food available is perfect when traveling on a budget . At night, bed down in an Arabian Nights –worthy palace, riad or dar (courtyard mansion). But be ready for the intense noise from the souks (bazaars) and strong aromas from the colorful tanneries.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Why now? Día de Muertos is unforgettable in this diverse wonderland 

For an unforgettable cultural experience, go to Oaxaca City for Día de Muertos . Yes, there are lots of visitors this time of year. But it’s a mostly dignified and joyous observance welcoming departed loved ones. Marvel at family and community displays made of marigolds, corn, candles, personal artifacts and decorative skulls. Oaxaca is also the home of mezcal and mole; you’ll find both at Mercado Benito Juárez, plus handmade products from nearby villages. Shop for affordable crafts including glazed green kitchen pottery, fanciful carved creatures called alebrijes , embroidered clothing and handwoven rugs from Teotitlán del Valle . See the region’s most important plants at the Jardín Etnobotaníco de Oaxaca at Santo Domingo, and discover woven treasures at the Museo Textil de Oaxaca . 

Where are the best places to travel to in October for food and drink? 

Le Marche, Italy

Why now? Hunt truffles, wines and other tasty treats.

Foodies call Le Marche the next Tuscany because this “hidden” corner of Italy delivers great food and culture at good prices. The hillside vineyards and Renaissance buildings in walled cities Urbino and Ascoli Piceno may even remind you of Tuscany. But the people in Le Marche are not trying to be hip.. The region is pretty quiet and filled with low-key culinary gems. Seek out Verdicchio and Conero wines, mushrooms ( fungi ), local pasta, Prosciutto di Carpegna ham, and a creamy sheep and cow’s milk cheese called Casciotta d’Urbino. They are all amazing in harvest season. Autumn brings pleasant temperatures for hopping between medieval hilltop towns and hiking in Monti Sibillini National Park — maybe you’ll spot a chamois, wolf or bear. Tour beautiful wine villages such as Gradara and Offda. Eat your fill of white truffles at the fairs in Acqualagna and Apecchio, which also makes fine beers. Le Marche has many charms.

Tohoku, Japan

Why now? Make a food quest in the stunning harvest.

Most visitors to Japan head west from Tokyo towards Kyoto and Fuji , or go north to Hokkaidō . But you’ll be happy you took time to visit northern Honshū and Tohoku’s six prefectures. You’ll find steaming onsens (try Nyuto), gleaming castles ( Hirosaki ), and golden-halled temples ( Chūson-ji in Hiraizumi). But our favorite locations may be the peaceful farming valleys and forest-clad mountains covered in red and gold. Harvest season is perfect for exploring the region’s edible riches: prized Iwata wagyu beef, fresh squid and mackerel, local takes on ramen, soba and udon noodles, apples and rice. Fukushima prefecture is called Sake Kingdom, so it’s the best place in the world to explore this drink. Fuel up for hikes among the cedars on Mt Haguro , through  8000 year old beech forests of mountainous Shirakami-Sanchi or along the 1000km-plus (621-mile) Michinoku Coastal Trail .

Where are the best places to travel to in October for fall foliage?

Rogue river valley, oregon.

Why now? Pretty leaves, wine, cider and the Bard

The hills around Grants Pass have long been filled with dairies, vegetable farms, and orchards growing fruits like the giftable pears from Harry & David. The region is also known for wine, but that’s not the Rogue Valley’s only tipple. Blossom Barn Cidery turns heirloom pears into hard cider called perry. Perry is known as  the champagne of ciders thanks to its fine bubbles and delicate aromas. It pairs beautifully with food, including the zesty, award winning blue cheeses from Rogue Creamery . Go to the Rogue Gorge Trail for a great time hiking near the dramatic Rogue River Gorge Falls framed by autumn leaves. 

Trees aren’t the only plants that change colors in fall; grapevines do too.  So it’s the perfect time to enjoy vineyard views while sipping wine. You’ll find crisp sparkling wines at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards , plus delicious orange Gewurztraminer and views at Weisinger Family Winery . Plaisance Ranch is a working cattle ranch and winery. You’ll enjoy the owner’s warmth and his range of well-priced wines that pair with their organic beef.

Ashland’s world famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival is going strong in October, so grab tickets and enjoy a bit of the Bard. The theater is next to Lithia Park , a 93-acre area filled with ponds and hundreds of maple, ash, dogwood and cedar trees turning gold. You’ll find fall foliage bliss walking the trails and paths. After a long day, unwind with a dip in the mineral springs baths and pools at Lithia Springs Resort, a popular destination.

Why now? Mix hiking with leaf-peeping

Don’t pack away your hiking boots just yet. The southern mountains of Montenegro are awesome for hiking over the summer months and into October. Durmitor National Park has 48 peaks over 2000m (6065ft) including the country’s highest: Bobtov Kuk (2523m/8277ft). These mountains are scattered with pines, lush meadows and glittering glacial lakes. They’re also home to wildlife, from birds to bears. The nearby Piva River Canyon is even more striking in fall, as the azure water winds through hills covered in orange, red and gold trees. There’s also family-friendly hiking amid the peaks and primeval forests of Biogradska Gora National Park . Our editors suggest a week climbing Rumija on the south coast and hiking in the Kučka Krajina range near capital Podgorica . Hike mountains Orjen and Lovćen for prime views of the Adriatic, and then cool off with a swim.

This article was first published Jul 29, 2019 and updated Aug 27, 2024.

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The Best Places to Travel in October, From Cape Town to the Hudson Valley

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As much as we love lounging on the beach in summer and exploring snowy wonderlands in winter, the best places to travel in October tap into something special—and we’re not just talking about the fewer tourists and lower prices that come along with shoulder season. There’s a fresh crispness in the air this time of year, adding an invigorating pep to places like New England , Colorado, and the Bavarian Alps. On the flip side, some of our beachy faves are beckoning travelers to an extended-summer experience with fresh resorts and long-anticipated cultural openings.

Whether you choose to embrace the chill or chase the tailwinds of summer across the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, the middle month of autumn all but guarantees a memorable vacation. From Asheville to Athens , here are the 12 best places to travel in October.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

We dubbed Yorkshire one of the Best Places to Go in 2024 for several reasons, from seductive, sweeping landscapes to new restaurants helmed by Michelin-starred chefs. But October might be the time to venture up north: North York Moors National Park’s annual Dark Skies Fringe Festival kicks off on October 25 (through November 3), and the explosion of stars over the moors proves that the Brontës’ romanticism lasts well past sunset.

Be sure to book a stay at The Abbey Inn , the latest outpost of chef Tommy Banks (of the Black Swan fame) located just below the North York Moors. Not only will you get to sample some of Banks’ famously delicious fare, but the farmhouse-meets-Gothic bedrooms with abbey views are all too appropriate for these surroundings.

Another entry on our list of Best Places to Go in 2024 , Mauritius—sitting pretty off the coast of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean—is more than worth the journey. The island nation’s cultural offerings have recently stepped into the limelight thanks to the much-anticipated Intercontinental Slavery Museum , which opened in September 2023 to mark the country’s first step in recognizing and making amends for its colonial past. Art lovers have also been paying attention to the cutting-edge, contemporary art installations at the recently opened House of Digital Art (HODA).

Meanwhile, a recent revamp of seaside resorts has reignited the jet-set luxury of Mauritius’s heyday in the ’80s. Island classics Lux Belle Mare and Paradis Beachcomber unveiled massive restorations at the end of last year, while the all-inclusive, adults-only Hotel Riu Palace Mauritius just emerged from its own facelift in May. If you’re hoping to get even further off the grid, head to the outlying island of Rodrigues (about a 1.5-hour flight east of Mauritius) to enjoy secret beaches and even more historic hotels, like Play Mourouk and Cotton Bay Resort & Spa .

Salem, Massachusetts

October is synonymous with Halloween, so where better to book a trip than America’s unofficial witching capital? Snag a room at The Hotel Salem or The Merchant (they’re both owned by Lark Hotels, a company famed for its funky makeovers of countless New England inns) and then make your way into town. Salem celebrates its connection to the occult all month with a program of events, including horror film festivals, séances, and a fair with psychics on hand to read your future. (Check out the complete calendar of events for itinerary inspiration.)

During the festivities, it’s worth pausing to consider the history of Salem’s witch trials at the 1692 Salem Witch Museum. The museum recreates the trials using actual documents as the basis for its life-size stage sets, and hosts an exploration of witchcraft in all its forms through the ages.

Asheville, North Carolina

Don’t discount the South when it comes to fall foliage, especially the Blue Ridge Parkway and Carolina mountains. Make Asheville your home base for exploring the parkway in both directions: to the south, drive to Pisgah National Forest, filled with waterfalls and fall foliage–covered hills on view from Looking Glass Rock, and to the north, the curving Linn Cove Viaduct hugs Grandfather Mountain, offering some of the parkway’s most iconic views.

Get a dose of the funky lifestyle in downtown Asheville: Sample the African-meets-Appalachian food at Benne on Eagle , browse fem theory and queer lit at Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe , and drink a Strawberry Milkshake IPA at Highland Brewing Company . Stay at Asheville’s best boutique property, The Foundry Hotel , for comfortable rooms with exposed brick walls, a chic lobby bar, and a restaurant serving up modern spins on comfort food.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Known as “the most photographed event in the world,” the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 5–13) does not disappoint, offering families and travelers the chance to get up close with hundreds of seven-story balloons ranging from cute animals to Darth Vader. You'll want to wake up before dawn to get a prime viewing spot for the Mass Ascension, when all the balloons rise together to the tune of “The Star Spangled Banner.”

You can crash later that night at Hotel Chaco , a sleek, contemporary property with Native American–inspired art and architecture located in the heart of Old Town. That ideal location and perfect October weather means you can explore all the museums and markets downtown without breaking a sweat.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the best places to travel in October, as the month signals the height of springtime in the southern hemisphere. That means you can plan on tons of outdoor activities, from walking among spring blooms in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden to touring vineyards in Franschhoek . You could also spend an entire trip hopping between Cape Town’s best beaches. Camps Bay Beach is worth visiting for the views of Lion's Head and the Twelve Apostles alone, as is Windmill Beach (a 10-minute walk from Boulders Beach) for its warm water and boulders you can jump off.

Stay at a darling of the Readers’ Choice Awards : Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel , a 15-room Georgian-era townhouse tucked away in a residential street in Gardens (a fashionable neighborhood known for its restaurants, bars, and interior shops). The street-level luxury suites come with their own spacious sun terraces and private pools, making you feel like you’re in an incredibly beautiful private home.

Loreto, Mexico

We’re big fans of the Baja California Sur peninsula in Mexico, with its beautiful scenery and luxury resorts. While most tourists flock to Los Cabos , set your sights on the underrated city of Loreto. Located about 230 miles north of Cabo, the town is best known for its secluded, unspoiled setting on the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

For stress-free planning, book a stay at Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa at the Islands of Loreto , where guests can enjoy scuba diving tours, cultural city tours, whale watching excursions, kayaking, surfing, and ATV desert tours. After a day spent adventuring, head back and unwind at the 39,000-square-foot Sabila Spa or one of the resort’s five swimming pools.

Visiting world-renowned ruins in Athens is like taking a step back in time to ancient Greece, where stonework dates back to 400 BC, temples are held up by centuries-old columns, and sculptures of deities are a common sighting. This October, you can get a hefty dose of history and modern pop culture thanks to two key events: Oxi Day and the Athens International Film Festival. Oxi Day, celebrated on October 28, is a national public holiday that commemorates Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas’s refusal to allow Benito Mussolini’s troops into Greece in 1940. Thousands of people participate in the Oxi Day Parade every year—it’s an energetic display of patriotism, and it also happens to march past some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Hellenic Parliament at Syntagma Square.

Founded in 1995 by the Athens Film Society, the Athens International Film Festival (October 2–14) attracts some 60,000 cinephiles every year with a lineup of independent films. It’s a fun way to catch some buzzy movies before the winter awards season kicks off, as well as view indie films from around the world that you might otherwise miss.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen may seem like a bit of an obvious choice (hello, leaf peeping), but obvious isn’t always a bad thing. Hotel Jerome is a great place to set up camp, with a huge array of activities on tap for guests looking for an outdoor adventure—think horseback riding in the Rockies, riding a Jeep through alpine backcountry, and stand-up paddleboarding along the Colorado River. The hotel can also arrange day trips to the Maroon Bells, a pair of mountains that is one of the most photographed spots in the entire state. In fact, professionals are known to flock to the shores of Maroon Lake well before sunrise to nab that stunning fall shot.

The Bavarian Alps, Germany

An autumn trip to southern Germany is about so much more than Oktoberfest. Fall may be the best season to visit the Bavarian Alps , when the weather is perfectly cool and the mountains transform into a technicolor dreamscape. The season is prime for outdoor enthusiasts as well, with areas like Berchtesgaden and Lake Tegernsee lending themselves to some epic scenic hikes. Shutterbugs are never disappointed by the Disney-esque Neuschwanstein Castle, whose white turrets look best against a backdrop of deep reds and oranges.

Spend at least a couple of days tucked away in Hotel Bachmair Weissach , a modern alpine property located in the lake town of Tegernsee. With walls adorned with antlers, a cloistered courtyard, plaid carpets, and scalloped wood balconies off each of its 141 rooms, it will fulfill every romantic Bavarian fantasy you can think of.

Barbados is one of our favorite Caribbean islands , with some of the best hotels and beaches (all of which are public) in the entire region. And then there’s the rum. Though it’s now ubiquitous across the Caribbean, the spirit was formally first distilled at the Mount Gay Rum headquarters in 1703. Head to its visitor center and you’ll be able to learn more of that history, as well as sample a range of great dark and white blends.

Head to Bathsheba Beach—one of those aforementioned Caribbean-wide bests—and spend a day surfing and wading through shallow pools carved by the shoreside coral reef. Then rest up at Sandy Lane , one of the most glamorous hotels on the island, complete with three golf courses and family-friendly activities galore.

Hudson Valley, New York

If you're looking to totally lean into the cider-sipping, sweater-wearing, pumpkin-picking vibe of fall, look no further than the Hudson Valley. Aside from offering primo leaf peeping opportunities, October is the best time to go apple picking or sample some hard cider made from local produce at Angry Orchard. Alternatively, take in a movie at the Four Brothers Drive-In Theater or celebrate Halloween with the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze on the grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor ( advance reservations required). More than 7,000 pumpkins are displayed there each night, including a 25-foot-tall Statue of Liberty, all of which are carved onsite by a team of 1,000 volunteers.

Look to Warren Street in the heart of town for accommodations: either at the retro Rivertown Lodge , complete with wood fire burners and bicycles to borrow, or the relatively new Maker Hotel , filled with one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and a restaurant serving up ingredients sourced from local farms.

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15 Best Places to Travel to in October If You're Craving a Fall Getaway

Take advantage of the cheap airfare and great deals for these U.S.-based and international locations.

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Summer vacations are always fun, but taking a trip from June through August can often be overwhelming with intense heat, large crowds and expensive airfare. That's why when it comes to booking your next trip with your partner, friends or family, choose to travel in October. Not only are airplane tickets and hotels significantly cheaper, but a trip in October also acts as the perfect way to recharge and help you power through those last two months of the year.

If you're wondering where to travel in October , you've come to the right spot. Whether you're looking for a tropical beach with warm weather to help you forget about the looming chilly temps back home or you're hoping to find a cheap (but really cool!) destination in Europe, there are so many different places to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to plan that last-minute getaway (hey, treat yourself!). It's time to start packing !

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is home to gorgeous blue waters, cotton candy sunsets and a variety of tropical resorts, giving tourists a large variety of lodging. Make sure to check out local culinary tours and straw markets as well as the rum distilleries. And for those who want to enjoy a more laid-back kid-free trip, the Sandals Royal Bahamian is an adults-only resort with 10 restaurants, eight bars, seven pools AND a private island.

Charleston, South Carolina

The colorful houses on Charleston's infamous Rainbow Row make for a spectacular photo background. Check out this row of 13 historic homes on East Bay Street, just along The Battery , that have been around since 1740. Other top activities include the city's harbor, Frankie's Fun Park (for the kids), farmers' markets, museums and shopping. Luckily, you can still enjoy the warm temperatures of South Carolina in October without any of the harsh summer humidity. Hotels typically start as low as $100 a night and get more expensive the closer you are to the center of Charleston. Airfare starts around $140 for a round-trip ticket .

RELATED : How One Designer Turned a Charleston Fixer-Upper into Her Dream Home

New York, New York

There's nothing quite like New York in the fall. Enjoy some truly stunning fall foliage in Central Park while walking, biking or boating. Its 800+ acres also has a zoo, where you can get tickets as cheap as $20 . Central Park also boasts eight different restaurants and cafes in addition to the snack carts scattered throughout the park. If you want more of a true-city experience, check out one of the city's 145 museums. See a Broadway show (Wednesday matinees often have the cheapest tickets), experience new cuisines, go shopping, catch a concert and so much more. Bonus: A trip in October also lets you beat the summer crowds and long lines at big attractions, like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty .

RELATED : 38 Best Family Vacations That Everyone Will Love, From Babies and Toddlers to Teens

Florence, Italy

Take advantage of the off-season, and say "ciao!" to Italy. The weather is still warm, while hotels and local attractions are more affordable (and manageable). If you're a whiz at budgeting, you might even be able to find hotel lodging and vacation rentals for as low as $94 per night . October is the perfect time for sightseers to enjoy long walks exploring one-of-a-kind architecture, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Piazza Duomo (pictured here). Honeymooners can have a romantic meal for two with tasty bites from the famous San Lorenzo Market . Meanwhile, festival-goers will love exploring the many food and art festivals going on around the city.

RELATED : The Best Carry-On Luggage to Buy in 2022

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

If you're the kind of person who prefers to spend your vacation primarily in a bathing suit, then you'll want to book a quick flight to Puerto Viejo . October is the month to get the cheapest flights to Costa Rica . Puerto Viejo has everything you could want on vacation — water sports, hiking, zip lining, snorkeling, nightlife, shopping and even animal sanctuaries you can visit. It's the perfect pick whether you're going with your family, girlfriends or partner. The only thing you'll have to worry about is what cocktail you'll be sipping on the beach come happy hour.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

If you love fresh air, nature and wildlife, a trip to Yellowstone sounds like the ideal vacay. Not only do hotels in the area start at $90 a night ($15 if you're camping ), but the impending winter means that wildlife is on full display. Bears, wolves, moose, elk, bison, otters and fox can be seen in almost every area of the park. Hike, walk, or fish and spend your time taking photos to show your friends and family when you get back home. Certain camp grounds start to close in October (or earlier) so make sure you check ahead of time to confirm your sleeping arrangements.

Bar Harbor, Maine

You'll have to venture little ways north to find this idyllic spot. Before the temperature drops to a frigid 19°F come December, take a drive up the East Coast to enjoy the picturesque nature of Bar Harbor. The stunning coastal view is only enhanced by the changing leaves, which hit their peak colors around mid-October. The town's quick-and-easy access to Acadia National Park as well as the Bar Island Trail , Lulu Lobster Boat Ride , Atlantic Climbing School , and whale watching make Bar Harbor the perfect place to take the entire family.

Edinburgh, Scotland

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has a rustic European beauty that stuns locals and tourists alike. Known for the Edinburgh International Festival and The Fringe , the latter being the world's largest annual international arts festival, Edinburgh boasts good weather, smaller crowds and longer daylight hours in October. It's a great time to explore medieval architecture, the Scottish Highlands , Edinburgh Castle , and Inchcolm Abbey while enjoying a sip or two of whiskey between the excursions thanks to the Scotch Whiskey Experience . Lodging can cost as little as $14 , with the most expensive part of your trip likely being airfare. Fun fact: Edinburgh is often known for having a "nutty, toasty" smell that wafts through the streets due to all the local breweries and distilleries.

St. Augustine, Florida

If you enjoy the warm weather but don't want to be subjected to humidity, a visit to St. Augustine in October is your ideal getaway. As the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the United States , the city is chock-full of historic landmarks, like the Castillo de San Marcos Monument , the Fountain of Youth National Archaeological Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum . The kids will especially enjoy the Sea Dragon Airboat Adventure , the Alligator Farm Zoological Park and the Tag! Children's Museum of St. Augustine . The only snag about this trip? The closest airport ( Jacksonville International Airport ) is 50 minutes away.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The gorgeous views and beautiful fall foliage make the Grand Canyon a great vacation in the outdoors before the winter temperatures hit. Since the crowds decrease dramatically after Labor Day, you and the family can go hiking and spend a night or more camping, rafting or simply enjoying a scenic drive. Flights can cost as little as $281 round trip and lodging can cost as little as $15 if you're planning on camping inside the park.

Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe rarely has a time of year when it's not busy. But the best time to visit is, you guessed it, October. Roundtrip airfare can be found for as little as $68 , hotels as low as $110 a night and camping for a fee of around $41 per night . In addition to running, walking or hiking one of Lake Tahoe's many trails , you can also go apple-picking at a local orchard, take some pictures of the truly stunning fall foliage in the area or attend a local concert. There's also the annual Freakers Ball Annual Halloween costume party . Occasionally, snow can start falling as early as October or November, but if you're fine with a few flurries then book away.

Newport, Rhode Island

Enjoy a relaxing getaway to Newport if you want to enjoy cool fall weather and fun autumn activities. Pick a pumpkin at the Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch while enjoying a homemade pumpkin baked good and live music, take a ghost tour at night through town, or attend one of the many fall festivals like the Rogue Island Comedy Festival , Festa Italiana or Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival . If you're planning a trip with the kids, there's even a Hocus Pocus party on October 5th to celebrate the new sequel, which was filmed in Rhode Island . You can also see the autumn leaves at their most vibrant since peak fall foliage occurs around mid- to late-October in Newport .

RELATED: 20 Stunning Places to See Fall Foliage in New England in 2022

Oranjestad, Aruba

The stunning orange sunrises and sunsets in Oranjestad are enough of a reason to vacation in Aruba. Try activities with the kids like cliff jumping, UTV island tours, submarine expeditions, visits to the local animal sanctuary, snorkeling, fishing and so much more. There are also plenty of exciting adult-friendly activities like nightlife barhopping tours and dinner-and-drink sunset sails.

Lisbon, Portugal

September and October are two of the best months to visit Portugal because you're able to score beach days without large crowds around. With flights priced as little as $293 and a variety of highly-rated yet cheap hotels costing about $72 a night , Lisbon is the perfect vacation for those who want an international trip on a budget. Enjoy local cuisine at the Time Out Market or enjoy a trip around the city to see monuments. Notable attractions include the massive Cristo Rei Christ statue that overlooks the clear blue waters of the Tagus and the Monument to the Discoveries . Other tourist must-sees include the Jerónimos Monastery , Alfama architecture, São Jorge Castle and Belém Tower .

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is calling for those who want stunning ocean views, fewer crowds and cheap airfare. Smaller airlines often offer roundtrip tickets for as little as $108 per person. Stay at a hotel or cut costs by renting an Airbnb, some for only $100 a night . With wineries, museums, hiking trails, beaches and boat tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the island makes a romantic getaway for those on their honeymoon with its intimate coastal restaurants, sunset sails, hot springs and Virginia's Cave Villas Oia .

Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping . She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World , NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day . Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.

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28 Best Places to Visit in October in USA (You’ll Love)

Posted on Published: August 23, 2023  - Last updated: January 5, 2024

There’s nothing quite like a fall vacation. The hustle and bustle of the summer is gone. Most tourist destinations are like sleepy ghost towns waiting for the rush of holiday travelers. So if you’ve ever wondered where’s the best places to visit in October in the USA – here’s your list.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Traveling in the fall, and more specifically, October cannot be beat. It’s the shoulder season for many destinations across the states. That means less crowds and affordable prices. And bonus – beautiful fall colors across much of the USA!

Traveling in the fall is one of the best times to take a vacation. But not every spot is equally as great. That’s why this list of the best fall vacations in the US is highlighting cool spots you’ve seen before, and even better destinations you haven’t heard of. 

And by the way…I’m continually checking places off my travel bucket list . However, I haven’t been everywhere yet (working on it!) so I enlisted some travel blogger friends for help creating this epic list. 

Save money on travel with points: Check out the best credit card offers to save big money by using rewards points for flights and hotels. They’re so good; I regularly have 2-3 in my wallet and book most of my travel with points!

Map of the best fall vacations in the US

This list is covering a lot of the country! From the west coast to the east coast and some spots in between, this map shows a visual, which can be useful when planning your fall getaway.

Best places to visit in October in USA

October is a fabulous time to travel, and these are some of the most ideal spots in these gorgeous United States to see. From popular fall foliage spots to destinations you’ve never heard of, let’s dive into the list!

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina to Virginia

Average temp:  high 62, low 41

Stretching 469 miles from the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (where it turns into the equally scenic Skyline Drive), the Blue Ridge Parkway is widely regarded as one of America’s most scenic roads.

More than 15 million people using the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP) each year, making it the most visited of all the national park units in the United States. So it’s also arguably the most popular!

The BRP’s origins date back to 1935, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt made the historic initiative part of his New Deal. It was designed to improve American infrastructure and create jobs as a means to accelerate the nation’s economic recovery after the Great Depression.

It took until 1966 to construct the majority of the road, and another 21 years to finish the picturesque stretch from the Linn Cove Viaduct to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. 

The result is an epic and iconic road trip that dazzles with spectacular colors in the fall, when the leaves turn to sun-speckled gems in red, orange, and golden hues. It’s by far one of the most scenic fall drives in the US!!

An autumn drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway takes you through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests; numerous impressive state parks (including NC’s Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest peak east of the Mississippi); and countless hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and streams. 

There are also some 200 breathtaking BRP overlooks as well as charming mountain towns such as Banner Elk, Boone, and  Little Switzerland . 

The best of the parkway’s landmarks include Grandfather Mountain State Park, the Linville Gorge Wilderness, Looking Glass Rock, and Julian Price Memorial Park. Each offers opportunities to savor the splendor of America’s wilderness at its most pristine, preserved by FDR for future generations.

Recommended by Bret Love and Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

2. Bend, Oregon (one of the most underrated and best places to visit in October USA)

Average temp:  high 62, low 33

While Bend, Oregon is a fantastic destination year-round, the fall is a great time to visit this Central Oregon town. You’ll find far fewer crowds than in the summer months and the crisp autumn air is perfect for many outdoor adventures.

Bend is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, and October is a great time to experience Oregon’s high desert. Cooler autumn temperatures make it the perfect time of year to hit the nearby trails.

There are a variety of  hikes in Bend, Oregon  for all skill levels and in a diverse range of settings, from pine forests to snowcapped peaks to juniper and sage dotted deserts. You can also get out onto the water on a SUP or kayak or cruise through some of the famed Bend mountain biking trails.

A fun fall activity is to head to nearby Smith Rock State Park for beautiful views and a lovely riverside walk. Once you’ve had your fill, head to the ranch just outside the park that has a large pumpkin patch, food trucks and festive games for all ages.

October is the perfect time of year to hop around the different breweries around town to sample the local brews. If you’re a real craft beer enthusiast, you may want to participate in the Bend Ale Trail, which is run by the local tourism board. Collect stamps at each brewery you visit for a prize!

Recommended by Katie Diederichs of Go Wander Wild

3. Mammoth Lakes, California

Average temp:  high 60, low 30

One of the best places to visit in October in USA is  Mammoth Lakes . It’s located in Eastern California and is one of the most underrated places to visit in the USA in the fall. The beautiful colorful trees with the mountains in the background make this a wonderful place to stay in October. 

June Lake Loop is one of the best spots to experience the fall colors. There are many lakes to explore on the loop like Silver Lake, June Lake, Gull Lake, and Grant Lake.

The whole loop is filled with stunning yellow Aspen trees, and there are many spots to explore with these beautiful trees. Make sure to stop by Silver Lake Cafe for lunch and watch the stunning views of Silver Lake while you eat.

Another great spot to see fall colors is Convict Lake which is located southeast of Mammoth Lakes . The yellow Aspens are situated at the mountain base, so it is best to walk the whole loop.

You can also visit many of the lakes that are located in Mammoth Lakes Basin. They include lakes like Twin Lakes, Lake Mamie, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mary and Lake George. It’s a magical area to explore in the early cool fall morning. 

There are so many yellow colors in Mammoth Lakes. It is probably one of the most underrated areas to experience fall foliage, and one of the best places to visit in the US in October!

Recommended by Michelle of The Wandering Queen

4. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado (one of the best October vacation destinations)

Average temp:  high 46, low 29

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain is one of the most beautiful (and popular) national parks in the country.

Located about 2 hours away from Denver, this park takes time ans effort to explore with countless trails, waterfalls and even one of Colorado’s most popular “fourteeners” Longs Peak. 

Rocky Mountain National Park is pure magic during fall, when the incredible golden colors come out in full display. The best time to see them is from mid-September through early October. 

Another thing you should know about visiting RMNP during the fall is that weekends still might be busy, as more people come to take pictures and see thousands of amazing golden-hue Aspen trees. Crowds begin to dissipate in the fall, and if you want the ultimate experience, try to plan your visit for weekday. 

To see the fall colors in their full glory, take a drive along the Trail Ridge Road that is open from Memorial Day until late October. The alpine highway is a perfect way to enjoy the the fall scenery at RMNP without getting out of the car. In fact, the Trail Ridge Road is one of the top Colorado bucket list activity!

Still, try to explore some trails. Take a hike or two to enjoy the fall colors , and if you plan on doing a more challenging trail at a higher altitude, make sure to bring some layers . Temperatures begin to drop in the fall, and it’s a good idea to bring a jacket with you, especially if you plan on camping here. 

Note: through most of October, the park requires a timed entry permit. Plan your trip in advance and grab your permit here .

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

5. Door County, Wisconsin

Average temp:  high 56, low 41

Door County, Wisconsin likely isn’t the first spot to come to mind when thinking of amazing fall colors in the United States. However, the colors here are breathtaking , and there are many wonderful activities to enjoy in Door County during fall! 

The colors begin changing during the end of September, and visitors hoping to see the leaves during their peak color should plan to visit the area in mid-October. 

To see some of the best fall colors in Door County, try hiking in Peninsula State Park, Whitefish Dunes State Park, Cave Point County Park and The Ridges Sanctuary, just to name a few spots.

For those looking for a less active leaf-peeping experience, be sure to take a drive along Highway 42. You can also see the leaves from above at viewing platforms, such as the newly constructed Sturgeon Bay Maritime Museum Lighthouse Tower. 

Fall is also a great time to visit the apple orchards in Door County. Be sure to stop by Wood Orchard Market, where you can get awesome seasonal products such as their special apple cider donuts! 

With the cooler fall temperatures, cozying up to a fire during a traditional Door County fish boil is one of the best  things to do in Wisconsin  at this time of year. Fish Boils are fun to watch and delicious. Each boil master makes theirs a little differently but, you can count on all recipes using white fish and various vegetables and spices boiled in a large kettle over an open fire.

Door County is an underrated destination, and definitely one of the best places to visit in October USA!

Recommended by Lindsey of Have Clothes, Will Travel

6. San Diego, California

Average temp:  high 74, low 61

Listen, San Diego has amazing temperatures most of the year, so there’s not really a ‘bad’ time to go. However, as someone who’s traveled to San Diego many times in the fall, I can truly say that October is a fantastic time to visit this amazing city!

Less tourists visit San Diego in the fall, so there’s not as many limitations to amazing activities because of overcrowding. For instance, the San Diego Zoo is a fantastic spot to explore. It’s really enjoyable in the fall when you can see what you’re there to see, instead of waiting all the time.

An amazing activity in the San Diego area is kayaking in La Jolla Cove in October. Other top things to do include Balboa Park, Old Town San Diego and Coronado Island.

By the way, here’s an idea of how to spend a weekend in San Diego if it’s on your short list!

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels 

Book a photo shoot: The best souvenir, booking a photo shoot while traveling preserves memories of your vacation! I love Flytographer because the photo sessions are fun, easy and affordable. you can get $25 off if you book through this link .

7. Oahu, Hawaii (top of the list for warm places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 84, low 69

The island of Oahu has beautiful weather throughout the year but fall is one of the best times to visit. At this time of year, you can expect fewer crowds around the island, plenty of days with clear blue skies and the island is still really warm so you can spend your time lying on the beach.

While it may be hotter in the summer months, the fall actually offers a more enjoyable temperature so you can get out and explore the island. 

One of the highlights of any visit to Oahu is exploring the many beaches dotted around the island. The most beautiful beach on Oahu is Lanikai Beach , which is a palm tree lined stretch of brilliant white sand and crystal-clear blue water.

As it’s on the east side of the island the water is usually quite calm so it is ideal for swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. If you are feeling energetic you can kayak out to the Mokalua Islands which are just a few hundred metres from shore. 

Another great activity is to explore Kualoa Regional Park, which is where scenes from Jurassic Park were filmed. You can explore the park on foot or take a quad bike tour. The mountains here are unique with their deep ridges and tropical green coverings.

During a visit to Oahu you can also snorkel, surf, hike, visit local farms to try fresh fruit and so much more. It’s an amazing island and the weather in particular makes this a perfect fall getaway.

Recommended by Luke of Wild About BC

8. Acadia National Park, Maine (a top choice on this list of best places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 55, low 38

Acadia is among a very small group of US national parks with two genuine ‘peak’ seasons. Summer is naturally congested in Acadia, but fall is equally as busy and because of the spectacularly beautiful Autumnal foliage lighting up the park.

But striking colors aren’t everything and the fall season is loaded with other benefits in Acadia National Park. 

Hiking conditions are cooler in September and October, which comes in particularly handy when climbing both of Acadia’s adrenaline pumping hikes – Beehive Trail and Precipice Trail.

Beehive and Precipice are the two outstanding hikes but there are a dozen other trails without ladder climbing elements. All of which summit with remarkable views over the Gulf of Maine, gorgeous lakes, tiny islands and of course mountain sides covered in vibrant orange, yellow, red and green trees.

Epic sunrises are one of Acadia’s greatest assets and from the summit of ultra-popular Cadillac Mountain, you can be among the first people in the US to see the sun rise over the eastern horizon. In fall, sunrise is over an hour later than in summer, which means a slightly less agonizing alarm time.

To see the richest and most vivid colors, simply get stuck into all of the  best things to do in Acadia National Park , including hikes, lakes and carriage roads.

Pro tip: Be sure to book Bar Harbor accommodation a long way in advance to avoid missing out and always be out in the park early, parking spaces are limited and fill quickly each day.

Without a doubt, Acadia National Park is one of the best places to visit in October in USA.

Recommended by Mark and Kristen of Where Are Those Morgans?

9. Moab, Utah

Average temp:  high 74, low 41

Moab, Utah is an adventure city in the Southwest USA. With countless national parks, state parks and recreation areas surrounding Moab, it’s truly an amazing place to vacation.

It makes this list of the best places to visit in October in the USA because the weather usually hasn’t turned too wintry yet to enjoy the outdoors. And in the summer, Moab is packed with tourism!

If you love hiking, October is the perfect time to explore Arches National Park by foot or hike Canyonlands National Park . There’s also white water rafting, canyoneering, wineries and breweries and so much more.

Visitors should still book accommodations as far out as possible to get the best pricing. And be sure to book any tours in advance since Moab is a hot spot!

Related: 30 Cool Things to Do in Moab, Utah

Best October vacation destinations

Some amazing spots have already been covered, but some of the best fall foliage in USA continues…

10. Asheville, North Carolina

Average temp:  high 68, low 46

Asheville, North Carolina is one of the best places in the US to experience fall.  The mountains are blazing with red, orange, and yellow leaves, the weather is perfect and the orchards are open. 

While it may be the busiest time of year, it’s well worth the visit, but try to time it for a weekday visit instead of the weekends.

Be sure to spend some time walking around downtown Asheville and wandering the shops of the hip West Asheville area.  Visiting the Biltmore Estate is also a must-do. 

There are so many amazing places to eat in Asheville, you’ll be able to try new, delicious food for every meal. Tupelo Honey and Gan Shan West are great options.

One of the best things to do in Asheville is driving part of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway and the best time to  drive the Blue Ridge Parkway is fall . There are tons of hikes to waterfalls nearby like Linville Falls, Looking Glass Falls, or Moore Cove Falls. 

Visiting Asheville in the fall makes all of these things even better than they normally are because you get to see them surrounded by stunning fall foliage, and who doesn’t love that?  

Recommended by Megan of Red Around the World

11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington (a PNW fave on this list of best places to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 47, low 33

Within the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier National Park boasts vibrant autumnal colors not only on the leaves of its famously grand trees, but also from the wildflowers, succulents, and other fauna carpeting the park’s rolling valleys.

If you’re looking for some of the best spots to see the fall colors, head to the Skyline Trail Mount Rainier, a 5.5 mile hike that takes you up close-and-personal with Mount Rainier and meanders through meadows aflame with autumnal foliage, from the vibrant red of scarlet paintbrush to the flaming orange of elderberries. 

Alternatively, check out Naches Peak Loop, a part of the Pacific Crest Trail that traverses colorful subalpine valleys bursting with autumnal colors while snowy Mount Rainier looms overhead.

For a lower impact way to enjoy the fall foliage, take a scenic drive through the Chinook Scenic Byway. It’s a 107 mile road that will take you through both Mount Rainier National Park and Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest.

This drive provides a gorgeous tour of rushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and of course, panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains’ beautiful fall colors.

With stunning autumnal foliage, world-class hiking, and a variety of activities for all types of travelers, Mount Rainier in the fall is a fantastic place to explore. 

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

12. Boston, Massachusetts

Average temp:  high 62, low 47

Fall is the ultimate time to visit New England. From “leaf-peeping” in parks to crisp weather and apple-picking, it’s no wonder that visitors flock to the region from all over the world. If you’re seeking a combination of a city break and a fantastic fall destination, consider Boston.

Boston is teeming with history, green spaces, restaurants, and quaint neighborhoods to charm any visitor. Known as the “Cradle of the American Revolution,” don’t miss the Freedom Trail .

It’s a 2-mile, largely flat walking path that traces various sites of historical importance, such as the site of the Boston Massacre, the beginning of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, and the Battle of Bunker Hill in Charlestown.

The Trail kicks off at the beautiful Boston Common, the oldest city park in the U.S., dating back to 1634! As you walk, you will also discover other lovely fall destinations, such as the Beacon Hill neighborhood, with its cobbled streets and romantic buildings. Be sure to stop at Acorn Street, said to be the most-photographed street in the U.S .

For some Victorian splendor, visit Copley Square and the Back Bay, gazing up at its two beautiful churches and the Boston Public Library – certainly one of the city’s most picturesque places. In particular, the Library’s Bates Room, with its glowing lamps and vintage books, will give you major “back-to-school season” vibes.

Nearby, the Commonwealth Avenue Mall has gorgeous trees in blazing fall colors – one of the best places to check out fall foliage in town . There are also a variety of parks to discover if foliage is what you seek, including the Fens, the Emerald Necklace parks system and the Public Garden. 

Boston is certainly one of the best places to travel in October in USA, especially if you love history!

Recommended by Tegan and Alex of Why Not Walk Travel Guides

13. Napa Valley, California (a favorite of these fall vacation ideas)

Average temp:  high 77, low 47

It’s without question that the beautiful  Napa Valley  region in California is one of the most beautiful fall travel destinations in the USA. The normally vibrant green of the grapevines turns to shades of yellow, gold and orange in Napa Valley. And as the weather cools, the leaves start to fall, leaving a carpet of orangey gold underfoot.  

Napa Valley is actually a region featuring a collection of towns in between the vineyards and rolling hills. The area is a really easy drive from the best things to do in San Francisco , and will take around 1.5 hours. Having a car is a great idea in Napa Valley so that you are able to hop between wine tastings and towns at your leisure.  

For a spectacular view, Artesa Wines is a great choice for a wine tasting as the large-windowed cellar door sits stop a hill providing great panoramic views of the surrounding valley.  

Auburn James, just outside St Helena, is also a beautiful winery to stop in at, with a gorgeous tasting room. It is worth noting that booking in advance for your tastings is always a good idea and usually involves a small payment.  

Once you’ve finished your wine tastings, head into the township of St Helena for dinner at the Farmstead – a stellar farm to plate restaurant pairing local wines with delicious food.  

Recommended by Emma of Emma Jane Explores

14. Chicago, Illinois

Average temp:  high 62, low 50

If you’re looking for the best place to visit in October USA, look no further than Chicago!  This fun city is vibrant and full of fall foliage! Plus, there’s a ton of things to do, indoor and out.

While you could spend a week in the city, a Chicago 3 day itinerary would be just about perfect. 

A must-see is Millennium Park and the world-famous “Bean.” October is the  perfect time to witness the ever changing colors of autumn against the Chicago skyline.  The Bean is sort of like the cherry on top of that whole experience!

If you’re into museums, Chicago has so many options to choose from. The Art Institute of Chicago is located downtown within walking distance of many other main attractions. Enjoy works by Picasso, Vincent van Gogh and so many others!

You can  visit the Willis Tower Skydeck , where you can walk out on a ledge over 100 stories up (indoor, don’t worry!) and see the city below.  Another perfect activity is the Navy Pier,  where you can walk, dine and even join in on fun activities like a mirror maze or giant Ferris wheel!

With typically mild weather conditions in Chicago, it’s one of the best US cities to visit in October! Daytime averages in the 60s and nightly about 50 degrees, layers will be your friend!

Pro tip : stay near downtown or within a short metro ride to the city center. It’s a relatively walkable city so be prepared with your cute walking shoes !

Recommended by me – Nikki of She Saves She Travels

15. Kauai, Hawaii (another favorite on this list of best places to visit in the US in October)

Average temp:  high 76, low 60

It sounds cliché, but Hawaii is such a gorgeous destination that it’s always worth the visit! However, as someone who has been to this beautiful island chain many times, visiting in the fall is one of my very favorite times to go.

Kauai is one of the best places to visit in October in the USA because it’s the shoulder season so it’s more affordable. Hiking trails and parking lots are generally less full, making it a great time to vacation on this island.

Highlights in Kauai in October

• See the Waimea Canyon and NaPali Coast. It’s absolutely stunning! 
• Helicopter tour of the island . Since 80% of it isn’t drivable, this is the best way to see this gorgeous place.
• Hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail . You’ll have to get advanced reservations to enter the park, but it’s a breathtaking experience!
• Hike the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail in southern Kauai near Poipu. This is and easy walk and offers ocean views nearly the entire way.
• Snorkel on Anini Beach. It’s one of the most calm spots on the island and a great spot to see sea turtles! (Just be sure to respect Hawaiian culture, keeping your distance from sea turtles and not walk on the coral.)

For the best places to eat in Kauai, it’s easier to get reservations for restaurants (which is recommended for Kauai since it’s a smaller island) in October.

Hands down, Hawaii is one of the very best states to visit in October, and Kauai is phenomenal!

16. Lutsen, Minnesota (an underrated and absolute best fall vacations in the US)

Average temp:  high 52, low 34

A fabulous, unknown place to many for enjoying fall leaf color and waterfalls can be found on the North Shore along Lake Superior in Minnesota. The North Shore is a special place and is only 2 hours north of Minneapolis-St Paul airport.

Duluth is where the journey begins, but for the full experience continue northward two more hours to Lutsen, Minnesota.  It’s truly one of the best places to visit in October in USA!

Let’s go! Start the adventure in Canal Park in Duluth, MN with the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in the backdrop, while you explore the lighthouse pier and the newly renovated Lakewalk. Your drive will continue with must-see stops at Gooseberry Falls, Splitrock Lighthouse and Temperance River State Park.

Great accommodations can be found in Lutsen or Grand Marais, which are centralized for hiking and lots of activities in the area. An aerial gondola ride over the Poplar River and up the Moose Mountain is an experience not to miss to see the best fall leaf colors !

The window for peak fall color on the north shore varies anywhere from mid-September to early-October. However, the fall colors continue to be stunning in different types of forests at times beyond that window.

If you haven’t yet experienced the North Shore of Minnesota in the fall it’s one to add to your list! There are so many things to do and places to stay, it’s easy to find hotels on the North Shore MN as well.

Recommended by Michelle of Almost There Adventures

17. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Average temp:  high 58, low 46

Welcome to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the town National Geographic Travel has crowned “America’s Greatest Small Town.”

Portsmouth is the crown jewel of New Hampshire’s Seacoast and is perfectly situated within an hour from the White Mountains and an hour from Boston. Its location makes it the perfect New England destination for leaf peeping .

Downtown historical Portsmouth is very unique as it has colonial homes dating back to the 17th century. The most famous historical portion of the city is located in the south end. Strawbery Banke, an outdoor history museum, is New Hampshire’s oldest neighborhood to be settled by Europeans.

When visiting Portsmouth, be sure to check out all the small businesses downtown in an area of the city known as Market Square.

Portsmouth has more restaurants per capita than any other small town in the United States and is also home to dozens of charming boutiques. These boutiques come to life during the autumn with their seasonal decor and gift offerings.

Be sure to swing by Cup of Joe cafe for a cozy cup of salted caramel hot chocolate or their signature pumpkin spice latte. Lastly, the best thing about Portsmouth, NH is it’s a very walkable town, meaning no car is needed to explore this charming downtown this upcoming autumn season !

Recommended by Nicole of The Abroad Blog

18. Eastern Sierra, California

Average temp:  high 62, low 38 (varies)

The Eastern Sierra of California is a fabulous fall getaway destination in the USA. Fall color here is considered second only to New England , so you know you are in for a visual treat if you visit when the colors are at their peak!

From Lake Tahoe in the north to Bishop and Lone Pine in the south, the region is ablaze with foliage colors in the fall. You’ll be mesmerized by the show of yellow, oranges, and reds put on by aspens, willows and cottonwoods. 

Taking a  Highway 395 road trip  is a great way to enjoy fall in the Eastern Sierra. If you prefer to have a base, Mammoth Lakes and Bishop are the largest towns in the area, and make for good bases from which to explore the beauty of the fall foliage all around you.

Doing scenic drives to enjoy the colors is the top thing to do in the fall. There are numerous paved and dirt roads you can drive. Both Inyo and Mono Counties offer the most beautiful drives. If you plan to drive the dirt roads, bring an appropriate vehicle.

The region is also known for its numerous spectacular lakes, so get out onto the water to enjoy the colors on the banks. Boating or kayaking is offered at many lakes. You can also go hiking, to view the colors up close: there are many legendary Eastern Sierra hikes from which to choose.

The Eastern Sierras are certainly one of the beset October vacations USA for lakes, mountains and hiking.

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

19. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia (another underrated destination on this list of beset places to travel in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 58, low 39

You’ll hit gold if you visit Shenandoah National Park during the autumn . . . plus orange, red and burgundy.

Shenandoah’s trees shed their green attire. Autumn’s palette paints the forest rusty orange, reddish yellow, and burgundy. Woodland creatures abound, including black bears, deer, wild turkeys and bats.

Located less than two hours from Washington DC, Shenandoah National Park attracts hikers and drivers. It’s also a favorite for singles and families to spend a weekend. But book your reservations early for either the park campgrounds or the Skyland Resorts and Big Meadows hotels, as they routinely sell out for the weekend.

The best time to visit is Monday through Thursday as the 105-mile Skyline Drive can turn into a traffic jam in October at peak foliage times. Skyline Drive weaves its way across western Virginia. Speed limit is 35 mph.

Your best bet is to enter the enter at the Front Royal Entrance, stop at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center to get a panoramic family portrait and then head down the road. Stop at a convenient parking lot so you can hike through forests, scale rocky ledges, explore Appalachian Trail stops and watch waterfalls.

Or you can spend 3 hours traveling the entire length of the park on Skyline Drive. It ends at Rockfish Gap Entrance Station, which is also the northern entrance to the  Blue Ridge Parkway .  Shenandoah National Park features 200,000 acres of protected land. Stony Man and Hawksbill peaks exceed 4,000 feet.

This beautiful fall destination is the perfect getaway for families, couples, solos or even a friends’ trip!

Recommended by By Terri of Female Solo Trek

Fall vacation ideas

From big cities to wide open spaces, there’s still plenty more places to see on this mega list of the best place to visit in October in the US!

20. Austin, Texas

Average temp:  high 82, low 60

What a perfect city for a fall getaway! As someone who’s visited Austin a few times, I can honestly say October was my favorite! The weather is way better (i.e. way less hot) than during peak travel season.

Visiting Austin in the fall is the perfect time for outdoor adventures. There’s so much hiking in Austin, plus fall festivals, outdoor drive-in movies, pumpkin patches and more.

If you love being on the water, Lady Bird Lake is a great spot for kayaking or stand up paddle boarding. For easy hiking in Austin , consider McKinney Falls State Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt or the popular Mount Bonnell.

Of course there’s live music all over Austin, and let’s not forget the mural hunting, either. Whether you’re going for Insta-worthy shots or just happen to walk by them on your way to get epic cone at Amy’s Ice Cream, you’re bound to find some fun artwork in the downtown area.

October is the perfect time of year to spend a weekend in Austin .

21. Newport, Rhode Island

Average temp:  high 62, low 53

One of the best fall vacations in the US is definitely Newport, Rhode Island. The area has peak fall foliage throughout October.

It’s a small town located on Aquidneck Island and is surrounded by beautiful beaches and sea cliffs. During the fall, you can walk around and enjoy outdoor activities without the crowds.

The majority of people drive to Newport from somewhere on the east coast. If you’re visiting from further away, you can fly into Providence, Rhode Island, only 45 minutes away. 

One of the best  things to do in Newport  is see the history of the area on the Cliff Walk. You can walk 3.5 miles past the Breakers, one of the Newport mansions, around sea cliffs, and past a few beaches.

Newport’s mansions are renowned for their architecture and history. Some of the mansions were constructed in the early 19th century. Walk around the Wharves (Bannister’s and Bowen’s) in the evening for a variety of food and shopping. 

Newport has lots of delicious places to eat. For breakfast, head to Cru Cafe near the Audobain Museum – a great way to start the day is with their blueberry stuffed French toast!

Your New England vacation wouldn’t be complete without some seafood. At the Lobster Shack, you can find fresh seafood. You can stay at the Marriott Newport if you want to stay in the heart of Newport. The hotel is within walking distance of the wharves. 

Recommended by Pamela of The Directionally Challenged Traveler

22. Aspen, Colorado (a top choice for best places to visit in October in the US)

Average temp:  high 58, low 31

Perhaps one of the most beautiful fall foliage settings is in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The town of Aspen is perfect for a fall getaway because it’s surrounded by mountains and gorgeous aspen trees. I’m convinced it’s the among the best places to visit in October in USA.

Unlike some other destinations on this list which get vibrant reds and oranges during the fall, aspen trees turn a gorgeous yellow color. And when you get a mountainside full of them, it’s like eye candy!

A gorgeous day trip from Aspen is Maroon Bells Park. The feature is the mountain peak of Maroon Bells, which are surrounded by a lake and gorgeous aspen trees in the fall.

You could spend the day hiking the trails near the Maroon Bells if you love hiking and exploring the outdoors on foot. Note: you’ll want to plan ahead for this one, as reservations are now required to visit. Get your Maroon Bells reservations here .

Other things to do in Aspen include the Silver Queen Gondola, drive Independence Pass, visit the Ashcroft Ghost Town, and of course, shopping and dining in Aspen.

So whether you’re making the fall foliage in Aspen the focus of your trip or you’re combining it with an epic Colorado road trip , Aspen will surely be a highlight for a fall vacation!

23. New York City, New York

Average temp:  high 64, low 50

New York City is amongst the best places to spend fall in the United States. The city is known for its beautiful fall colors and even a bit of Indian summer if you’re lucky.

New York can get very hot during the summer so the fall is the perfect time to enjoy the city without the heat. Fall is a lot more comfortable for sightseeing and you’ll love the views of the city. 

If you’re traveling with older kids, this New York weekend itinerary with teens is the perfect mix of activities.

Head to the Highline Park which is a former elevated railroad track that has been converted into a walkway. It’s the perfect way to see the city without having to deal with the traffic and busy streets! 

For an even better view of the city, you need to go all the way to the top of the One World Trade Center . This modern skyscraper is a must-see and truly the best place to take pictures of the city.

Afterward, head to the river for an evening cruise. There are tourist boats that will take you around the Hudson and East River.

However, for a more affordable option just take the ferry to Jersey or Staten Island. The ride won’t be as long but tickets only cost a few dollars and you’ll get to avoid the tourist crowds.

A trip to New York City is one of the best October vacations USA and one you’ll remember for a lifetime!

Recommended by Victoria of Guide Your Travel

24. Zion National Park, Utah (another favorite on this list of best places to travel in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 66, low 39

Zion National Park is simply stunning any time of year. However, it’s especially amazing to visit this national park in the fall.  With dwindled crowds and less intense weather to worry about, Zion is a great idea for a fall vacatio n!

If you want to hike the infamous Angels Landing, advanced planning is required, as the permit application process is during the summer. But, if you happen to get a permit for the hike, October is a phenomenal time to do it!

Of course, there are many things to do in Zion without hiking this challenging trail.  The much easier and yet equally rewarding Canyon Overlook Trail is a fun one, and can be completed for most fitness levels . At just a mile, this trail offers absolutely incredible views of the park!

A place for all ages, this park is magnificent for those young and old. An itinerary for Zion with kids includes other simple hikes like the Riverside Walk. Go further into the canyon by hiking The Narrows!

If you’re looking for a scenic drive in October, the Zion Mt. Carmel Highway Scenic Drive is incredible.  You won’t get the traditional vivid colors like some of the other destinations on this list of the best places to visit in October in US, but instead you’ll get amazing desert landscape and massive canyon views. So fun!

Be sure to pack plenty of water, layers for varying weather, hiking snacks and hiking gear like grippy hiking shoes , trekking poles and a hiking backpack .

Zion is absolutely one of the best places to go in October in USA, and a spot you’ll love!

Recommended by Nikki of Inspired Routes

25. Las Vegas, Nevada

Average temp:  high 83, low 46

Las Vegas is the perfect destination to visit all year round but fall is a great time to visit. Temperatures begin to cool after the summer and so do the crowds. Plus, visiting mid-week will get you cheaper hotel rates, too. 

Because temperatures are cooler, it means you can take advantage of some of the best outdoor attractions in the city, perfect for those visiting  Las Vegas for the first time .

Enjoy a Gondola ride at The Venetian, watch the Bellagio fountains or watch the volcano erupt outside The Mirage.

Rent a car or join a tour to visit the nearby national parks; Grand Canyon is the most popular day trip option from Las Vegas but October is a fantastic time to visit Death Valley, Red Rock Canyon and Bryce Canyon.

Alternatively, head to the unusual Magic Mountains or explore ‘The Neon Museum’ , a gallery of old signage from Vegas hotels of the past. 

In the Bellagio hotel, you’ll find the gorgeous Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This is one of the best free things to do in Las Vegas and a great indoor activity to enjoy.

Each season, the gardens get transformed and the fall display is the most breathtaking. Expect oversized pumpkins, woodland creatures and tall, entertaining trees. 

For more natural fall colours, head to one of the nearby parks ; Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, Paseo Verde Park and Gilcrease Orchard are top choices for this time of the year. 

We recommend staying at The Cosmopolitan; it’s an elegant, stunning hotel and rates are normally super high but drop during the Autumn time.

Recommended by Katie of Creative Travel Guide

26. Washington DC (Rock Creek Park)

Average temp:  high 69, low 46

Washingtonians and visitors don’t even have to hop in a car to enjoy peak fall foliage in a forest. Rock Creek Park is situated in the nation’s capital.

It’s the nation’s third oldest national park. Rock Creek Park was authorized in 1890.

Come October, the oaks, American beech and tulip trees suddenly change into the colors of the sunset—golden, orange and red. The 1,754-acre park features hikes for the hardcore as well as weekend adventurer.

If time permits, hike the two primary trails – Western Ridge Trail and Valley Trail. They run side by side. Imagine walking along a ladder laid on the ground.

Half-day hikes include Boulder Bridge, Milkhouse Ford, Rapids Bridge and Chestnut Oak/Mountain Laurels.

Or, devote a fall weekend to exploring Rock Creek Park . Tramp around the Civil War fortifications, watch interpreters at the Peirce Mill and Barn and visit the horses.

Bring a carrot or pull on your boots to ride a horse at the Rock Creek Park Horse Center, which is the only public riding facility in Washington DC.

Families will definitely want to visit the Nature Center and Planetarium. There are picnic areas scattered across Rock Creek Park, so fill a basket with ciders, sandwiches and apples.

Recommended by Terri of Female Solo Trek

27. Siesta Key, Florida (another favorite warm place to visit in October in USA)

Average temp:  high 85, low 67

A Florida beach may not come to the top of mind when thinking about the best October vacation destinations. However, it’s the perfect time to go! And what better way to end this list than one of the top-ranked beaches in the USA!

Siesta Key, Florida is home to turquoise water and some of the finest white powder sand you’ll ever step foot on. While you won’t see much fall foliage here, you’ll see wide open beaches and affordable prices, compared to the peak summer season and those looking for a winter escape.

Fall is the ideal time to visit Siesta Key. The weather is very comfortable and the water is still warm enough to enjoy.

From excellent restaurants, shopping, kayaking and beaching, there’s seriously so many things to do in Siesta Key. Whether you’re looking for a fall getaway as a couple, family, solo or friends trip, you’ll love spending time in Siesta Key!

While a bit unconventional in terms of fall colors, this is still one of the best places to visit in October in the USA.

28. New Orleans, Louisiana

Average temp:  high 81, low 62

New Orleans is one of the top warm places to visit in October in USA. It’s a fantastic walking city so it’s an ideal location to visit in the fall when the summer weather has cooled a bit and the crowds have left.

New Orleans is a very family friendly city , even in the French Quarter, or a great destination for a romantic getaway or a fun girls’ or boy’s weekend. 

A trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without exploring the French Quarter. Here you can aimlessly walk along cobblestone streets, poking your head into cute shops, or eating your way through delicious food.

One of the must-try treats is a beignet, a cross between a french pastry and a doughnut. They are easily found in the French Quarter. 

If you’re curious about the history of this area, take one of the many walking tours that will ultimately take you to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Here you will learn all about the ghosts, the after-life and even voodoo, themes found all over New Orleans.

A fantastic experience is visiting the National WWII Museum, a short walk from the French Quarter.

This is an exceptional interactive museum that focuses on the United States’ role in Asia and Europe during WWII. It’s a thrilling experience that will grab the attention of anyone even those that aren’t normally interested in history or wars. 

There are countless exciting activities to do within a short drive of New Orleans. You can visit a plantation, like Oak Alley Plantation, and learn about slavery and a difficult part of US history. The drive there is beautiful and exploring the grounds is a lovely thing to do in the fall.

In addition, you can take a swamp tour which is a lot of fun. You hop on a bayou boat and explore some of the many surrounding swamps filled with crocodiles and other wild creatures.

October is the perfect time of year to visit New Orleans due to the cooling weather and reasonable crowds.

Recommended by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close

Best places to visit in October in the USA

Whew! What a list. I hope you’ve found enough inspiration for your fall getaway – or 2! With so many amazing spots in the USA to choose from, I’m sure you can’t go wrong!

Let’s recap those destinations again, in a much more condensed list…

Best fall vacations in US

• Blue Ridge Parkway, NC to VA
• Bend, Oregon
• Mammoth Lakes, California
• Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
• Door County, Wisconsin
• San Diego, California
• Oahu, Hawaii
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Mount Rainier National Park, Washington 
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Napa Valley, California
• Chicago, Illinois
• Kauai, Hawaii
• Lutsen, Minnesota
• Portsmouth, New Hampshire
• Eastern Sierra, California
• Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• Austin, Texas
• Newport, Rhode Island
• Aspen, Colorado
• New York City, New York
• Zion National Park, Utah
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Washington DC (Rock Creek Park)
• Siesta Key, Florida
• New Orleans, Louisiana

So, have you decided? Comment below with your fall vacation plans!

By the way, if you’re planning to rent a car for your fall getaway, check out the discounted rates on Discover Cars . I routinely save 10% – 30% on rentals. They search top car carriers to find the best deal, at no extra price to you! Here’s that link again to search rental cars .

Related content: 28 Underrated Destinations in the USA 32 Best Places to Visit in September in USA (Unique and Cool Ideas You’ll Love) 30 Incredible Warm Winter Vacation Spots in the USA 35 Swoon-worthy Beach Vacations 26 Best Beaches on the Gulf Coast 100 Romantic Vacations in the United States

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Sunday 27th of August 2023

I have actually visited quite a few of these in the autumn (I am from the UK!) I am pleased to say. There are still a few more to tick off though. Fall is my favourite season for visiting the US. I would especially love to see Aspen in the fall. I have only ever seen it in the winter. You have whetted my appetite for another fall road trip!

Monday 28th of August 2023

Oh yay Jane! I'm so glad to hear you've visited so many spots in the US during the fall season. Such a spectacular time to travel! Hope you get to cross a few more off your list soon :)

I've been to Kauai in October and you are correct, it's a great time to go! Warm, sunny and not too crowded either.

haha yes! Although there may not be a bad time to go to Kauai....🤣

Saturday 26th of August 2023

Love this entire listicle! All these places must be stunning during autumn and I'd love to visit some day. Thanks for sharing this!

You're so welcome Kelly. Glad you enjoyed the list!

This list is amazing. I completely agree with Bend, OR as one of the best underrated places to visit! I really want to get out to the northeast at some point to see the fall colors, they look incredible. Thanks for the inspiration.

Oh yay Sophie, so glad you found some inspiration here. The PNW is so stunning in the fall and worth the trip 🧡

Sunday 24th of October 2021

Such an exhaustive list Nikki! I am really glad that I stumbled upon your blog today. Hope to tick some of this list in the next few years though. Kudos on this article and stay safe! :)

Thursday 28th of October 2021

Thanks so much Darryl! It was fun putting an extensive list together. I hope you get to see many of the places on this list!

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The 11 best places to travel in October 2024

From ice hockey to international balloon fiestas, bask in some serious adventure at one of the best places to travel in October

October is a fantastic time to travel, no matter where you are in the world. Leaves in the Northern Hemisphere are turning gorgeous shades of orange and red, while down south, spring is settling in nicely. The weather is pleasant – not too hot, not too cold – and when the peak-season crowds have dissipated, accommodation, flights and activities tend to be a lot more reasonable. 

From internationally famous events to forward-thinking sustainable travel via ice, earth and sky, the best places to travel in October are Hall of Fame destinations. So, whether you’re after somewhere cheap and hot or down to explore a thrilling new city, dust off your passport and get a bag packed  – the time to travel is now.

RECOMMENDED: ✈️ The best places to travel  every month of the year 🧳 Full guide to the  best places to travel 🏘️ The world's  coolest neighbourhoods 📸 The best  cities for culture  right now

Need more inspo? Check out our   latest travel guides , written by local writers. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best places to travel in October

1.  türkiye.

It’s an obvious summer vacay hotspot, thanks to long stretches of beach and scorching temperatures, but head to Türkiye in the autumn and I can tell you that you’ll appreciate it for a little more than its warmth. The Hagia Sophia really shines when surrounded by crispy orange leaves, and Istanbul’s alleys are a little easier to explore when it’s slightly fresher than 30C. But October is versatile, and with temperatures still teetering around the mid-twenties, it’s plenty warm enough for a swim and a sunbathe. 

Average temp in Oct: 25C/77F

📍Discover the best places to visit in Türkiye

2.  Valencia, Spain

Valencia might’ve been named World Design Capital back in 2022, but it’s still a darn dazzling place.  The aesthetically brilliant southeastern Spanish port city is home to fantastic art museums, contemporary galleries and dazzling architecture. Explore the stark white buildings at the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, including the uncannily stormtrooper-helmet-esque Palau de les Arts opera house and wander the modernist El Cabanyal barrio, with its tiled facades. 

Average temp in October: 18C/64F

📍Discover the best  things to do in Valencia 

3.  Philippines

Adventure travel, including diving, has grown in popularity over recent years, and the Philippines’ 7,000 islands get top marks for underwater adventures. Head to Palawan’s Coron Bay for mind-blowing wreck diving, while Anilao is one of the world’s best spots for biodiversity, meaning you might just see something that’s not even been named yet. More experienced divers can also try blackwater diving here, where you’re tethered to a boat line in the pitch-black ocean at night, with a torch, for an altogether more space-like experience. Visit once the rainy season’s out of the way, in the second half of October, to make the most of its beautiful beaches. Food more your jam? As Filipino cuisine takes root in global cities like New York and London, maybe it’s time to go eat the good stuff at the source, from vibrant ube (purple yam) ice cream to Lechon (roast suckling pig).

Average temp in October: 27C/82F

📍Discover the best  things to do in the Philippines

4.  Bhutan

With more than 70 percent of its land covered by forest, this Buddhist kingdom is the world’s only carbon-negative country, absorbing far more of the stuff than it produces. Travel is tightly controlled to make sure tourism remains low-impact, so it isn’t cheap—though the $200-a-day fee to be there includes all your accommodation, food and a guide (which is worth it because there’s a mythical story behind pretty much everything you encounter here). Go to get lost in pristine nature, breathe in lungfuls of clean Himalayan air and feel extra smug knowing you’re eating right too.

Average temp in October: 22C/72F

5.  Bosnia and Herzegovina

Summers in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mighty hot, and the winters get pretty darn cold. You can do the maths from there, and October might be the best time to visit this remarkable country. The number of tourists drops dramatically, meaning more space to wander the enchanting old towns of Sarajevo, Mostar and the rest. Travnik’s charming collection of mosques sparkles a little brighter, while Banja Luka cements its spot as the country’s best night out. More and more people are waking up to the magic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so make a point of visiting this October to see for yourself. 

Average temp in October: 11C/52F

6.  New Mexico

There is more to New Mexico than desert and a certain Netflix show. Every October,  Albuquerque  hosts its eye-popping International Balloon Fiesta, where you can spot hundreds of technicolour hot air balloons making their spectacular ascent. Maybe it is the seemingly endless skies and epic sunrises that make it a prime location, but it has become the world’s largest balloon festival and the most photographed event on Earth. Make time to visit  Santa Fe , in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, for a mix of Spanish colonial architecture and earth-coloured historic adobe neighbourhoods, plus a comprehensive Georgia O'Keeffe Museum dedicated to her artistic legacy and American modernism.

📍Discover the best  things to do in New Mexico

7.  Timisoara, Romania

This under-the-radar city, with its large public squares, leafy gardens and restored pastel-painted art nouveau architecture, makes an attractive city break that’s a far cry from the tower blocks other Romanian cities are known for. Timisoara was Romania's ‘first free city’, home of the country’s 1989 revolution to overthrow the communist dictatorship (brush up on the history at the Museum of the 1989 Revolution). Its independent spark lives on in live music venues, from intimate jazz bars to the grand opera house.

Average temp in October: 19C/66F

8.  San Francisco

San Francisco has never been one to conform, even to weather norms: for warm, sunny SF days, you’re better off visiting in spring and fall rather than summer. Time your visit for October, so once you’re done with the classics— Golden Gate Bridge ,  Alcatraz  and the adorably blubbery sea lions at  Pier 39 —you can soak up the vibes at the  Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival . In true independent San Francisco spirit, the festival is entirely non-commercial (no ads or sponsorship banners), free to visit and BYOB. Held in the  Golden Gate Park , it’s become a beloved SF institution since it was first held in 2001 and has attracted acts including Emmylou Harris and Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant.

Average temp in October: 14C/57F

📍Discover the best  things to do in San Francisco

9.  Namibia

Namibia has been growing in popularity as a destination since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent their honeymoon there last year, and the boom in bookings has sparked a flurry of new lodge openings. Some of the best are making the most of the country’s stargazing opportunities in and around Africa’s only International Dark Sky Reserve (such as the sleek & Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, with a resident astronomer, and Kwessi Dunes, with open-roofed stargazing rooms in each of its chalets). It’s possible to camp in the reserve too, but book in advance as the limited spaces tend to fill up fast.

Average temp in October: 21C/71F

10.  Toronto

Toronto is one of the most exciting cities on the planet, with thrilling nightlife nestled next to gourmet restaurants and some of the finest live music venues on the continent. What makes October the perfect time to visit? Hockey, that’s what. Sure, Maple Leafs fans have suffered more than enough misery over the last half decade-plus, but the regular season isn’t a problem these days. The 2022 Toronto Maple Leafs season gets underway with an away game against Montreal Canadiens on October 12, with the home opener coming the next night against Washington Capitals. Don’t expect to get tickets, but watching a game in a Toronto bar is a bucket list experience.

📍Discover the best things to do in Toronto

11.  NYC

It’s pretty much always a good time to visit NYC—at  Christmas , you get the snow and ubiquitous festive decorations. In spring, you get the  Central Park  cherry blossom. In summer, you get the long evenings in the feelgood heat, and then fall brings a burnt amber hue to everything. This year, save it for  Halloween  when the annual  Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade  kicks off in Manhattan, shedding NYC’s pooches in a ghoulish new light as pups and their owners come dressed in ever-more outlandish costumes.

📍Discover the best  things to do in New York

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Where to travel in the world in October

​October marks the start of autumn, with a bountiful crop of destinations to whet the appetite, for food, culture and wildlife travel. Here are five of our favourites for this month.

October heralds the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness: the perfect time for trips that embrace the natural world, its changing hues and abundant produce. From mushrooms to apples, pumpkins to olives, tours across the UK and Europe are ripe with foodie opportunities, whether encountered through a harvest or on a foraging course. This is also a great time to be bagging the last beach break of the season while easy access destinations in Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East are still basking in sunshine and coastal resorts and seasonal ferries have yet to shut up shop. But if you're weary of sun and sand, October also comes with some tempting urban escapes. From Montreal to Manhattan, Boston to Baltimore, cities along North America's east coast are at their most atmospheric this month, rich with fiery autumn colours and Halloween festivities.

If there’s ever a season for travel to Japan, autumn is arguably prime time. Rivalling spring's cherry blossom season, October is when parks, gardens and mountains across the central islands and Alps are ablaze with colourful trees. This is a time for momijigari ('red leaf hunting') tours, with train rides in and around Kyoto a popular way to take in rural landscapes.

Sustainable travel tip: Walk Japan specialises in on-foot exploration across some of Japan's most beautiful rural and cultural destinations. Its low-impact tours, guided and self-guided, go off-the-beaten-track, often from village to village, staying in local guesthouses. These include tours that visit its community project in Kunisaki Peninsula   in Kyushu.

( What's new in Japan, from theme parks to museums .)

2. New Forest, UK

October is a fun month for fungi foraging, and it's also a great time to harvest walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts and damsons. The New Forest is a top autumn break spot; the UK's smallest national park packs in a hugely diverse range of landscapes, from marshy coast and heathland to its an ancient woodland populated by free-roaming ponies. For fungi alone, it's one of the most important sites in Britain, with over 2,700 different species calling the forest home. In autumn, the woodland is also home to hundreds of rootling pigs who are allowed free-range to clear the ground of acorns, beech mast and chestnuts that are harmful to livestock in a practice that dates back to the forest's founder, William the Conqueror.

Sustainable travel tip: Foraging is best done under expert guidance, to ensure nature's larder is raided sustainably and safely. The New Forest National Park has a 'no pick' policy for mushrooms in Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Permission is given for walks and educational tours with licenced fungi foray groups. Wild Food UK offers a wide range of foraging courses, from days out, to camping and wild food weekends and trips away to hotels with gourmet chefs. While Go Foraging offers guided walks in Hampshire, the West Country and Wales.

3. Normandy, France

It's peak apple harvest season, so why not make a celebration of it with a tour of Normandy's venerable cider houses , calvados cellars and Pommeau purveyors (calvados-fortified cider). Around 800 varieties of apple grow in this region of Northern France, where the fruit-based booze has been made since the 12th century. An easy itinerary follows the dedicated 25-mile-long   Cider Route , where you can visit 16 producers of apple libations set against a backdrop of Norman cathedrals, ancient villages with half-timbered houses and some sobering Second World War coastal sites. And as this is France's dairy-producing heartland, you can expect lots of indulgently creamy dishes to fortify you en route, with a special shout out to local legends: camembert, Pont l’Eveque, Neufchatel and Livro. Sustainable travel tip: Why not pop your bike on the ferry, and explore Normandy under pedal power ? Normandy has four ports served by ferries from the UK with most operators including a bike in your luggage allowance. Or book with a tour company offering specialist cider route bike trips, such as Utracks or Cycling for Softies . Though you can reach Normandy by Eurostar via Gare St Lazare, it's got trickier to carry bikes across the Channel by train since the pandemic.

( How to spend a weekend in rural Normandy .)

4. Churchill, Canada

Between late September and November, the shores of Hudson Bay are populated with polar bears, padding about the beaches waiting for the winter sea ice to form. And once it does, away they go, in search of the ringed seals and their pups. But until then, the 'polar bear capital of the world' sees these magnificent beasts amass in the hundreds, with the town of Churchill the most accessible place for close-proximity viewing. Wilderness trips to the Torngat Mountains on Canada’s remote Labrador Peninsula or aboard an expedition ship into the waters of the Northwest Passage offer adventure tourists the chance of sightings, but a flight from the UK via Winnipeg to Churchill puts travellers in place where sightings all but guaranteed right from the tundra town. Having long coexisted with the world’s largest land carnivore, Churchill offers a unique frontier Canada experience, with lots of choice for tours to track bears off-road in the wild.

Sustainable travel tip: Churchill Wild offers on-foot, low-impact tours from its three ecologically sensitive lodges along the shores of Hudson Bay. Frontiers North Adventures , a long-established, family-owned company specialises in sustainably minded tourism in Churchill and across Canada's north.

5. New York, USA

Combine a city break during Halloween season with a tour upstate to explore hill country when it's vibrant with fall foliage and spooky festivals. Along with the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade which sees some 60,000 costumed revellers walk, dance and sing along Sixth Avenue from Canal Street to West 15th Street, Manhattan hosts a packed calendar of events in October including Open House New York , when sites across the city rarely open to the public throw open their doors, from rooftop gardens to design studios and historic houses. Meanwhile upstate, don't miss The   Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze , where 7,000 artfully carved pumpkins light up the riverside near Van Cortlandt Manor in the Hudson Valley.

Sustainable travel tip:   Skip the road trip in favour of a two-wheel tour. Making its debut last year, the Empire State Trail offers 750 miles of greenways, repurposed railway lines and bike paths that can, if you have the legs for it, take you from Manhattan to the Canadian border. We suggest the Hudson Valley Greenway section taking riders through the historic towns and waterfront villages along Hudson River, where general stores are replete with pumpkins and the tree-carpeted Catskill Mountains burn fiery orange to the north.

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Vacation Inspiration : The Best Places to Visit in October

This is one of the last months left of the year to take advantage of the great outdoors.

The fall season is fast approaching and with that comes the anticipated chill. While October still graces us with pleasant days and mild, brisk weather, it's also one of the last months of the year we have left to take advantage of the outdoors. That means now is the time to visit that national park (where summer crowds will have thinned out), or to take that trip through wine country (for harvest season). And, of course, the biggest appeal of travel in October: the foliage! From the stunning buttes of Monument Valley to the ancient wonders of Athens, here are our top ten destinations for a perfect alfresco getaway.

Tuscany, Italy

With peak tourist season (and stifling temperatures) finally over, Tuscany truly shines in the fall. There is fantastic wine, golden foliage, better weather, and, perhaps most enticing of all, truffles—late September to December is when the highly coveted white truffles are found. Festivals dedicated to these expensive tubers abound, especially in the towns of San Miniato, Volterra, and Palaia. But the real treat, of course, is to hunt for them yourself. Stay at the Belmond Castello di Casole , a 10th-century estate situated on a sprawling 4,200-acre property where you can join its resident truffle expert Mauro Nesi and his Lagotto Romagnolo dogs on a foraging excursion. Once the delicacies have been unearthed, the hotel's chef will use them in a tasting menu for what will be a most extravagant way to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Read Reviews Belmond Castello di Casole

Monument Valley, Arizona

Everyone is already familiar with Monument Valley—it has made several cameos in films, from John Ford's Westerns to Forrest Gump —and it was probably your desktop screensaver at one point. But there is really no way to describe the magnitude of this Navajo Nation Tribal Park when seen in real life. It may be a journey to get there—five hours by car from Phoenix, six and a half from either Las Vegas or Salt Lake City—but it is located within the Grand Circle, home of the highest concentration of national parks (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell). The point is, don't skip it on your southwestern road trip—tack it on to a Moab visit (see below) or add it to your Grand Canyon itinerary. The Navajo-owned View Hotel is right inside the park, and every room has a balcony with panoramic views of those soaring buttes. Make sure to wake up early to watch the sun rise over the valley—an unforgettable sight—and stay up late enough to stargaze from your terrace—also unreal. Opt for a Starview room, which is farthest from the lobby, for maximum stargazing potential.

Read Reviews The View Hotel

The cinematic landscapes of this southeastern Utah town have made it a Hollywood favorite. You'll recognize scenes from HBO's Westworld at Dead Horse Point State Park, which is also where the ending of Thelma & Louise takes place, as well as the opening sequence of Mission: Impossible II . The real life events of 127 Hours happened inside Canyonlands National Park, while Arches National Park is seen in 1989's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade . But Moab is hardly all style and no substance. Its abundance of national and state parks, diverse topographies, and incredible vistas provide a wealth of things to do and see. Get to Arches' Delicate Arch in the afternoon to watch as the sunset turns it fiery red; elsewhere in the park, you'll come across ancient petroglyphs left by the Ute tribe, who have lived in the area since the year 1,000. Take your pick of hundreds of miles of hiking trails at Canyonlands. Whitewater raft and kayak down the Colorado River. See dinosaur tracks at Bull Canyon Overlook and Copper Ridge. Go mountain biking, do an ATV tour, the options are endless. Make home base the Sorrel River Ranch , a 160-acre resort that hugs the Colorado River and affords panoramic views of Moab's sandstone buttes and mesas, and where the hot tub and spa will be a blissful treat after a long day of adventure.

Read Reviews Sorrel River Ranch

Sea Island, Georgia

The private resort , located right in between Jacksonville and Savannah, is one of the prettiest and most polished of Georgia's barrier islands. It's only open to residents of the gated community or guests of its three hotels, and even though Sea Island is just five miles long, there is plenty to do. The grande dame hotel is undoubtedly the Cloister, a 1920s Mediterranean-style gem where President George H.W. Bush and his wife Barbara spent their honeymoon and where their son, President George W. Bush, hosted the G8 summit in 2008. Here you'll find a 65,000-square-foot spa, a stellar restaurant, three pools, and a private beach. Those who prefer golf over swimming should book a room at the Lodge, which has three golf courses and a state-of-the-art golf performance center frequented by PGA pros. In between there are endless activities to fill your days, including falconry, boating, horseback riding, and clay shooting.

Read Reviews The Cloister at Sea Island

Read Reviews The Lodge at Sea Island

More: The Complete Guide to Sea Island, Georgia

North Adams, Massachusetts

While the Berkshires offer plenty to see, do, and experience in the summer, the region also shines just as brightly in the fall. October brings peak “leaf peeping” season and the best way to take in the foliage is by renting a car for a 63-mile drive along the Mohawk Trail that culminates in North Adams. So is hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock, which, at 3,489 feet, is Massachusetts's highest point. Though it lays claim to the title of “smallest city in the state,” North Adams has plenty to offer. For starters, there’s the largest contemporary art museum in the country—the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (better known as MASS MoCA)—and a plethora of bookshops, cafes, and galleries. Book a room at The Porches Inn , a B&B that's a stone’s throw from the museum. Or for a luxurious throwback, stay farther south at the Blantyre in Lenox, a grand Tudor-style mansion-turned-hotel that has been around since 1902.

Read Reviews Porches Inn

Read Reviews Blantyre

Athens, Greece

The energy of Athens in the summer is undeniable, but so is the fact that it is very hot during that time of year. Which is why October makes for an ideal month to visit the Greek capital. With temperatures in the 70s, the weather is just sublime and sunny, and there will be far fewer crowds to contend with at the legendary 2,470-year-old Acropolis (which you can visit during the day, whereas in the summer heat you would have to go super early or at dusk). Stay in the center of all the action at the stately and majestic Hotel Grande Bretagne , which has one of the best rooftop views of the Parthenon. It's also walking distance to the city's top attractions, from the restaurants and bars (Papadakis, Seychelles, the Clumsies, all not to be missed) to the shopping (upscale Kolonaki, the Monastiraki flea market) to the museums (Benaki and the National Gallery).

Read Reviews Hotel Grande Bretagne

Napa Valley, California

October is a prime time to visit the country's most famous wine region—it's harvest season, the temperature, in the mid-70s, is much more pleasant, and the leaves and vines have turned beautifully golden. The wineries (some of the highlights: Silver Oak , Opus One , Ovid , and Robert Mondavi , which recently launched a custom tasting experience featuring reserve wines from its highly prized To Kalon vineyard) are obviously a hit but interestingly, vineyards make up only about 9% of Napa Valley. Much of the rest is protected by the Land Trust, providing plenty of outdoor recreation such as hiking and mountain biking. The Francis House in Calistoga is one of the area's most unique stays. Originally a landmark 19th-century French Second Empire-style mansion listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has been meticulously restored and transformed into a five-key luxury inn. Or, book one of the 11 rooms at the Milliken Creek Inn , in Napa, which just underwent a complete redesign and has a prime perch on the banks of the Napa River.

Read Reviews The Francis House

Read Reviews Milliken Creek Inn

More: T&C Travel Guide: Napa Valley and Sonoma County

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

Straddling the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. (it recorded 12.9 million visitors in 2019). In the shadow of its mountains, forests, hiking trails, and waterfalls is Blackberry Farm , the much beloved Relais & Châteaux resort in Walland, Tennessee, that has amassed a cult following for its focus on Southern hospitality, artisanal back-to-the-roots programming, and gastronomic brilliance. In 2019, proprietor Mary Celeste Beall opened a sister property, Blackberry Mountain , located 20 minutes away on 5,200 acres (Blackberry Farm has 4,200) and with more of a focus on outdoor activities and adventure. Prefer to glamp? Head to Under Canvas , a brand known for luxe campgrounds near national parks. This one is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains park entrance and has amenities like daily housekeeping, a fire pit for s'mores, and organic bath products.

Read Reviews Blackberry Farm

Read Reviews Blackberry Mountain

Read Reviews Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains

More: Introducing Blackberry Mountain, the Idyllic New Resort from Blackberry Farm

Asheville, North Carolina

At the height of the Gilded Age, while members of the Vanderbilt dynasty were building spectacular residences in Newport , Manhattan, and upstate New York, George Washington Vanderbilt II, a grandson of Commodore Cornelius, instead decided to build his country home in North Carolina after falling in love with Asheville's scenery on visits there with his mother. The result, of course, is the Biltmore , an opulent French Renaissance-style chateau with 250 rooms, 4 acres of floor space, and 125,000 acres of land (today, the estate occupies a modest 8,000). As it is still owned by George's descendants, Biltmore is the largest private residence in America. The house and grounds are open for tours and exhibits, and can be rented out for weddings. There are also three hotels on the estate for overnight stays. Its most famous attraction aside, Asheville has a lot to offer on its own. The city has a thriving arts and music scene and lots of restaurants and breweries. There is plenty of nature, too: the Blue Ridge Mountains are next door to the east, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to the west, and the incredibly scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (a beauty in the fall), which runs from Virginia down to Cherokee, North Carolina, cuts right through the city.

Read Reviews The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Read Reviews Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate

Barnard, Vermont

We don't need to state the obvious: Vermont is gorgeous in the fall. Twin Farms , quite possibly the state's most idyllic and bucolic hideaway, used to be the home of novelist Sinclair Lewis. He bought the 18th-century farmhouse, and its 300 acres of land, with his wife Dorothy in 1928, and she continued to live there after their divorce until the '50s. Today, the 20-room retreat works hard to maintain the intimacy of a home. You might start your day with a round of tennis or outdoor yoga, then take a chef-made box lunch for a bike ride to nearby Woodstock or for a picnic in the woods. In the afternoon, curl up with a book and a glass of wine by the fire pit, taking frequent breaks to enjoy the foliage all around you. Then take a canoe out on Copper Pond for a serene paddle. After dinner, play a game of chess in a corner by the fireplace before retreating to your room for a nice soak in the clawfoot tub before bed.

Read Reviews Twin Farms

More: Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage in New England

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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20 Amazing Places to Visit in October in the USA

Fall is the perfect time for an American adventure, and New England isn’t the only highlight! Here are my favorite gems to explore this month…

1. Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

Located where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, the charming historic town offers a glimpse of old America at its most picturesque, with elegant colonial streets, quaint shops and old-fashioned stores.

As autumn arrives, in my opinion, the colorful fall foliage makes the town even more special and this month is beautiful time to discover this gem.

Don’t miss the stunning Maryland Heights Trail, taking a hike at the midpoint of the famous  Appalachian Trail , seeing breathtaking views at Jefferson Rock and discovering the interesting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park .

• Visitor’s Center Address: 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
• Map Location
• Average temperatures – 10°C to 18°C

My favorite highlights…

• Enjoying a Segway Tour, a zip-line ride and an aerial rope course at the Adventure Center.
• Going on the spooky Harpers Ferry Ghost Tour.
• Discovering the story of John Brown’s attempted slave revolt in 1859 at the local museum.
• Hiking the Murphy-Chambers Farm Loop Trail, which took me past lots of historic sites including John Brown’s Cave, where the famous abolitionist was said to have once hidden.

2. Asheville, North Carolina

This is charming city filled with farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, farmer’s markets, historic attractions, a thriving arts and culture scene and the stunning Biltmore Estate .

From September to early November , the temperatures are still reasonably warm and this is a great time to see the incredible fall foliage and attend seasonal festivals such as the fun Asheville Oktoberfest , the LEAF Festival (Lake Eden Arts Festival) , Asheville Fall Craft Fair and the CiderFest .

I recommend exploring the well-marked trails in Pisgah National Forest and taking a breathtaking drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, which passes through the town and is known for being one of the most scenic drives in the country.

• Visitors Center Address: 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
• Average temperature – 10°C to 21°C

My highlights…

• Trying delicious farm-to-table cuisine at the chic eatery Rhubarb . I highly recommend the Two Brooks Farm Wild Rice and Mushroom Pirloo.
• Admiring the wonderful fall colors and panoramic views at the Swinging Bridge located on Grandfather Mountain.
• Sipping on a delicious pumpkin-spiced latte and enjoying a freshly baked banana muffin at the quirky BattleCat Coffee Bar .
• Checking out Lake Lure where the famous lift scene in Dirty Dancing was said to have taken place! 

3. New England

As fall begins, from late September to mid-October, the picturesque northern states of Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont reach their peak of vibrant autumn colors!

Vermont is home to pretty towns filled with white clapboard houses and here I recommend visiting the picturesque towns of Stowe, Woodstock, Grafton and Peacham as well as Lake Willoughby and the scenic Quechee Gorge.

In Connecticut, explore the leafy, historic towns of Litchfield and Kent, while in New Hampshire, the White Mountain National Forest and Lake Winnipesaukee are breathtaking during this month.

In Maine, Acadia National Park, the Rangeley Lakes Region, and Moosehead Lake are awesome spots for leaf-peeping, while in Massachusetts, the rolling hills of the Berkshires offer stunning fall colors.

The historic coastal city of Newport in Rhode Island also provides a picturesque setting for autumn foliage.

• Location: northeast and includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
• Average temperature – 7°C – 18°C

My personal highlights…

• Taking a hot air balloon ride over the colorful Connecticut landscapes.
• Enjoying a ride on the Lake Winnipesaukee Foliage Train, which took me from New Hampshire to Plymouth, complete with a delicious buffet lunch.
• Dining on a tasty homemade breakfast at Polly’s Pancake Parlor – I recommend trying the gingerbread batter pancakes! 

4. Monument Valley, Arizona/Utah

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is home to unique and spectacular landscapes, and I personally prefer to explore this surreal beauty spot during the autumn months, when temperatures are comfortable and there’s far fewer crowds.

I recommend exploring the Scenic Valley Drive, the iconic The Mittens and Merrick Butte (the famous symbols of the valley) and the more hidden gems of Hunts Mesa and Mystery Valley (which both require a Navajo guide before exploring). 

• Visitors Center Address: U.S. 163 Scenic, Oljato-Monument Valley, AZ 84536
• Average temperatures – 16°C to 21°C
• Hiking the Wildcat Trail which took me on a two hour journey around West Mitten Butte.
• Catching a breathtaking Instagram-worthy sunset from John Ford’s Point.

5. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is fun and buzzy city to visit all year-round, but I especially love taking trips here in September and October. The temperatures are mild, it’s a dry time of year, and the parks and tree-lined avenues are ablaze with dazzling fall colors.

I suggest checking out some of the many excellent craft breweries, such as the hip Marz Community Brewing , which served delicious brews alongside tavern-inspired delicacies, gorging on pumpkin pie bought from a gourmet bakery and catching the 24-hour horror movie bonanza at the Davis Theater.

Also squeeze in some Chicago Blues live music, take a stroll through Millennium Park and discover the vast array of outdoor public art displays. 

• Visitors Center Address: 301 E Cermak Rd, Chicago IL 60616
• Average temperature – 13°C to 18°C
• People-watching at the Riverwalk, a buzzy spot filled with awesome bars, shops, and restaurants. My favorites were Beatrix  and City Winery .
• Dining on tasty banana blossom tacos at Bloom Plant-Based Kitchen .
• Sipping on a Lychee and Elderflower Martini while gazing at fabulous city views at The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel.

6. Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

The Allegheny National Forest is a beautiful protected forest covering over 500,000 acres located in northwestern Pennsylvania.

It’s a spectacular place to indulge in leaf-peeping and the trees start to turn in late September and transform into a sea of gold by mid-October.

I recommend taking the 29-mile looped scenic drive on the Longhouse Scenic Byway and then climbing the short paved path to Rimrock Overlook to see incredible forest views and the Allegheny Reservoir.

• Visitors Center Address: 80 East Corydon Street Bradford, Pennsylvania 16701, McKean County
• Average temperature – 10°C to 15°
• Canoeing on Allegheny Reservoir and relaxing on the peaceful Kinzua Beach which is located on its shore.
• Biking along Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail which had incredible panoramic views of the forest, rock formations and the Allegheny Reservoir. 

7. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores offers a less crowded and more affordable alternative to Florida and fall brings much more comfortable temperatures and lower humidity than the summer.

Although thankfully it’s still warm enough to swim in the sparkling ocean, relax on the expansive white sands of Orange Beach, enjoy the water sports and discover the family-friendly theme parks.

I recommend hiking or biking the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Gulf State Park (just keep an eye out for snakes and alligators!) and going on a dolphin-watching boat tour. 

• Visitors Center Address: 3459 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
• Average temperature – 24°C to 29°C
• Riding the famous Ferris Wheel located at The Wharf and seeing breathtaking ocean views.
• Joining a sociable beach yoga session with Gulf Shores Beach Yoga.
• Playing a fun round of mini golf at Tiki’s Mini Golf.

8. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

This is one of the most popular national parks in the country, known for its jaw-dropping mountain landscapes and stunning natural scenery, spanning over 415 square miles.

Fall is a wonderful time to explore this leafy beauty spot and I highly recommend taking a scenic drive on the Trail Ridge Road which takes you up to see incredible panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and valleys.

Also don’t miss the charming gateway mountain town of Grand Lake, seeing the beautiful turquoise waters of Emerald Lake, hiking the easy and scenic Bear Lake Loop Trail and visiting Estes Park, a quaint mountain town home to great shopping, dining and an aerial tramway. 

From the tramway you can see awesome views of the mysterious Stanley Hotel which inspired Stephen King’s classic The Shining! .

• Visitors Information – 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517-8397
• Average temperature – 4°C to 13°C
• Kayaking on the tranquil waters of Lake Estes. 
• Photographing the stunning Alberta Falls, which is one of the most picturesque waterfalls in the park.

9. Austin, Texas

The buzzy Texan city of Austin is known for its cool bars, live music scene, Tex-Mex cuisine, varied cultural attractions and packed calendar of festivals and events. 

Summer temperatures are scorching so I much prefer taking a trip during this month when the temperatures are more comfortable and there are plenty of fantastic fall and Halloween events to enjoy.

I recommend not missing the fun annual Austoberfest , the colorful Viva La Vida Festival & Parade , the sociable Austin’s Park n’ Pizza Halloween Fest, the family-friendly Pumpkin Nights Festival and the terrifying House of Torment haunted house attraction! 

Also take time to stroll through historic 6th Street, watch one of the many live music performances, checking out the trendy craft breweries, going hiking in the nearby McKinney Falls State Park and heading out to an atmospheric corn maze or pumpkin patch! Fall bliss!

• Visitor’s Center Address: 111 Congress Ave. Suite 700, Austin, TX 78701
• Watching a live band at the the hip Mohawk Bar and Live Music venue, the vibe there was awesome!
• Taking fun two-step dance lessons at the Broken Spoke bar .
• Dining on tasty Tex-Mex at the Eldorado Cafe, I highly recommend the tasty veganchiladas! 

10. Arches National Park, Utah

Located in Utah, this is huge protected area filled with unique natural desert landscapes which include over 2,000 stone arches, towering pinnacles, canyons and even spectacular balanced rocks. 

During the summer the temperatures can be extremely high (and even dangerous!) so spring and fall are the best times to explore and go hiking.

I highly recommend driving to the famous Delicate Arch, taking the looped hiking trail around the stunning Windows Section (from there you can see the North Window, South Window, Turret Arch, and the Double Arch) and photographing the jaw-dropping Balanced Rock. 

If you take a drive scenic drive through on the main road, from there it’s easy to take in many of the best sights including the huge stone columns known as Courthouse Towers, the surreal Petrified Dunes, and the beautiful La Sal Mountains. 

• Visitors Center – Moab, UT 84532
• Average temperature – 15°C to 24°C
• Driving the 19-mile-long Arches Scenic Drive and stopping to photograph the scenic sights along the way.
• Hiking to Delicate Arch and capturing a perfect Instagram-worthy shot with the breathtaking mountains as the backdrop.
• Joining a ranger for a hike (which was a free activity they offered here) and learning more about the park.

11. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

This is a superb scenic drive that stretches over 469 miles along the mountaintops from south of Asheville, North Carolina, to the Virginia state line and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It’s known as being one of the most stunning drives in the country and the views are truly breathtaking. Expect to see gorgeous views of the Appalachian Mountains, dense forests and lush valleys.

The views this time of year are even more beautiful as this is when the leaves have turned into a cascade of magnificent colors and the wildlife is slightly less elusive – if you’re lucky you maybe able to spot deer, wild turkeys, and even black bears foraging for food.

I highly recommend driving to the pretty Looking Glass Falls, Grandfather Mountain (one of the highest peaks in the park), the incredible Sliding Rock , taking in the fall foliage from the Linn Cove Viaduct and the Richland Balsam Overlook and then staying over in one of the quaint towns such as Asheville, Banner Elk, Black Mountain, or Woodfin.

• Visitor Center Address: 901 E. Cary St. Suite 900. Richmond, VA 23219
• Average temperature – 13°C to 21°C
• Seeing the stunning Crabtree Falls after hiking the two hour round trip on the Crabtree Falls Trail. 
• Stopping at the picturesque Ecco Adesso vineyard and sampling some Shenandoah Valley wines.
• Catching a folk band perform live at the Blue Ridge Music Center .
• Feeling brave enough to cross the mile-high swinging bridge on Grandfather Mountain which is the highest of its kind in the country!

12. Flagstaff, Arizona

This gorgeous mountain town, nestled along the world-famous Route 66, is a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions like Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon, and the San Francisco Peaks.

I love visiting this historic spot when there’s fewer crowds, the scorching temperatures have dropped, the trees are alight with color and the days are warm and pleasant. 

I highly recommend visiting the nearby Wupatki National Monument, the dramatic Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, the jaw-dropping Meteor Crater (which is the best preserved meteorite impact sites in the world), the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon and exploring downtown Flagstaff which is filled with craft breweries, live music, fantastic independent stores, and the educational Museum of Northern Arizona .

• Visitors Center Address: 1 E Rte 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
• Average temperature – 15°C to 21°C
• Indulging in epic amount of pretzels and sampling beer at Mother Road Brewing Company. Don’t miss trying their popular Tower Station Roadside Grove, a local favorite.
• Hiking the stunning three mile looped Red Mountain Hiking Trail which took me past unique volcanic landscapes. 
• Leaf-peeping at the aspen groves in the San Francisco Peaks.
• Gazing at stars in the clear night skies at The Lowell Observatory .
• Exploring the incredible ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people over 700 years ago in Walnut Canyon.

13. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

This stunning protected area in northwestern Wyoming spans approximately 310,000 acres, making it a perfect haven for outdoor lovers.

It’s home to unspoilt landscapes, the imposing Grand Teton Mountain Range, alpine meadows, gorgeous valleys and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be explored and I think October is the perfect month to explore them!

Fall is when the park’s colorful foliage is at its peak, there’s fewer crowds, the temperatures are much more comfortable for hiking and the resident wildlife is much more active.

There are over 200 miles of hiking trails to discover and I also recommend exploring the spectacular Teton Range, discovering the recreational hub Jenny Lake, seeing the mighty Snake River and heading out to the leisurely Two Ocean Lake Loop for the best chance of spotting elk, moose, and grizzly bears, just make sure you pack the bear spray!

• Park Headquarters address:  103 Headquarters Loop Moose, WY 83012
• Average temperature – 7°C to 13°C
• Taking the Jenny Lake Ferry across the water and hiking up the stunning Cascade Canyon and along the shimmering shoreline of Lake Solitude.
• Photographing the stunning fall Golden Hour (the time shortly after sunrise and just before sunset) when the warm lighting made the autumn colors even more vibrant!

14. Maui, Hawaii

Maui is a dreamy and romantic vacation destination and the second-largest island in Hawaii. It’s filled with gorgeous sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, tropical rainforests, towering mountains and volcanoes.

I personally think it makes a fine fall destination as you’ll avoid the crowds of the peak seasons, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the idyllic beaches and turquoise waters.

For an unforgettable experience, I recommend hiking up to the summit of the dormant volcano Haleakalā at sunrise and taking in the glorious views over the unique landscapes.

I also suggest exploring the imposing Iao Valley State Monument (which is said to be a sacred place), discovering the lunar-like landscapes of Haleakala National Park, seeing the breathtaking Kipahulu coastline and cramming in as many beautiful waterfalls as you can! 

• Visitors Center Address: 427 Ala Makani Street, Suite 101, Kahului, HI 96732
• Taking a helicopter tour with Blue Hawaiian Helicopters and seeing a bird’s eye view of this magnificent island.
• Hiking the Pipiwai Trail and seeing the stunning Waimoku Falls at the end. 
• Attending the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival held in October and sampling all the local delights! 

15. Door County, Wisconsin

This is a pretty peninsula located in Wisconsin between Green Bay and Lake Michigan filled with charming scenery including picturesque harbors complete with gently bobbing boats, quaint leafy small towns and an beautiful coastline.

Known as the ‘Cape Cod of The West’ it’s a laid back place with a long shoreline, historic lighthouses, a rare limestone beach and no less than five state parks packed with hiking and biking trails, and leaf-peeping opportunities. 

I recommend taking your time to discover the attractive towns, friendly locals, tasty craft brews, and delicious local cuisine. Also don’t miss the family-friendly Egg Harbor Pumpkin Patch Festival and the Fall Festival in Sister Bay.

• Tourist Center Address: 1015 Green Bay Road, Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Average temperature – 10°C to 16°C
• Camping under the stars near a sandy beach at the Nicolet Bay Campground in scenic Peninsula State Park.
• Photographing the striking historic Cana Lighthouse which was built in 1859.
• Stopping by the Peach Barn Farmhouse and Brewery and sampling their tasty craft beer, my favorite was the Silo Sisters Peach Sour!

16. Big Sur, California

This stunning stretch of coastline, located along the iconic Highway One, is known for offering one of the most scenic road trips in the world.   The scenery here is seriously jaw-dropping and is home to twisty roads, stunning cliffs, rocky shores, a handful of gorgeous sandy beaches and superb ocean views all backed by thick redwood forests.    Big Sur is very crowded in the summer, so I personally prefer to visiting this month instead. There are far fewer tourists, better rates on accommodation and the weather is still warm and pleasant.

I highly recommend paying a visit to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park for Instagram-worthy views and Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery to watch the entertaining – but noisy – elephant seals. 

• Visitors Center Address: 47555 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
• Location: between Carmel in the north and San Simeon in the south (90 miles).
• Average temperatures – 18°C to 24°C
• Spotting spotting the cute sea lions at Point Lobos Natural Reserve . 
• Taking a gorgeous shot of the Instagram-worthy Keyhole Arch which is located on the magnificent Pfeiffer Beach.
• Driving over the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and admiring the breathtaking views.

17. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

The Berkshires are a charming, beautiful and affluent area located in western Massachusetts. The scenery here is stunning and the area is filled with rolling hills covered with thick forests and dotted with elegant towns and cultural attractions. 

I love visiting here in the fall – the summer crowds are gone, and the gorgeous colorful foliage adds a new kind of magic.

I recommend hiking and biking through the many State Forests here (my favorites were Beartown  and Tolland which is home to the recreation hotspot Otis Reservoir), checking out the numerous art galleries, dining at the delicious farm-to-table eateries and heading to the Squaw Peak and Devils Pulpit (located in Monument Mountain Reservation) for scenic views.

• Visitors Center Address: 1Berkshire PO Box 4829, Pittsfield, MA 01202
• Watching a concert under the stars at the open-air venue Tanglewood (the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra).
• Hiking the Cheshire Harbor Trail which lead to the summit of Mount Greylock, home to the highest point in the state and had loads of great observation points.
• Visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge to see the most extensive collection of his paintings in the world and the fabulous The Emily Dickinson Museum near Amherst.
• Going apple picking and seeing fabulous fall foliage scenery at Bartlett’s Orchard.

18. Las Vegas

The entertainment capital of the world is home with jaw-dropping hotel resorts, entertainment shows, and crazy nightlife. 

I love to visit during this month as the temperatures are much more bearable, the worst of the crowds have gone and I always find great hotel prices at this time of year.

As well as all the usual Sin City offerings, Halloween is also a big deal in Las Vegas . I suggest taking a stroll down LINQ Promenade which will be very Halloween themed during this month, trying the wild Fetish & Fantasy Halloween Ball or going a fun ghost tour in the nearby abandoned mining town of Goodsprings, which is all very Scooby-Doo!

• Visitors Center Address: 495 S. Main St. Las Vegas, NV 89101
• Watching the famous Fountain Display at Bellagio Hotel.
• Going for a Grand Buffet at the MGM Grand, the long counters crammed with food were incredible!
• Watching the fun and frightening Zombie Burlesque show at Planet Hollywood.

19. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston is a gorgeous gem of a city filled with charming tree-lined streets, historic architecture, antebellum mansions, lots of cultural attractions and plenty of Southern hospitality. 

Located on the Atlantic coast, in South Carolina during the summer months the weather is hot, humid and rainy so this month is a great time to discover this city. Temperatures are warm but mild, the humidity drops, and there are some great deals on hotels.

I highly recommend not missing the stunning Georgian architecture of Rainbow Row, the beautiful Waterfront Park, the ornate Pineapple Fountain and taking a walk down Broad Street and browsing its independent shops, elegant boutique stores and postcard-pretty buildings!

• North Charleston Visitor Center Address: 4975-B Centre Point Drive (800) 774-0006.
• Average temperatures – 24°C to 29°C
• Going Paddle-boarding on the scenic Shem Creek.
• Cruising around in a PediCab bike taxi and exploring all the main attractions.
• Walking over the Ravenel Bridge over Cooper River and seeing superb views of Charleston Harbor.

20. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

This stunning, lesser-known gem is nestled between the cities of Akron and Cleveland, located along the scenic banks of the Cuyahoga River.

The scenery here is beautiful and is filled with rolling hills covered in thick forests, pretty waterfalls and calm, slow-flowing rivers. The park is especially stunning in the fall and I loved seeing the breathtaking foliage views from the Ledges Overlook (which can be reached via the Ledges Hiking Trail). 

I highly recommend taking advantage of the well-marked hiking trails, visiting the quaint Szlays Sweet Corn and Farmers Market , taking a ride on the family-friendly The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway and seeing the magnificent Brandywine falls. 

• Address: 7104 Canal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44125
• Biking the scenic Towpath Trail and seeing old canal locks, deer and herons!
• Checking out the local produce at Cuyahoga Valley Farmers’ Market . I recommend trying the delicious Silver Bee Honey! 
• Taking Instagram-worthy shots of the fall foliage at the Tinkers Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook.

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The 10 best places to travel in October 2024

Editor's note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.

As summer's haze fades into the background, but before the onset of winter's chills, October's warm afternoons and cozy evenings make many places ripe for exploration sans contending with hordes of high-season tourists.

Whether you're looking for the brilliant hues of fall foliage , seasonal pumpkin-spiced delicacies or a last dose of sunshine on a sandy beach, there are plenty of prime spots for exploration this fall.

Here are the 10 best places to travel in October 2024.

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea offers a vibrant kaleidoscope of leaves and pleasantly cool weather in October. Seoul, in particular, transforms with its grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, where ancient ginkgo and maple trees frame historical architecture in bursts of yellow and red. For a panoramic city view, head to Namsan Park, offering trails that wind through fiery foliage. The culinary scene highlights seasonal harvests, with persimmons and chestnuts enhancing nearly every dish. Farther afield, festivals abound. Enjoy lantern-lit nights at Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in the southern city of Jinju or the traditional Andong Mask Dance Festival in Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site .

TPG tip: Stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul for spectacular views and convenient access to the city's best sights and sounds. Rates start at $322 or 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

A robust roster of shows this October in Las Vegas includes the continuation of Adele's residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and the Eagles at the Sphere. Fall also ushers in better weather for exploring the great outdoors just minutes from the Strip. With the mercury dipping to the low 80s, it's prime time for hiking through Red Rock Canyon or enjoying a hot-air balloon ride over the Mojave Desert. Plus, the city is less crowded than in the spring, allowing for a more relaxed experience, whether hitting the casinos or getting reservations at popular restaurants like the Golden Steer Steakhouse, where Elvis Presley used to dine, and the Wicked Spoon for its famous brunch. At night, the cooler temperatures make wandering the neon-lit Strip all the more enjoyable.

TPG tip: One of three Hilton hotels in Resorts World Las Vegas, Conrad Las Vegas has large rooms with midcentury modern decor and red accents. Rooms start at $219 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.

October in Botswana is the prime time to witness the natural world at its most dynamic. Waterholes shrink as the dry season takes hold, and wildlife congregates, making it a peak month for safari-goers. Warm, dry days provide excellent conditions for game drives in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, where elephants, lions and countless bird species are easily spotted. The thinning vegetation enhances visibility and the landscape's beauty, transforming it into a golden savannah. This time of year is less about the lush greenery and more about the drama of survival in the wild, offering an unfiltered look at nature's cycle.

TPG tip: Xigera Safari Lodge is part of Fine Hotels + Resorts through American Express Travel. If you have an eligible card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express , and book a stay through Amex Travel, you'll get perks such as daily breakfast for two and $100 credit toward eligible charges, which vary by property.

This small Caribbean island bursts into a symphony of culture and music each October as it hosts the World Creole Music Festival, a cornerstone event celebrating Dominica's rich heritage. Timed with Independence Day celebrations and the end of Creole Heritage Month, the festival (October 25-27, 2024) brings pulsating rhythms, vibrant dance and local cuisine into the spotlight. Imagine nights filled with music under starlit skies and days exploring lush rainforests and volcanic hot springs. It's also the tail end of hurricane season, meaning fewer tourists and more authentic experiences.

TPG tip: Stay at Secret Bay for around $950 per night. Or book the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, where rates start at $350 or 84,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

Marrakech, Morocco

A year following the September 2023 earthquake, Marrakech has shown remarkable resilience, with most of the city open and ready to welcome tourists again. October is one of the best months to visit, as the oppressive heat of summer gives way to mild days and crisp evenings. The city's souks, filled with the season's harvests — including saffron, dates and olives — offer a feast for the senses. Put those fresh, seasonal ingredients to use at a traditional cooking class at the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum, which reopened this summer in the Medina with a new tea lounge and a boutique. Plus, it will also be easier for North American travelers to get to Marrakech this fall, thanks to a new United route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that launches October 24.

While the harder-hit communities in the Atlas Mountains are still rebuilding, Virgin Limited Edition's Kasbah Tamadot is set to reopen on October 15, 2024. The hotel, which now has six new three-bedroom riads as well as new restaurants, continues to raise money to support surrounding communities through its Eve Branson Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund.

TPG tip: Book a room at brand-new Park Hyatt Marrakech for $699 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a luxurious stay. On a budget? Consider staying at Le Meridien N'Fis, where rates start at $205 or 16,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia, Chile, in October, is like nature's version of a grand opening party. The snow is starting to melt, revealing jaw-dropping landscapes, and the wildlife, like guanacos and pumas, is out and about as if they've been practicing their moves all winter. Fewer tourists mean you get more of the epic views to yourself, whether it's the towering peaks of Torres del Paine or the glittering lakes. Hike the famous W Trek, take a boat tour to the Grey Glacier or enjoy spring blooms. Just be flexible with your plans. Patagonia's weather likes to keep you guessing. And after a day of adventure, warm up in Puerto Natales with a cozy coffee.

TPG tip: The newly renovated Hotel Las Torres just reopened, making it an ideal base for your adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. It costs about $680 per night, including buffet breakfast and dinner for two adults. The property also offers two- to five-night all-inclusive packages starting from $2,160 for two people and including a daily tour and meals.

Golden Isles, Georgia

Enjoy an extended summer vacation in Georgia's Golden Isles, with highs still hitting a comfortable 78 degrees in October. The crowds have thinned out, but all the charm is still there, making it the perfect time for a visit. You can enjoy everything from leisurely beach strolls on St. Simons Island to exploring the rich history at Christ Church and Fort Frederica. Over on Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach looks even more magical in the fall light, and the golden hues of the spartina marsh grasses around Sea Island are a sight to see, especially if you're out kayaking. Plus, fall means festival season in the Golden Isles, so there's always something fun happening, whether it's CoastFest or the Georgia-Florida Golf Classic.

TPG tip: Consider staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, a beautiful, budget-friendly resort. Rates start at $124 or 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

October is considered shoulder season in Cyprus , but it can also be the best time of year to catch some sun without the sweltering heat and tourist buses. Picture yourself exploring ancient ruins one day and sipping the island's famous commandaria wine the next. There are many local events like the Ayia Napa Medieval and Commandaria festivals to check out, where you can dive into the best Cypriot food, drink and history. Cycling fans will love pedaling around the island's stunning roads.

TPG tip: Stay at the adults-only Agora Hotel for $239 per night. Or opt for Hotel Indigo Larnaca, an IHG hotel where you can stay for around $172 or 36,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

The Cotswolds, United Kingdom

With average temperatures in the mid-50s, October in the Cotswolds is about embracing the crisp air and the slower pace of the countryside about a two-hour drive from London. Villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water get even more charming in October, with plenty of cozy corners waiting to be discovered. The slower pace of the offseason means you can savor the experience, whether wandering through historic market towns, popping into local artisan shops or tucking into a hearty meal at a traditional pub. And if you're up for a walk, the Cotswolds has some of the most scenic trails in England, like the Cotswold Way. Plus, Delta is launching a flight from Orlando to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting October 26, 2024.

TPG tip: Delta Hotels Swindon is a newly renovated, family-friendly hotel located at the gateway to the Cotswolds. Rates start at $75 or 12,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You could also stay at Thyme in Southrop from $570 per night, which hosts several workshops where you can learn to bake a classic Victoria Sponge Cake or make a flower arrangement, among other things.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Head to Albuquerque October 5-13, 2024, for the world's largest hot-air balloon fiesta. Early mornings here are surreal, watching hundreds of balloons take flight. Stick around for the fireworks or evening Balloon Glows, when all the balloons fire up their burners simultaneously. When you're not neck-deep in balloon festivities, Albuquerque's fall weather — with average highs in the low 70s — is great for hiking the Sandia Mountains or exploring Old Town's cultural spots. Don't miss out on the local eats, especially the green chile stew at places like Owl Cafe and Cucina Azul.

TPG tip: Rooms at Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque's historic Old Town district start at $174 per night.

Related reading:

• Key travel tips you need to know — whether you're a beginner or expert traveler
• The best travel credit cards
• The 16 best places to travel in 2024
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Top 15 destinations in the world to see beautiful fall foliage without the crowds

• Travel recommendations
• The taste of travel
• Tips & tricks
• Travel experiences

The 10 best places to visit in October

With summer a distant memory, the best places to visit in October are all about vibrant fall foliage and spectacular celebrations.

October is deep into shoulder season. That means flight and hotel prices have dropped from the summer and the crowds have thinned out – magic.

It also means many less mainstream destinations start to wind down for a post-summer break. It is of course, also the month of Halloween. In the US in particular, that’s reason enough to party. Here’s my pick of the ten best places to visit in October in the world.

Thinking about your budget? Jump to KAYAK’s data-backed picks based on popularity, flight, and hotel prices.

The best places to visit in October

• Klamath County, Oregon
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Salem, Massachusetts
• Asheville, Carolina
• Annapolis, Maryland
• Nice, France
• Prague, Czech Republic
• Puglia, Italy
• Vienna, Austria

The best places to visit in October in the US

The US absolutely buzzes in October. Halloween puts the entire country on spooky party alert and classic destinations go all out to enjoy it. Alongside my personal picks, KAYAK data shows Las Vegas , Los Angeles , and Nashville are popular domestic destinations.

1. Klamath County, Oregon

• Learn more: Klamath Falls travel guide
• Why visit in October? For the spectacular annual bird migration.

Tiny Klamath Falls comes to life in the fall as one of the best October vacation ideas. The million-strong influx of waterfowl to the Klamath Basin is a spectacular start to the annual bird migration .

But it’s when the eagles , peregrine falcons, red-tailed hawks and other raptors swoop in that things dial up to 11. In total some 350 bird species will make the area their home, making it a magnet for twitchers .

The sprawling forests and evocative landscapes of Crater Lake National Park are just 60 miles north of the city. Magic for fall sightseeing and hiking. If volcanology is your thing, the Lava Beds National Monument is a paradise of lava tubes, strange rock formations, ancient petroglyphs, and Native American rock art. 

2. Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Learn more: Albuquerque travel guide
• Why visit in October? Take to the skies at the International Balloon Fiesta.

Continuing the theme of looking to the skies for exultation, each October Albuquerque hosts the International Balloon Fiesta . For nine days from October 5th, hundreds of crazy and colorful hot air balloons take flight against the stunning backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. 

Enjoy balloon rides , watch balloon rodeos and races, and stay until the evening for the showpiece Balloon Glow, where balloon burners turn the night sky to fire . There’s camping and glamping, cultural performances and live music, local eats, and lots more. 

And that’s before you even explore the lovely Albuquerque Old Town or ride the Aerial Tramway 10,000 feet up to the peak of Mount Sandia.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

• Learn more: New Orleans travel guide
• Why visit in October? Dance and dine at the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival.

“Without the blues, there would be no jazz or R&B.” So goes the mantra of the Crescent Ci ty Blues & BBQ Festival. A celebration of all things Big Easy, the 17th annual event runs over the weekend from October 11th, 2024. 

The lively three-day event showcases exceptional blues music and drool-inducing barbecues from the best pitmasters in the US. Make it the highlight of a longer visit to this unique city set on the mouth of the Mississippi. 

With 70°F average temperatures and just three inches of rain, October is the ideal month to exploit its best experiences.

Bar hop Bourbon Street, toast street performers in Jackson Square, and tap your feet to the best jazz on Frenchman Street. If you’re there at the end of the month, few places do Halloween scares quite like New Orleans. Don’t forget your costume!

4. Salem, Massachusetts 

• Learn more: Salem travel guide
• Why visit in October? Scare yourself witless with Haunted Halloween Happenings. 

Founded in 1626, Salem is one of the oldest towns in the US. Its infamy and spooky reputation come from the 1692 Witch Trials . October is the time to visit, as Salem goes all out for Halloween with a month-long Haunted Happenings festival.

Expect haunted houses, historical reenactments, elaborate costumes, grand parades, and witch-themed everything . With half a million visitors each year, the town is as busy as it gets. For celebrations like this though, that just adds to the atmosphere.

And if it’s too much, consider staying in nearby Boston , a 30-minute train ride away on the Newbury/Rockport line.

Book tickets to the Witch House and creepy (if dated) Salem Witch Museum with its memorial to the 19 victims so gruesomely and pointlessly hanged.

Away from the witchy fun, Salem has a long and proud maritime history . The impressive Salem Maritime National Historic Site is your first port of call. Spread along nine acres of Salem waterfront, including a tall ship, it’s a wonderful way to spend a fall day.

5. Asheville, North Carolina

• Learn more: Asheville travel guide
• Why visit in October? To see fall colors transform the epic landscapes.

The mountain city of Asheville is engulfed in a panoply of fall colors come October. Vibrant reds, oranges, and golds transform the landscape . The many deciduous tree species covering the slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the city put on one of nature’s great shows .

Immerse yourself in it and breathe deep the mountain air on the many hikes that snake into the wilderness. Crabtree Falls and Rainbow Falls add thunderous waterfalls to the mix. Pisgah National Forest and Dupont Forest are highlights, as are the views from Craggy Gardens and Looking Glass Rock Overlook .

Leaf peepers should drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway – don’t forget your camera. En route, dozens of scenic viewpoints deliver beautiful views of those fall colors in all their grandeur. 

6. Annapolis, Maryland

• Learn more: Annapolis travel guide
• Why visit in October? The bonkers Maryland Renaissance Festival.

Head to Anne Arundel County on the outskirts of Annapolis any weekend from August to October and you’d be wise to wear your finest 16th century threads . You’ll find yourself at the Maryland Renaissance Festival . 

Revel Grove is a 27-acre village overseen by King Henry VIII. Wander its mud-lined streets amid hermits and wenches, magicians and minstrels – professional street performers playing out medieval shows and improvisations.

Shop handicrafts, feast on turkey legs, and frothy beers . Enjoy a spot of jousting and take in a show at the Royal Court. Let merriment abound!

Annapolis itself is lovely in October. Teeming with historic buildings and a fantastic harbor , its rich colonial history plays out perfectly for some haunted ghost tours and, if you need a little Dutch courage to embolden you, haunted pub crawls . 

The best places to visit in October in Europe

My favorite places to visit in Europe come October stretch north to south and focus on art and culture. There are of course more destinations to choose.

KAYAK data highlights the popularity of Madrid and Munich (thanks in no small part to its beer festival.) Elsewhere, the cold Amsterdam weather doesn’t deter visitors, and there’s warmth still to be found in Athens . 

7. Nice, France

• Learn more: Nice travel guide
• Why visit in October? Explore France’s most glamorous city without breaking the budget.

The clue’s in the name, but ‘nice’ goes nowhere near far enough to describe Nice’s majestic Côte d’ Azur setting. The capital of the French Riviera holds its own against any Mediterranean city in October. 

KAYAK data shows average temperatures at an extremely comfy 63°F with only a few inches of rain over the month. It’s also renowned as one of the sunniest places in France .

While flight prices aren’t the cheapest at around $858, average October hotel prices are only $116 or so a night. In this city of glamor, wealth, and status, that a bargain. Nice new and old has a huge amount to offer, including:

• World-class museums, in particular the MAMAC and Musée Matisse .
• The Cimiez Quarter and Vieux Nice for shopping and bar hopping .
• The iconic architecture of the Hôtel Le Negresco and Palais de la Méditerranée .

My advice? Take a slow stroll along the wonderful Promenade des Anglais (‘La Prom’ if you want to sound local.) Find a spot to stretch out on the beach, lay down and soak in the last of the European sun.

8. Prague, Czech Republic

• Learn more: Prague travel guide
• Why visit in October? Mind-bending architecture and soul-shaking opera.

Arguably Europe’s prettiest capital city , Prague sees days shorten and cool after the giddy summer months. That fall atmosphere washes over the city and sparks its cultural calendar back into life.

Taking advantage of longer evenings, the Signal Festival lights up the city with luminous light shows and mind-blowing multimedia installations.

Crowds clear from the historic Charles Bridge, revealing its true beauty. Sunrise and sunset are perfect times for a slow walk across it to revel in the gothic splendor of the skyline.

The city’s theaters and concert venues resonate to the boom and shrill of operas and classical concerts. There are many to choose from but the intricate Klementinum Mirror Chapel , where Mozart played the organ, is my favorite.

9. Puglia, Italy

• Learn more: Fun facts about Italy
• Why visit in October? Join the olive oil harvest.

Occupying the heel of Italy’s ‘boot’, Puglia is south enough to stay relatively warm at this time of year. Even if the weather’s not perfect, there’s plenty to do – or more importantly, eat – making it one of the best places to visit in October.

October is when the olive oil harvest happens, known as the gold of Puglia. It’s a magical place to see thousand-year-old olive trees still delivering the culinary lifeblood of Italy.

Get your fill with a stay on an olive farm like Masseria Il Frantoio and join the harvest . There is, of course, plenty of food and wine thrown in for good measure.

No visit to Puglia is complete without a trip to Alberobello. The UNESCO World Heritage town and commune is famed for its whitewashed, conical roofed trulli (stone huts) and is incredibly atmospheric to wander around. 

10. Vienna, Austria

• Learn more: The best day trips from Vienna,
• Why visit in October? Sate your cultural appetite at the Long Night of Museums.

The world’s most livable city is my pick for the best place to travel in October for culture. While average temperatures are a chilly 54°F, KAYAK data shows hotel prices average a reasonable $168 a night. And if you’re attending these events, you’ll mostly be indoors anyway.

On Saturday October 5th, the Long Night of Museums sees more than 100 cultural institutions throw open their doors until 1 am. A single ticket will get you into them all (or as many as you can fit it). Many put on special shows, events and exhibits.

Join the cultural throng wandering from museum to gallery and soak in the unique atmosphere. It’s my favorite night in the Viennese calendar.

Just as cultured and quite a bit glitzier is the Viennale . From October 17th to 29th, the city is gripped by the glamor of film fever. Celebrating its 62nd year in 2024, Vienna’s international film festival takes over cinemas across the historic center .

Data-backed picks from KAYAK

If seasonal events aren’t on your wish list, consider instead one of data-based destinations. These destinations are based on KAYAK flight and hotel data, taking into account budget, weather, and popularity (so you can avoid the crowds).

For personalized recommendations based on your location and chosen destination check out the Best Time to Travel tool.

The following information refers to the destinations listed in the table.

Recommendation ranking within table:

From the ranked destination lists, destination exclusions may have been applied in cases of insufficient data or according to the official travel advisory at the time when the data analysis was conducted.

Flight and hotel prices:

Average prices are estimated from KAYAK internal data from search period ‘2024-02-01’ to ‘2024-04-15’ for travel period ‘2024-09’ - ‘2024-12’. Flight prices include economy class return trips for one traveler, and hotel prices represent 3 stars or below hotels’ nightly rates for a standard double room. Price insights are subject to vary depending on exact departure airport and over time as travel dates are approaching.

Popularity:

Monthly crowd estimates for each destination are determined by internal flight and hotel search data. This incorporates the latest historical insights from the past year collected on ‘2024-01-15’. For each destination, this popularity estimate is pulled for the particular month to gauge where it might not be too crowded.

Weather (average monthly temperature and precipitation):

Weather data is pulled from a third-party site, Weatherbase, and has not been verified by KAYAK. Monthly average temperature and precipitation data is based on historical insights from the past 102 years. Weatherbase data is updated in real-time from the US Census Bureau and other databases worldwide.

Discover more great places to travel

With fall colors and falling prices, October is undoubtedly a great month to travel, especially for epic fall road trips . But it’s not the only one. Check my travel guides for the best places to visit i n September , or if you’re planning further ahead, November and December . For fall sun, here’s where is hot in October and November .

For more inspiration, dive into the world map on KAYAK Explore . Wherever you plan to go, cheap flights , car rental and wonderful places to stay are what KAYAK does best.

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Best places to travel in October

Got a chunk of annual leave for October but have no idea how to spend it? We may be able to help.

October is a brilliant month to travel. Autumn is blazing its way across Europe ‘s forests and countryside, spring blooms are blanketing mountains and moorlands in Australia, and the intense summer heat finally subsides in North Africa and the Middle East. It’s also a shoulder month in many destinations, meaning smaller queues and fewer folks in your holiday snaps.

From feasting on fresh sardines in Portugal to wandering ancient temples in Egypt, here are the top picks of where to travel in October.

1. Portugal

• Why go: Explore Portugal’s charming cities without the summer heat
• Season: Autumn
• Temperature: 23°C (77°F) high, 14°C (59°F) low

October blows through Portugal like a welcome breeze after a fiery summer. Visit during this time and you’ll be rewarded with the very best of its cities, cuisine and beaches. Climbing Lisbon and Porto’s steep cobbled streets in the summer can be sweaty work, but by October, it’s all the more enjoyable.

The sea in Portugal is much cooler than that of its Mediterranean neighbours, but after a long, cloudless summer, the water is finally warm enough for a comfortable dip. The locals say the best time to eat seafood is any month with an “r,” so be sure to get your fill – including Portugal’s famous sardines. Wine lovers can also head to the picturesque Douro Valley to participate in the annual grape harvest activities.

• Why go: Eat your way around Italy during the harvest season
• Temperature: 23°C (73°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low

There’s never a terrible time to visit Italy, but anyone who’s queued outside the Colosseum in the sweltering summer sun can attest to the benefits of holding out for September. Millions of visitors pour through Italy from June to August, but the shoulder months are considerably quieter.

The autumn sun is still gloriously warm and ideal for al fresco dining – and it’s just as well because October is also in the middle of the harvest in Italy, which means a delicious array of fresh fruits and veggies and plenty of local vino. If you travel primarily for food (let’s be honest, who doesn’t), you may be interested in an olive oil, cicchetti and cheese-filled adventure inspired by nonnas’ kitchens all over the country.

3. The Cyclades, Greece

• Why go: Sail the Greek islands in solitude
• Temperature: 23°C (74°F) high, 17°C (63°F) low

Swap views of sunbathing tourists for turquoise blue waters, and trade queuing for exploring ancient ruins at your own pace. As the worst of the crowds has thinned out and the gorgeous weather lingers long after everyone returns home, early to mid-October is the perfect month to sail the salty waters of the Cyclades. You’ll avoid inflated prices and have your pick of golden sands to sprawl on.

Roll with the waves of the Aegean Sea as you cruise between Mykonos and Santorini, stopping off at ancient villages and secluded coves for a swim. Fuelled with fresh food plucked straight from the land and sea, this is Greek island life at its best.

• Why go: Experience the ultimate Halloween-themed adventure
• Temperature: 17°C (63°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low

Love spooky tales and haunted castles? Then our Halloween in Transylvania trip has your name on it. All spooky stuff aside, Romania is a fascinating country with well-preserved medieval citadels and a rich history shrouded in folklore and mythology. Not to mention its forests and countryside which turn dazzling shades of orange in autumn.

Prepare to raise your eyebrows as you visit the 12th-century town of Sighisoara (AKA the birthplace of Count Dracula), ride a Ferris wheel in a salt mine-cum-amusement park, and enjoy an autumnal feast in a traditional Saxon village. (Halloween costumes are optional but encouraged.)

• Why go: Treat your tastebuds to Turkey’s seasonal produce
• Temperature: 26°C (79°F) high, 15°C (59°F) low

It doesn’t get more colourful than Turkey in October. The sea is the bluest of blues, the vibrant magenta bougainvillea is in full bloom and ruby red pomegranates are once again plentiful in markets across the country. Watermelon, quince and grapes are also at their most delicious, so be sure to get your hands on a freshly pressed juice.

The shoulder season is the best time to avoid the scorching summer and bitterly cold winter that envelop much of the country. The coastal city of Fethiye still boasts pleasant temperatures of up to 30°C (86°F) and the sea is warm, calm and crystal clear. Take advantage of near-perfect weather and hike along the southern coast on the famous Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans. Or, fall in love with the landscape of Cappadocia on a trek or from a hot air balloon .

6. Tasmania, Australia 

• Why go: Experience Australia’s largest island during its spring bloom
• Season: Spring
• Temperature: 18°C (64°F) high, 7°C (45°F) low

As the northern hemisphere slows down for winter, the southern hemisphere is waking up and blooming with life. Tasmania, or ‘Tassie’ as it’s affectionately nicknamed, boasts some of Australia’s most pristine landscapes. This island has everything from misty mountains to Tarkine forests and powder-white beaches. It also has a top-notch gastronomy scene thanks to abundant local produce.

Hike through the glacier-sculpted terrain surrounding Cradle Mountain, feel sea spray on your face as you walk across the Bay of Fire’s orange-hued boulders or look out for seals and migrating whales on a wilderness cruise of the East Coast.

• Why go: Enjoy moderate crowds and manageable temperatures
• Temperature: 30°C (86°F) high, 23°C (73°F) low

There’s a metaphorical exhale throughout Egypt in October as the summer heat subsides. Crowds start growing in October, but it’s a far cry from how busy it is in December and January. With moderate crowds and manageable temperatures, you can focus on soaking up the history of Egypt’s ancient temples instead of worrying you’ll melt into the sand.

For a unique experience, you could align your trip with the biannual Abu Simbel Sun Festival at the Temple of Ramses. At sunrise, the sun perfectly illuminates the statues in the temple’s central chamber, followed by singing and dancing when they fall back into shadow.

Still deciding on October?

Check out our recommendations on where to travel in November and December , or explore our last minute deals .

Intrepid Travel

Intrepid has been leading small group adventures for over 30 years. We’re a certified B Corp, which means we want to be the best travel company not just in the world, but for the world. To create positive change through the joy of travel. You can read our latest adventures right here.

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Adventures of Alice

31 Places to Visit in October: The Best October Getaways

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Are you wondering where to travel in October? Well, it’s an absolutely wonderful month to explore – especially in Europe and the US . It’s shoulder season in a lot of countries so prices are lower, and the weather is quite often still pleasantly mild. There are so many amazing places to visit in October.

There’s also Halloween , beer festivals, and beautiful fall foliage that makes everything from big forests to tiny English villages come alive with reds and oranges. Can you tell that autumn is my favourite time of year?

As well as being beautiful, it’s also the ideal time to travel. It’s shoulder season across most of the world, so airline prices are down. Hotel prices are also down, and the summer crowds have left!

This is the main reason I love October getaways as opposed to the peak summer months. Most of my favourite trips (especially around Europe and the UK ) have been during this month.

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✅ Book cheap flights and accommodation with Booking.com ✅ Don’t forget your travel insurance ✅ Stay connected with this eSim

31 Best Places to Visit in October

From visiting some of the most gorgeous beaches to a safari, chasing the Northern Lights or a European city break . if you’re wondering where to travel in October, here are the 31 best October travel destinations in the world. 

1. Budapest, Hungary

Average Temperature: 16 ° C – 8 ° C

A beautiful European city, Budapest oozes charm and nostalgia. It’s also grown significantly in travel popularity in recent years and it’s easy to see why!

With its beautiful Parliament Building to the surprising cheapness of everything, it’s no wonder travellers are packing their bags and heading off to Hungary!

As well as the Parliament Building, make sure to visit the Fisherman’s Bastian, and Mattias Church, and take a dip in Budapest’s famous thermal baths.

There’s easily enough to do in Budapest to fill a weekend. However, there are also plenty of trips you could take outside the city or to neighbouring countries if you want to stay a little longer.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Budapest

2. Dalaman, Turkey

Average Temperature : 25 ° C – 14 ° C

An area known for its stunning coastline, natural beauty, and ancient ruins, the Dalaman region of Turkey is one of the best places to visit in October.

It’s so much less crowded, but you can still enjoy great weather. We visited Antalya in October and the weather was perfect for exploring and sightseeing.

Some of the top attractions in Dalaman include the Dalyan Delta, where you can take a boat tour through the stunning wetlands and see the famous Lycian tombs carved into the cliffs.

There’s also lots of history scattered around the Lycian way – visit the town of Fethiye to see more rock tombs. For beach lovers, the stunning beaches of Ölüdeniz and İztuzu are well worth a visit.

✅ Discover the best hotels in Dalaman

3. Paris, France

Average Temperature : 17 ° C – 10 ° C

Paris is one of those places where you can travel almost all year round. From fireworks from the Eiffel Tower to lazing in the Jardin des Plantes under the heat of the summer sun, you can’t go wrong with the French capital .

However, there’s a reason this is one of the best places to travel in October.

Warm weather, fewer tourists (meaning fewer queues), and the French autumn festival season is just hotting up. You could watch spectacular fountain shows at Versailles, see a new ballet or Opera performance or see the gardens in full bloom at Giverny.

Plus, don’t forget a trip to the Louvre . Also, see the spectacular views from the top of the Eiffel Tower and go on a dinner cruise along the River Seine. You could even take a trip to Disneyland and see their delightful Halloween spectacle.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Pairs

4. Greek Islands, Greece

Average Temperature: 25 ° C – 15 ° C

An idyllic, island-lovers paradise, Greece is a great place to visit from spring through to Autumn. Athens is also a great place to travel in Autumn as the weather makes exploring the gorgeous Acropolis much more bearable.

However, in October, your choice of travel destinations in Greece is endless. Santorini’s whitewashed buildings and peaceful beaches always make for a popular choice.

The history of Rhodes is also well worth a visit. Or you might prefer to explore somewhere a little more romantic and a little less touristy, like Kos or Milos.

Visit Mykonos for the vibrant nightlife and even more gorgeous beaches. Plus, it’s one of the best places to go in October because you’ll find much fewer crowds and much cheaper prices! Tempted? I don’t blame you.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Rhodes

5. Mexico City, Mexico

Average Temperature : 24°C – 10°C

One of the best times of year to visit Mexico City is in October. In late autumn, Mexico City is a vibrant and culturally rich city that doesn’t have the heat of peak summer.

The weather is generally warm (but not too hot) and less busy than the peak times of December to April . Plus, if you visit towards the end of October, you may even have a chance to see the Day of the Dead festivities.

This festival is one of the biggest draws of visiting Mexico City in autumn. The Day of the Dead festival, or Día de los Muertos, takes place on November 1st and 2nd.

The city’s streets and plazas are filled with colourful decorations, traditional altars, and people dressed in elaborate costumes, as locals honour their loved ones who have passed away. It’s a fascinating experience and a worthy addition to your bucket list.

Aside from this, visit the Palacio de Bellas Artes, a stunning building that hosts exhibitions and performances; the historic centre of the city, where you can see landmarks like the Zócalo, the Cathedral, and the National Palace; and the many museums and galleries that showcase Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.

I recommend the Museum of Anthropology because it’s amazing!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Mexico City

6. Reykjavik, Iceland 

Average Temperature : 7°C – 2°C

If you want a more wintery destination and love dramatic scenery, potentially snowy landscapes and glaciers, Iceland is the place for you . The country is packed full of natural wonders including the infamous Blue Lagoon, the breathtaking Northern Lights and sometimes active volcanoes .

Pair this with whale watching, magnificent churches, funky nightlife and some slightly questionable food (fermented shark, anyone?) and you’re without a doubt in for the trip of a lifetime!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Iceland

7. Algarve, Portugal

Average Temperature : 24°C – 15°C

The gorgeous south of Portugal has beautiful beaches framed with limestone cliffs, a warm climate all year round ( even in February, the coldest month in Europe ), and charming towns.

One of the biggest reasons that the Algarve is one of my favourite places to go in October is that it is much less crowded than during the peak summer season.

This place gets packed in summer! The autumn means that you can enjoy the region’s stunning beaches and natural beauty with far fewer tourists.

Explore the historic town of Lagos, with its charming cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and stunning coastline.

Visit the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a wetland area with a variety of bird species and walking trails, and the town of Portimao , which is known for its beautiful beaches and gorgeous harbourfront.

Plus, while you’re in the Algarve, don’t forget to sample their cuisine – fresh seafood, grilled meats, Portuguese wine, and pastel de nata!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Algarve

8. Yosemite National Park, USA

Average Temperature : 22°C – 5°C

Visiting Yosemite National Park in October can be a wonderful choice for travellers looking to enjoy the stunning fall foliage, mild weather, and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season.

The park’s trees turn vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red. The mild weather makes it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s many trails and landmarks without getting too hot and bothered.

And without fighting loads of other people for a good photo spot. You might even have iconic landmarks like the Half Dome, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls all to yourself!

The weather in Yosemite in autumn can be variable, with temperatures ranging from around 5°C (40°F) to 20°C (68°F) during the day, and dropping down to below freezing at night.

It is important to pack warm layers and appropriate gear for hiking in changing weather conditions. Nonetheless, with its beautiful scenery, and variety of outdoor activities, Yosemite is one of the best places to visit in October.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Yosemite

9. Munich, Germany

Average Temperature : 14°C – 5°C

Who can resist endless beer and bratwurst ? If that sounds like you, then you’ll love Munich! Easily one of the best places to visit in October, the German city is known for its famous Oktoberfest.

The huge folk festival typically lasts between 16-18 days and usually attracts around 6 million people each year.

As well as in Munich, there are similar events on a smaller scale all across the country . So it’s a great time for a little bit of a German road trip too.

Prepare for plenty of eating, drinking, partying, dizzying fairground rides, colourful parades and traditional folk dress-up. Easily one of the best places to travel in October.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Munich

10. Paphos, Cyprus 

Average Temperature : 26°C – 16°C

One of the places in Europe that’s still pleasantly warm when autumn hits, Paphos is one of the best places to travel in October. Full of stunning beaches and plenty of fascinating ancient Greek history, a trip to Cyprus will stick in your memory.

There’s plenty of natural beauty including springs and deep gorges to explore. Avakus Gorge is one of my favourite hikes in Europe .

So, whether you’re a fan of history, or adventure or would just like to relax by the waves sipping cocktails, Cyprus will give you a bit of everything.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Paphos

11. The Lake District, England

Average Temperature : 12°C – 5°C

Although England can be known for its rather dreary weather, even with the downpours, the Lake District is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK . In October, it comes alive with an abundance of wildlife.

The gorgeous rainbow of autumn colours makes it even more special. Just 3 hours from London by train, the Lake District will make for an incredibly peaceful weekend . Go walking through the wilderness and bracken fens to getting on the water at Lake Windemere.

Or hike to the top of Scarfell Pike , England’s tallest mountain peak. Either way, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained. Plus, with the kind of beauty, you’ll see there, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Lake District

12. San Fransisco, USA

Average Temperature : 21°C – 13°C

I love San Fransico and the hilly, foggy, city is easily one of the best places to visit in October. The weather here is typically mild (up to 20°C (68°F)) which makes it a great time to explore the city’s many neighbourhoods, landmarks, and attractions.

Additionally, the fall foliage in parks like Golden Gate Park and the Presidio can be stunning during this time of year.

While in San Fransisco you absolutely have to visit the Golden Gate Bridge. Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies are also well worth a visit.

And, if you have time, explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods, such as Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, and the Mission District, each with its own unique character and attractions.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in San Francisco

13. Split, Croatia

Average Temperature : 20°C – 14°C

Located on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, Split is one of the best places to visit in October. The gorgeous old town was one of my favourite places in Croatia .

The city’s other top landmarks, like the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are ideal in October since the weather is mild enough to be able to enjoy them but hot enough to wear a T-shirt! The decrease in crowds is also pretty nice.

In addition to the Diocletian’s Palace, visitors can also explore other cultural attractions such as the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, the Gallery of Fine Arts, and the Ivan Meštrović Gallery.

The city also has a vibrant culinary scene, with many restaurants and cafes offering plenty of delicious dishes.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Split

14. Siem Reap, Cambodia

Average Temperature : 31°C – 25°C

For the perfect dose of wildlife, amazing temples, and delicious food,  Cambodia  is one of the top October travel destinations.

It’s just emerging from the rainy season, so expect a few scattered showers. But also expect average temperatures hovering just under 30°C and lots of colours in the countryside.

As well as the unmissable Angkor temples, pay a visit to one of the wildlife centres and you may even be in with a chance of seeing sun bears, leopard cats, and wild elephants.

Just make sure your trip supports sustainable tourism and whatever you do, don’t ride the elephants!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Siem Reap

Average Temperature : 25°C – 18°C

Malta is a great October getaway. The warm weather makes it a great time to explore the Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Lagoon, and the Blue Grotto.

The island is rich in culture and you can explore ancient Megalithic Temples, wander the maze of cobbled streets in the old town, and explore the museums.

The capital, Valletta, is a vibrant city with plenty of rich history and architecture. Be sure to visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the National Museum of Archaeology. I recommend taking a trip to Gozo too – you won’t regret it!

Autumn falls between the peak summer season and the winter season in Malta. And, although you can visit the island all year round and still experience warm weather, it’s one of the best places to visit in October because you’ll still get the best weather.

Plus, fewer crowds make exploring the island more pleasant and hotel rates and other costs are usually lower too.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Malta

16. Luxor, Egypt

Average Temperature : 35°C – 19°C

If you love history, Luxor is easily one of the best places to visit in October. This city in southern Egypt can get extremely hot in the summer. When we visited it was about 40 degrees and almost unbearably hot. The autumn months will make seeing this historic city much easier.

Some of the best places to visit are the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak Temple Complex, and the Luxor Temple. You can also take a hot air balloon ride over Luxor for a unique and memorable perspective of the city and its surrounding desert landscape.

If you enjoy getting out on the water, I also recommend a cruise along the River Nile River. Many tour providers offer this and it gives you a chance to take in the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

After you’ve spent some time on the river, head into the vibrant city to barter over local crafts, spices and textiles with the locals.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Luxor

17. Florence, Italy

Average Temperature : 21°C – 11°C

Florence, the capital of Tuscany in Italy, is one of the best places to travel in October. This gorgeous city is full of stunning architecture and within easy day-trip distance of other popular Italian destinations like Pisa , and Cinque Terra .

Florence is fascinating . You could spend hours exploring the main Piazza alone with its stunning Cathedral and Baptistery. Also, visit the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia Gallery for a deeper dive into the culture.

The Italian gem is also known for its beautiful fall scenery, with the changing leaves adding a vibrant splash of colour to the city’s already picturesque streets and piazzas.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Florence

18. Izmir, Turkey

Izmir is a wonderful Turkish city, rich in cultural attractions. The Archaeological Museum is great, and the Izmir Clock Tower is really scenic. I also highly recommend visiting the nearby Ephesus , one of the ancient wonders of the world, and our reason for visiting Izmir in the first place.

It’s absolutely magnificent, and if you’re wondering where to go in October, you can’t go wrong with Izmir. It will be so much more bearable (we visited in June so trust me on this one!).

In the autumn, the weather in Izmir is generally warm but not overly hot like in the summertime. With an average temperature of around 25°C, it’s a great time to explore the area. Konak Square, the Asansor and Izmir Agora are all fascinating.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Izmir

19. Bruges, Belgium

Average Temperature : 15°C – 9°C

Bruges is an absolutely wonderful choice during the autumn months. It’s the perfect time to explore this enchanting city with its cobbled streets, winding canals, and historic charm.

Bruges is one of the best places to visit in October as the autumn foliage transforms the city into a haven of red and gold. The pleasant, crisp weather makes it ideal for strolling through the quaint streets, eating every Belgian chocolate you can find, and enjoying the local beer.

Plus, you’ll find that the crowds have thinned out compared to the busy summer months. With fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, Bruges becomes an ideal destination for an October getaway.

It’s also easy to explore other parts of Belgium from Bruges – you can get a train directly to Brussels and Ghent , making this a great month for exploring the country.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Bruges

20. Vienna, Austria

Vienna , in autumn, takes on a special kind of elegance. The city’s grand architecture, historic coffeehouses, and cultural treasures blend harmoniously with the changing foliage.

The air is crisp, and the city is transitioning into the shoulder season, so you’ll find a quieter and more authentic experience.

You can enjoy a warm apple strudel in a classic Viennese café while admiring the golden leaves in the city’s parks.

What’s more, spending a day exploring Vienna ‘s cultural scene is in full swing, with music festivals and art exhibitions galore. Vienna in October is a delightful blend of cultural richness and autumnal beauty.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Vienna

21. Devon and Somerset, England

Average Temperature : 15°C – 8°C

To tell the truth, I’m an English girl through and through and I love exploring my own country. Devon and Somerset are two of my favourite areas (as well as Dorset , Cambridge , and London ) but this time of year, these English gems are awash with autumnal beauty.

Imagine wandering through quaint villages, their thatched roofs adorned with russet leaves, and exploring the rugged, windswept coastlines with dramatic cliffs and hidden coves.

The countryside comes alive with the scent of crisp, fallen leaves and the promise of cosy pubs serving hearty stews and roast dinners.

It’s the ideal time to enjoy West Country cider and traditional cream teas while taking leisurely walks through exploring historic sites like Bath or the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park .

You’ll also find much fewer tourists around, so you’ll likely have many of these beautiful places to yourself.

✅ Discover the best places to stay along the Jurassic Coast

22. Rome, Italy

Average Temperature : 22°C – 12°C

A few days in Rome without the mad tourist crowds? I must be joking, right? But nope, if you want a chance to visit the Colosseum without queuing for an hour, Rome is one of the best places to visit in October.

Rome in October is a great fusion of ancient history and the beauty of autumn. It’s the ideal time to visit iconic landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican, and the weather is just right – not too hot, not too cold.

You’ll have the chance to explore the city’s charming neighbourhoods and bustling piazzas, all while enjoying the rustling of leaves under your feet. And don’t get me started on the food – indulging in bowls of authentic pasta and gelato is an absolute must!

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Rome

23. The Canary Islands, Spain

Average Temperature : 26°C – 20°C

The Canary Islands in October are an idyllic destination for those in search of some late-year sun. With pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds compared to the summer months, you’ll find these Spanish gems at their most inviting. And, the warm but not scorching weather is just perfect.

The volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic coastlines take on a new, beauty in the autumn. Whether you’re hiking through the rugged terrain of Tenerife’s Mount Teide or unwinding on the pristine sands of Gran Canaria , the islands offer a diverse range of activities.

Plus, with the summer crowds gone, you’ll find a more tranquil and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for exploring local markets and savouring authentic Canary Island cuisine. October in the Canaries is like an extended summer with just a touch of serenity.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Canary Islands

24. Edinburgh, Scotland

Average Temperature : 13°C – 6°C

If you feel like walking through a Harry Potter film set in the autumn, then I highly recommend a trip to Edinburgh . Now, of course, I can’t promise you that it won’t rain.

But I can promise that the city’s iconic architecture, from the medieval Old Town to the elegant Georgian buildings of the New Town, looks even more majestic against the golden autumn leaves.

The crisp air carries the promise of cosy evenings by the fireplace in traditional Scottish pubs, sipping on whisky and eating hearty stews.

With fewer tourists around, you’ll have a chance to explore the city’s nooks and crannies, visit the haunted underground vaults, and enjoy the rich culinary scene, from haggis to buttery shortbread, just before it gets busy again in winter !

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Edinburgh

25. Petra, Jordan

Average Temperature : 29°C – 13°C

For undeniably beautiful wonders that you won’t see anywhere else on the planet, head over to the Middle Eastern gem that is Jordan. Despite being surrounded by conflict, Jordan remains a peaceful country.

The locals and some of the friendliest and most generous in the Middle East. Most definitely one of those destinations that will take you by surprise. Be sure to visit the incredible sight of Petra, where the sunbeams will give the walls a light pink glow.

Travel to the Roman city of Jerash, float in the Dead Sea and explore some of the greatest desert landscapes in the world. 

Plus, this is another of the best places to travel in October where you can stay in a traditional Bedouin camp underneath the stars.

✅ Discover the best places to stay near Petra

26. Chobe, Botswana

Average Temperature : 36°C – 21°C

Possibly one of the world’s greatest safari destinations, Botswana will both delight and captivate you. Although it’s certainly much hotter in October (the south is slightly cooler than the north), that gives you a higher chance of seeing wildlife at watering holes.

The Chobe River is a particularly popular place, as you’ll have a chance to see herds of wild elephants. Then there’s the Okavango Delta, a beautiful wetland wilderness teeming with many different species.

Plus, prices also drop at the end of the month, making it one of the best places to visit in October.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in the Okavango Delta

27. Transylvania, Romania

Average Temperature : 18°C – 6°C 

If you’re interested in the more underrated (and much less crowded) travel destinations in Europe, Romania should definitely be on your list.

The home of Bram Stoker’s Dracula inspirations, the country boasts one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world. You can actually spend a night partying inside Dracula’s Castle!

However, if you’re not tempted by the vampire side of Romanic, there are still plenty of towering Gothic churches and medieval towns to explore.

Romania’s autumn colours can rival that of New England, so you’ll be greeted with a rush of fiery red and gold making it one of the best places to visit in October. Make sure to pack for a cooler escape as it can certainly be chilly at this time of year.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Transylvania

28. Marrakesh, Morocco 

Average Temperature : 28°C – 15°C

The cultural capital of Africa is much more bearable once the scorching heat of summer has subsided. Don’t get me wrong, you’ll still get warm temperatures, but you’ll also be able to leave your air-conditioned hotel room without feeling like you’re going to melt.

Morocco is known for its colourful markets, exotic spices and distinct pottery and ceramics. You’ll definitely be able to find some wonderful souvenirs to bring home.

But as well as material things, you’ll also find the endless Sahara Desert, towering sand dunes, the Atlas Mountains, wild beaches and authentic Bedouin camps beneath the stars.

It’s easy to fall in love with Morocco, and it’s one of the best cities to visit in October.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Marrakesh

29. New England, USA

Average Temperature : 20°C – 11°C

A favourite travel destination for the classic beauty of autumn foliage and multi-coloured leaves, New England is one of the best places to visit in October. The USA is a great place to travel in the fall. But nowhere puts on an autumn spectacle quite like New England.

From Maine to Rhode Island, the state comes alive with amber and gold. Simply taking long, relaxing walks through the crunchy foliage might be exactly what you need to prepare yourself for the busy festive season ahead! 

Alternatively, hire a car and plan a fun road trip through the state, stopping at as many autumn festivals as you can find along the way.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in New England

30. Hanoi, Vietnam

Average Temperature : 29°C – 22°C

You can’t beat a trip to South-East Asia ! With mouth-wateringly delicious food, super cheap prices and exceptional coffees, Vietnam is definitely one of the best places to travel to in October.

There’s also plenty to keep you entertained from long, white beaches to fascinating historical monuments and Buddhist temples.

Plus, as the country was previously French territory, there are also some really beautiful colonial villages to explore.

So, whether you fancy the hectic, frenzied lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh or the chilled beach vibes of Hoi An, Vietnam is a great choice for autumn travel.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Hanoi

31. Mauritius 

For lazy beach days, hot sun, tropical island vibes , and dreamy ocean cabins, Mauritius sums up a lot of people’s holiday goals. If you’re wondering where to travel in October, you can’t go wrong with the Indian Ocean.

They’re just coming out of their winter meaning their near-perfect beaches and forest greenery are at their lushest. But Mauritius is not all lying around on beaches, however.

For the more active types, there’s also loads of natural beauty to explore as well as water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Black River Gorges National Park is an absolute must-see.

Famed for its stunning waterfalls, there’s a tonne of wildlife to spot including wild boar, monkeys and plenty of colourful wild birds.

You could also hike to the top of Le Morne Brabant, visit Tamarind Falls, or go on a boat trip to Ile aux Cerfs, one of the many beautiful islands surrounding Mauritius.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Mauritius

Overall…

October is one of the best times to travel. You’ll find great weather, lower prices, and much fewer tourist crowds than peak summer. It’s also just a nicer atmosphere.

There is such a hiuge variety of wonderful places to travel in October from the beautiful glacier of Iceland to an African safari. I hope this article has given you plenty of inrpiration for your next adventure.

If you’re looking for more off-peak travel inspiration, check out the best places to visit in Europe in autumn , the best places to visit in November , and the warmest September travel destinations in Europe.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links that earn me a commission at no extra cost to you. If you purchase through my links – thank you so much! I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a travel blogger, content creator, and founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy, she embraced her passions and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

Based in the UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and going off-the-beaten-path, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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20 Best Places to Travel in October in the USA, Europe, & Around the World

October is prime time for fall foliage and seeing iconic travel spots in all their autumn glory. Many of the best places to travel in October in the USA are reaching their peak fall colors.

The best places to visit in October in Europe have Autumn festivals, fall foliage, less tourism, and crisp fall weather that is so much more comfortable than visiting in summer.

Finally, beyond the USA and Europe, the best places to travel in October in the world are bucket list destinations that have cooled off and offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Check out our favorite travel accessories when packing for your October trip. Autumn is a great time to visit October Destinations with a rental from Outdoorsy for a fall foliage trip in a sprinter van or RV.

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission. You can read our full disclosure  here .

Best Places to Travel in October in the US

Yosemite, California in October

Yosemite is one of the prettiest places in California for fall foliage. The trees turn golden yellow and orange in October, making it one of the most beautiful times to explore the park’s forests and meadows.

You can expect the full spectrum of color with fewer crowds and perfect hiking weather to enjoy 800 miles of trails.

Yosemite’s hiking trails range from easy to challenging, showcasing stunning views of the park’s iconic landmarks. From Half Dome and El Capitan to Bridalveil Falls and Mariposa Grove , there is no shortage of amazing things to see.

Even if you don’t plan to hike, you can see the beauty of Yosemite by driving up to the viewpoints at Tunnel View or Glacier Point.

Known for its dark skies, Yosemite is an ideal destination for stargazing. October offers clear skies and cooler temperatures, making it a great time to see the stars.

Stay overnight at Yosemite Autocamp in an airstream trailer with a firepit where you can roast marshmallows at night.

Other fall getaways in California for families in the Eastern Sierras include Mammoth, June Lake, and Alabama Hills.

In Southern California, the Fall Colors in Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear also make a great trip.

RELATED POST: 2 DAYS IN YOSEMITE ITINERARY

Oregon in October

Oregon is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in the US in October, starting with the annual Portland Marathon . The scenic route includes views of the city’s landmarks and bridges.

Families should head to Sauvie Island  for the coolest 7-acre corn maze or Tualatin for the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta , where participants race hollowed-out giant pumpkins transformed into boats across a lake.

The  Hood River Valley  hosts some of the best fall festivals, including Harvest Fest and the Hood River Hops Fest, which celebrates the region’s craft beer scene.

The best-kept secret for USA fall foliage is Oregon. Trees bursting with vibrant colors are best found along Oregon’s Scenic Byways, including the waterfalls around Colombia River Gorge .

Silver Falls State Park is another beautiful spot in autumn along with the Mackenzie River, where you will find the Tamolitch Blue Pool . It’s an easy hike with the most brilliant blue water framed by fall colors.

Art and music lovers should check out the Oregon Coast Jazz Party in Newport with world-class jazz musicians and the BendFilm festival that showcases independent films.

There are so many fun things to do in Bend . Stay in one of the cool Bend boutique hotels for every type of traveler.

Need more fall inspo? Check out our videos of Bend, Oregon , or camping at Crater Lake to round out your Oregon Fall vacation.

Hotel: The Hoxton, Portland (8.3)

RELATED POST: 17 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN BEND, OREGON

Bar Harbor, Maine in October

Everyone knows about New England fall foliage. The first half of October is a fantastic time to visit Bar Harbor, where the colors are on high. 

Immerse yourself in fall foliage by exploring Acadia National Park. Start with a hike to Cadillac Mountain’s summit for breathtaking sunrise views.

Bike the scenic Park Loop Road, passing pristine lakes and charming carriage roads. Other great places for leaf peeping include kayaking along Somes Sound, rock climbing the iconic Otter Cliffs, or enjoying delicious popovers at Jordan Pond.

Stay in Bar Harbor to enjoy the historic charm of the village, with its boutique shops and galleries.

Stroll along the picturesque Shore Path. Savor local flavors at cozy eateries and seafood spots, like Side Street Cafe, for a lobster roll.

There are fun seasonal events in October, like the Acadia Oktoberfest Beer, Food, Music & Crafts Festival, and a Bar Harbor Ghost Walk Tour.

The serenity of a quieter Bar Harbor in October makes an unforgettable fall getaway, where crisp air and autumn-hued landscapes create an idyllic backdrop.

On your drive to Bar Harbor, make sure to stop in Portland. Take a cruise on Casco Bay and follow it up with a visit to the Portland Museum of Art, one of the best  museums in New England .

Hotel: Bar Harbor Inn & Spa (9.1)

RELATED POST: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL STATES TO VISIT IN THE USA

Pennsylvania in October

There are so many things to do in Pennsylvania and places to see fall foliage, including Big Pocono State Park, the Great Allegheny Passage, and the National Longhouse Scenic Byway.

In Philadelphia, visitors can stroll through Fairmount Park, visit the Morris Arboretum, or take a bike ride on the Schuylkill River Trail.

October is a fun time to visit, especially during Philly Music Fest, which showcases the best Philidelphia music talent. The proceeds support Philadelhia’s music scene and music education for kids.

For those who love Halloween, Philadelphia has plenty of spooky events to check out, including the Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls, the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia, and the Halloween Haunt at Sesame Place.

Food lovers will enjoy Philadelphia’s many food festivals in October, including the Midtown Village Fall Festival, the Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival, and the Philly Cheesesteak and Food Fest.

Check out Philadelphia’s Historic District with all its cobblestone streets and old buildings. The city is home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the National Constitution Center, all of which offer a glimpse into America’s past.

Hotel: ROOST East Market (9)

RELATED POST: 60 BUCKET LIST USA TRIPS

Aspen, Colorado in October

Aspen is a great town year-round but late September and October offer some of the most striking fall foliage in the USA. The aspen trees that cover much of Colorado turn a beautiful yellow. It’s truly a sight to be seen.

The Maroon Lake and Maroon Bells area is a must-see destination, with stunning views of the mountains and vibrant colors sometimes highlighted with October snow.

There are also many beautiful hiking trails to enjoy before you head back to your hotel to sit by the fire and enjoy the crisp mountain air.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking or mountain biking on the Hunter Creek Trail , which offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Another great activity in October is to explore the historic ghost town of Ashcroft and the scenic Castle Creek Road . Take a guided tour of the ghost town or enjoy a scenic drive.

Hotel : The Little Nell (9.7)

RELATED POST: BEST PLACES TO TRAVEL IN SEPTEMBER

Santa Fe, New Mexico in October

October has always been a big month in New Mexico because of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta . It hosts the launch of 550 hot air balloons over 9 days, painting the sky with a kaleidoscope of color.

Meander through the adobe-lined streets of Downtown Sante Fe. You’ll discover a plethora of galleries, studios, and boutiques showcasing a diverse array of artistic expressions.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Santa Fe’s surrounding landscapes are breathtaking. The scenic hikes in Sante Fe immerse you in the golden hues of autumn foliage, with options like the Aspen Vista Trail and the Atalaya Mountain Trail.

Beyond Santa Fe, Carlsbad Caverns National Park entices with its otherworldly underground formations, while the White Sands National Monument unveils a surreal expanse of gleaming white sands.

For a panoramic view, the Sandia Peak Tramway in Albuquerque offers a breathtaking ride to a mountaintop vista.

And don’t miss the whimsical delights of McCall’s Pumpkin Patch and massive corn maze, a seasonal favorite that promises fun for all ages.

In October, Santa Fe becomes an idyllic blend of culture, adventure, and natural wonder, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a truly enriching experience.

Hotel : Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe (9.0)

Grand Canyon, Arizona in October

The Grand Canyon is one of the best places to visit in Arizona with jaw dropping views. The best South Rim viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Point and Hopi Point. On the North Rim, Bright Angel Point and Point Imperial are amazing.

You can hike down a trail or go for a serious challenge and do a rim to rim hike . The North Rim is open until mid October but the South Rim is open all month.

Havasu Falls shown above is a backpacking trip on Native American land ( Havasupai ) in the Grand Canyon. If you can score a 3 day trip permit, you’ll have a chance to explore the area with incredible waterfalls.

During your 3 day stay, you can take day hikes to other beautiful waterfalls in the area including Mooney Falls and Beaver Falls . Some people hike all the way to to Colordao River.

Glamping : Under Canvas Grand Canyon (8.8)

RELATED POST: FALL GLAMPING IN CALIFORNIA & THE USA

Best Places to Visit in October in Europe

Tuscany, Italy in October

As the hot Tuscan summer fades into vineyards with gorgeous fall colors, truffles and chestnuts take their place at the table. Tuscany  is known for having some of the  best food to eat in Italy .

October hosts a captivating mosaic of cultural, gastronomic, and adventurous experiences, making it a remarkable time to immerse oneself in Tuscan charm. 

From the  Santa Reparata Parade  in Florence to the  Marradi Chestnut Festival  with sumptuous chestnut-based dishes to  L’Eroica in Gaiole , a vintage cycling event through the Tuscan countryside, October is filled with exciting things to do.

The most thrilling celebration may be the  Halloween Festival at Borgo a Mozzano,  which transforms a medieval town into a realm of spooky enchantment with eerie decorations, costume parades, and a House of Terror.

Stay at one of the  best wine hotels in Tuscany  to enjoy wine tasting, and leisurely bike rides through charming towns or a Castle Hotel in Tuscany for a luxurious bucket list experience.

Enjoy the Chianti region, the medieval village of Siena, and spend time in gorgeous Florence without the hordes of summer tourists on an idyllic  Tuscany Road trip itinerary .

Fall is the perfect time for an  Italian weekend getaway  around the villages of Tuscany. 

Hotel : Gallery Hotel Art (8.9)

RELATED POST: 35 EPIC ADVENTURES TO ADD TO YOUR EUROPE BUCKET LIST

Loire Valley, France in October

October is the perfect time to visit the Loire Valley. The weather is cool and crisp, making it ideal for exploring the many castles in the area, such as Chenonceau and Valençay .

You can actually stay overnight at one of the best chateau hotels in the Loire Valley . Wander the beautiful manicured gardens and enjoy the autumnal foliage..

Wine lovers and foodies have plenty of options for wine tasting. The area is home to many renowned vineyards, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.

And if you’re a fan of goat cheese, be sure to try some of the Valençay variety – it’s delicious!

Start or end your trip in Paris. Get a hotel with an Eiffel Tower view and visit the gardens of Paris filled with fall colors. Don’t miss Nuit Blanche on October 1, 2022, an open-air multimedia art exhibition that is lit only by moonlight.

Hotel : Château Louise de La Vallière (9.5) or Cheval Blanc Paris & Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris (9.5)

RELATED POST: ADD THESE BEAUTIFUL CITIES IN FRANCE TO YOUR PARISIAN TRIP

Prague, Czech Republic in October

Prague is a city that comes alive in the fall when the prices and temperatures drop. It’s definitely one of the best October destinations in Europe.

One of the highlights in October is the fall foliage in Prague’s parks and gardens, such as the Royal Garden and Petrin Hill Park, which offer beautiful views of the changing leaves.

A boat tour on the Vltava River will also provide a perfect perspective of the city’s stunning architecture and bridges, especially during the autumn season.

Visit the historic Old Town Square, home to many landmarks, including the famous Astronomical Clock. It is a great spot to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and people-watch.

Prague is also home to some of the best October art and music festivals in Europe. Check out the Signal Festival , which transforms the city with stunning light installations, projections, and interactive displays.

Designblok , the Prague international design and fashion festival, is held in multiple venues including the Royal Garden of Prague Castle, one of the best places to visit in the city, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Finally, October is the perfect time to sample traditional Czech cuisine at a Prague Medieval Dinner . Or for a unique experience, try a Prague beer spa, a completely different way to indulge in Prague’s favorite drink.

Hotel : Andaz Prague (9.5)

Seville, Spain in October

Seville in October is a vibrant and enchanting destination, perfect for exploring its rich culture and history. The weather is pleasantly warm, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities.

La Noche en Blanco is a cultural extravaganza in October featuring free access to museums, concerts, and performances across the city.

For a spooky thrill, head to Isla Mágica for their Halloween festivities, complete with haunted houses and themed shows.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the iconic Seville Cathedral , climb La Giralda bell tower for panoramic views of the city, and see the stunning Alcázar , all of which are steeped in history and architectural beauty.

On a 3 Day Seville Itinerary , a cruise along the Guadalquivir River offers a unique perspective of the city’s landmarks. Also plan for a day trip from Seville to Cordoba .

In the evening, immerse yourself in the passionate art of flamenco at a traditional tablao, and savor the local cuisine with a tapas tour, sampling delicious small plates paired with regional wines.

RELATED POST: 13 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN SEVILLE

Poland in October

Poland may not be the place you first think of for fall foliage but come mid-October, you’ll find autumn colors everywhere.

Step back into history into old ornate towns in Gdansk and Warsaw , beautiful central squares filled with brightly colored buildings, and fascinating castles.

Explore beautiful public spaces in Warsaw with fall foliage like Lazienki Garden and Wilanów Palace Garden, or make the most of the outdoors in Kampinos Forest , where you will find trails for hiking and biking.

Some other pretty places to see fall foliage in Poland include the Bieszczady Mountains , the Tuchola Forest , where you can also forage for mushrooms, or the Baltic coast.

The fall has temperate weather, the Warsaw International Film Festival , and a few eclectic music festivals in Krakow like the 7XGospel Festiva and the Unsound Festival.

In Krakow, visit Old Town, Wawel Castle, and go deep underground to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine (shown above). It definitely deserves a spot on your Europe Bucket List .

If you can’t make it in October, go toward the end of November to see charming Christmas markets.

Hotel : H15 Boutique Hotel (9.1)

Romania in October

Romania is a terrific October destination with plenty of exciting and unique activities. One of the most popular attractions during this time of year is Halloween at Bran Castle , which is said to have inspired the legend of Dracula.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about the history and folklore surrounding the infamous vampire. On October 31st, there are additional activities.

If you are staying in Bucharest, you can visit the area on an organized day trip to Dracula’s Castle, Peleș Castle & Brașov Day Trip .

Another must-see destination is Sighisoara , the birthplace of Dracula himself. This colorful medieval city is full of history and culture, and visitors can explore the old town, Sighisoara Citadel, and learn about the life of Vlad the Impaler.

For those who love nature, a hiking in the Carpathian Mountains offers stunning fall foliage and breathtaking scenery.

The Transfăgărășan Road is a particularly scenic drive, with winding roads and panoramic views of the mountains that you should see before it closes for the winter around mid to late October.

Food lovers will adore the  Moșna cabbage festival,  which features traditional Romanian cabbage dishes and other local specialties.

Overall, Romania in October offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Hotel : SCHUSTER Boarding House (9.7) offers stylish rooms in Brasov.

Vilnius, Lithuania in October

Vilnius, Lithuania, is a terrific October destination as the city offers exciting cultural and outdoor experiences. It’s also one of the best places to see fall colors in Europe.

From city parks to  Aukstaicija National Park , bright yellows and burnt oranges paint the scenery in fiery hues.

For one of the best autumn experiences, take a  hot air balloon flight over Vilnius  and surrounding landscapes to see the fall foliage and warm colors from above.

The  Vilnius Jazz Festival  is the big draw this month. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town, the festival fills the air with contemporary melodies over 3-4 days of performances, as well as workshops and jam sessions.

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town to appreciate its charming architecture, cozy cafes, and historic landmarks. In the evening the town comes alive, especially on the weekends. 

A short trip from Vilnius leads to the iconic  Trakai Island Castle , a captivating medieval fortress near serene lakes. Journey back through time while exploring its towers, drawbridges, and courtyards to glimpse Lithuania’s rich history.

In October, Vilnius is a harmonious symphony of jazz, history, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking a blend of culture and adventure.

Hotel : Hotel Pacai (9.5) is one of the most beautiful hotels in a historic Baroque palace, conveintly located in Old Town.

Best Places to Travel in October in the World

Morocco in October

If you’re looking for the best places to travel in October, you can’t go wrong with Morocco. This North African country is home to a variety of must-see destinations..

Start your journey in Marrakech , where the bustling medina comes alive with its vibrant souks, intricate architecture, and the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square.

Venture into the Sahara Desert for an awe-inspiring desert expedition. With milder temperatures, camel treks, dramatic 200-foot dunes, and a night at a Sahara desert luxury camp under the star-studded sky are unforgettable.

Add on a trip to the charming coastal town of Essaouira or Chefchaouen , the striking blue-and-white mountain town that’s become increasingly popular in recent years.

October also marks the harvest season in Morocco’s famed Atlas Mountains. Hike through picturesque villages and savor the warm hospitality of the Berber people.

Cultural enthusiasts will delight in the Ouarzazate region, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” with its stunning kasbahs and Morocco filming locations .

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cities, the tranquil desert, or the stunning landscapes, Morocco in October promises a captivating journey.

Hotel: La Sultana Marrakech or one of the Best Riads in Marrakech

Jordan in October

Spend a week in Jordan in October when the weather is perfect! A Jordan road trip is the best way to see all of the interesting sights.

We highly recommend starting with a few days at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea to float in the Dead Sea , go hiking at Wadi Al Mujib, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments.

In Petra, one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and famous Jordan landmarks , walk through the towering walls of Al-Siq to the iconic Treasury , carved into the rose-red rock.

Explore the fascinatingly large Petra complex and hike up to the Monastery. Plan your visit on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday to see the candlelit Petra at Night .

Another highlight is luxury camping under a star-filled sky in the Wadi Rum desert at a Bubble Hotel . During the day, take a jeep tour to see natural arches, dunes, and ancient petroglyphs.

Scuba lovers should visit Aqaba to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea by snorkeling or diving. There are also beautiful beaches for relaxing.

Lastly, explore the Amman Citadel with stunning city views, see a performance at the Roman Theater , and have a delicious falafel dinner at the legendary Hashem Restaurant in Downtown Amman.

Hotel : Wadi Rum Bubble Luxotel (8.7)

RELATED POST: WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO JORDAN

Namibia in October

A trip to Namibia belongs on your adventure bucket list . Outside of surfers looking to ride the world’s longest wave, not many people think of visiting Namibia but here are many incredible things to see and do.

First, visiting Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert is a must; here, you can climb the world’s tallest sand dunes, such as Big Daddy, and witness the stark beauty of Deadvlei’s white clay pan shown above.

A safari in Etosha National Park provides a chance to see a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, gathering around the park’s many waterholes, especially in October when it starts getting dry.

Among the best things to do in Namibia is exploring the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast . Its unique dramatic landscape, features shipwrecks, vast seal colonies, and endless stretches of coastline that surfers are so fond of.

For a cultural touch, don’t miss out on interacting with the Himba people to learn about their traditional way of life or visiting the interesting German town of Luderitz .

Surprisingly, you can catch some fun Oktoberfest celebrations in Namibia in Windhoek and coastal towns like Swakopmund.

RELATED: 15 Best Things to do in Namibia

South Korea in October

Visiting Seoul, South Korea, in October is a delightful experience, marked by crisp, cool weather and vibrant fall colors.

Begin your journey at the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace , where the architecture is majestic. Don’t miss the royal guard changing ceremony for a taste of ancient traditions.

Nearby, explore Bukchon Hanok Village , an enclave of traditional Korean houses nestled between modern skyscrapers, and a unique view into Korea’s past.

A short walk from Gyeongbokgung is Jogyesa Temple , the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea, which is particularly peaceful during the fall season and has stunning lantern decorations.

Indulging in Korean BBQ and crispy fried chicken is a must on your trip. Try Wangbijib in Myeongdong , where you can also indulge in extensive shopping, and it’s one of the best areas to stay in Seoul .

Adventurous travelers should consider a guided tour of the DMZ , including the 3rd Tunnel and the new Suspension Bridge. It’s a fascinating look at Korea’s poignant history and current affairs.

To truly embrace the autumn spirit, extend your trip with a hike in Seoraksan National Park . The park is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage, rugged landscapes, and serene beauty, providing a perfect finale to an unforgettable visit.

Hotel : L’Escape Hotel (9)

Seychelles in October

October is a great time to visit the Seychelles. The weather is perfectly beachy with a few drops of overnight rain. It also happens to be the best time for scuba diving with crystal clear water. You can’t do any better than Beau Vallon.

The lush surroundings of the island provide for incredible hiking scenery. Mahe island’s Copolia Trail is known to have the most stunning, postcard worthy views.

Take an island hopping catamaran cruise to Praslin and La Digue . You’ll explore the forest of Vallée de Mai where they have the gigantic coco seeds and visit the famous Anse Source d’Argent Beach, shown above.

Exploring the Victoria Bazaar with all of its fresh food and handmade jewelry is a great thing to experience as well. If local food is of interest to you, enlighten your tastebuds with bat curry or shark chutney, yum!

Hotel: Constance Lemuria (9.4) or Mango House Seychelles, LXR Hotels & Resorts (10)

Travel in October often involves incredible Autumn colors or fall festivals. The best bucket list Autumn destinations are at their optimal weather. It can be a dreamy time for a simple weekend getaway or a bucket list trip across the world.

If you are looking for more fun trip ideas, try the best places to visit in September or November too.

Other Posts You Might Like:

• TRAVEL: The Best Places to Travel in November
• PORTUGAL: How to Spend a Perfect 2 Days in Lisbon
• CROATIA: The Ideal 3 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary
• GREECE: The Best Things to do in Santor ini on a 3 Day Trip
• ICELAND: The Ultimate Ring Road Itinerary

Save the Best Places to Visit in October USA & Europe to read later? Pin it!

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16 comments, miki esme┊fashion stylist.

These places looks so amazing! Hope the covid-19 can end faster, and I would like to go travel! Thanks for sharing such wonderful places!

Adrian Grant

Gorgeous fall thanks to you! Someday soon I hope to visit when we have vaccine. Thank you for providing vacations to look forward too

This post is great! I just saved from our FTB Facebook group but genuinely loving the post too!

So glad you found it helpful!

They’re all very fabulous places! I’ve been to China, Oktoberfest in Munich and Dubai. These are all destinations I would recommend as well.

These photos are amazing. Love your picks dear, can’t go wrong with any of these locations.

This is making me want to plan a trip for October! I had no idea China was so beautiful at that time of year. Thank you for the recommendations!

China is beautiful in fall. We caught the tail end of the fall foliage and wish we had been there at least 1-2 weeks earlier.

Barbara Eskowitz

Wow! Thanks for this great October travel list Jenifer! Will definitely save it for reference. xx

So glad! October is such a great time to travel an d these places all all so much fun.

Aditi oberoi malhotra

That’s a great list, hon! Thanks for sharing. Adi xx

The Exclusive Beauty Diary

Thank you so much for sharing list of the best places for visit in october. All of them sounds amazing.

So many perfect places with beautiful photos, great list!!!

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The 15 best places to visit in October 2023

As the heat of summer begins to fade into a distant memory, the beauty of autumn starts to take hold. Green leaves make way for a cacophony of striking colours that make it hard to believe you’re looking at the same scenery. The gradual transformation of seasons in October brings distinct beauty to different places around the world.

October is the perfect time to sneak away to recover from the summer blues before the impending holiday season gets into full swing. You can either embark on a solace trip or an adventurous journey. Not to forget, it is the Halloween season in many countries. Travel down to different places to have a taste of the varying “ghosts” in distinct cultures!

I’ve put together a list of the best places to visit in October 2023 to give you some inspiration for your next trip.

Here are the best places to visit in October 2023

Where to go in october in asia.

• Bali, Indonesia – For an affordable and enjoyable trip
• Hong Kong – For an easy springtime holiday
• Kyoto, Japan – For the Cherry Blossom season
• Lhasa, Tibet – Experience Mount Everest like never before
• Mon State, Myanmar – Revel in the cultural heritage of this ancient city

Where to travel in October in the US and the Americas

• Vermont, United States – For an authentic Autumn experience
• Honolulu, Hawaii – For sunshine at great prices
• Buenos Aires, Argentina – To experience wildlife and nature
• Antarctica – To discover an untouched snowy paradise

Best places to visit in October in Europe

• Rome, Italy – Walk the pantheon in Autumn
• Munich, Germany – Drink and be merry at the legendary Oktoberfest
• The Canary Islands, Fuerteventura – Sun, surf and sea in Europe
• Algarve, Portugal – Continue your summer at the beach

Where to go in October in Oceania

• Great Barrier Reef, Australia – Explore the great depths
• Barossa Valley, Australia – Fine wine tours under the sun

Best places to visit in October in Asia

Bali, indonesia, explore the rich culture without causing a hole in your wallet.

October is the dry season in Bali and the month also hosts one of the least tourists to this popular destination. Imagine being able to visit ancient temples, stay in lavish resorts or private-pool villas with fantastically-tasty food all in one place at an affordable rate. That’s Bali for you.

You can visit the Tegalalang’s Rice Terraces, Tanah Lot Temple, or take a stroll down Campuhan’s Ridge Walk to immerse yourself into the unique culture in Bali. In October, you can still catch a glimpse of their cultural dance performances by hiking to the top of Mount Batur.

As flights to Bali are widely available and relatively cheap, it is the ideal destination for you to take a break from the bustling urban life and relax before the crowd heads down in the upcoming holidays. Truly one of the best places to visit in October!

Enjoy spectacular views in Spring weather

October sees the end of the rainy season in Hong Kong, which makes it the perfect time of year to explore. With more hours of sunshine and temperatures not typically dropping lower than 23°C, I’d recommend taking a trip up to Victoria Peak and getting a panoramic view of the entire city.

With a clear sky and dry weather, you can go for hikes around Hong Kong in October. Hong Kong has several small islands such as the Cheung Chau island, for a more rough paved trial or Lantau island, for a more relaxing trip.

If you arrive on the 1st of the month, you will get to experience China’s national day. It brings about mass celebrations and fireworks and means it’s one of the best places to visit in October.

READ MORE: The Chairman restaurant in Hong Kong is ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world

Lhasa, Tibet

Experience mount everest like never before.

October is one of the best months of the year to appreciate the astonishing beauty of Lhasa, Tibet. Clear skies mean an unmatched view of the stunning Tibetan landscape, including Mount Everest.

October is also an excellent time for trekking around Mount Everest National Park and Mount Kailash, as the clear skies and low rainfall make up for the cold.

However, early October is a busy period for the country, especially the major cities, as Chinese tourists take advantage of their National Day, which is a week-long holiday. Do plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodations early to ensure that you are able to visit places on your wishlist. Due to the current travel restrictions, remember to get your travel permit and China visa via guided tour agencies to get into Tibet!

READ MORE: Mount Everest is one of the seven wonders of the world , do you what are the other ones?

Mon State, Myanmar

Revel in the cultural heritage of this ancient city.

Every visitor to Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) must see Kyaiktiyo, the gravity-defying golden rock which is sacred to the people of Myanmar. Located on the Paunglaung mountain, it is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Enjoy the river cruises in the early mornings and even during the evenings to catch the sunrise and sunset respectively. The best thing about going in October is the pleasant climate, right between the monsoon season and the tourist season, so prices are also a bit lower.

READ MORE: Discover why Myanmar is one of the safest countries to visit

Kyoto, Japan

Revel in the cherry blossom season.

Kyoto looks stunning when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the month of October. The whole city comes alive and travellers from across the world flock to this city just to witness the sight of these flowers in bloom.

One of the most popular areas to see these trees is Maruyama Park , as well as many other parks and areas situated throughout the city.

One of the top October travel destinations in Asia, Kyoto is an amazing city to visit. Visitors enjoy the 20°C to explore the bamboo forests in Arashiyama and visit the Zen temple at Ginkaku-ji .

However, Japan still has relatively strict travel restrictions. Tourists are only allowed to follow guided tours and not to wander around alone. Do remember to book your guides beforehand when you plan for a visit to Kyoto!

READ MORE: Find out why Kyoto is considered one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world

Where to go in October in the US and Americas

Vermont, usa, for an authentic autumn experience.

If you want an authentic Autumn experience, Vermont is one of the best places to travel in October. It is renowned for the incredible change in the colour of its maple and oak trees. You’ll get to experience fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves as you’ve never seen before.

I’d recommend taking the opportunity to go apple picking in the area, it’s great fun, and you’ll get the chance to try homemade treats like cakes, doughnuts and cider.

Other than the beautiful fall in October, there are also plenty of events happening throughout the month. Join their Vermount Sheep and Wool festival that celebrates small fartms and natural fiber that offers unique fiber supplies and local food with contests and classes! Alternatively, you can join their Dead North event, an annual nighttime haunted event, embark on their dirt trails and experience Vermount’s halloween!

READ MORE: Top 5 family vacation ideas that are fun for everyone

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Wine, cheese, sun and great prices.

As well as having great weather all year round, Hawaii has so many hidden gems that are worth exploring. In October you can take part in the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival , which runs for three weeks and has an outstanding selection of food and drink on offer.

Other than food celebrations, Hawaii also has great celebrations for their Halloween! There are a few Halloween-themed events in Hawaii and they vary across the years. Travel down to Hawaii in October to choose your preferred way of celebrating Halloween.

Prices also tend to be lower at this time of year, and there are fewer crowds which makes it one of the best places to visit in October.

READ MORE: Hawaii is also one of the best places in the world for swimming with dolphins

Buenos Aires, Argentina

To explore the rainforests in autumn.

Buenos Aires is an exciting and always vibrant city that is also the Argentinian capital. Springtime in Buenos Aires is one of the best times to visit for the mild temperatures and always exciting rainforests teeming with life.

Immerse yourself into the astonishing sights of nature as there are plenty of waterfalls for you to explore! You will also catch stunning wildflowers across the country during this blooming season.

Clear and sunny skies without the sweltering heat and humidity, make Buenos Aires one of the best places to visit in October. Being off-peak, October is also a great time to visit one of Argentina’s most popular tourist attractions – Iguazu Falls , which is one of South America’s Big Five. It is just a short plane ride from the city and offers a break away from the city.

READ MORE: Find out why we named Argentina as one of the world’s best and safest places for solo female travel

Discover an untouched snowy paradise

Probably one of the best times to explore this icy continent, October should see the first Antarctica cruises leave the shores. Though the tours go on for five months, the month of October offers travellers a view of a pristine and untouched ice paradise.

If you are an adventurer, then this is the best time to visit Antarctica as you are one of the first people to see this forever changing landscape.

Early season cruising also means lower prices and smaller crowds, so this can be a huge benefit for being the first.

READ MORE: Travel bucket list? Here are 10 places to visit before you die

Where to travel in October in Europe

Rome, italy, experience history in autumn.

Rome is beautiful any time of year. However, the benefit of going in October means you get the warm weather throughout the day, which slowly fades to a pleasant cool in the evening.

It makes exploring the Colosseum and the Pantheon a pleasure. Aside from the temperature, the early sunsets shine beautiful shadows on all the stunning architecture. Fall is also the harvest season in Italy. Hence, there will be loads of food and wine festivals for you to satisfy your tummy and experience their harvesting culture!

I’d recommend going early in October as schools break up later in the month and it can make the city seem even more hectic.

READ MORE: The Colosseum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world , can you guess the others?

Munich, Germany

Drink and be merry at the legendary oktoberfest.

Munich comes alive in October with the legendary Oktoberfest . The three-week festival is non-stop fun, make sure to bring your lederhosen or dirndls, the traditional clothes of the event.

With side stalls, games, a diverse range of food, and live music, there is plenty to do on top of exploring the city itself. Make sure to get yourself one of the 7.7 million litres of beer that are served up at the event.

Do note that Munich in October has an average temperature of 9.1 degree Celsius (48 Fahrenheit), so do pack slightly more if you fear the chill!

READ MORE: First solo trip? Read this guide before your first solo travel

Canary Islands, Fuerteventura

Sun, surf and sea in europe.

If you’re not sure where to go in October but want to catch some rays, I’d highly recommend Canary islands.

For you sun-starved travellers, there is an average of 11 hours of sunshine each day, and temperatures rarely fall below 21°C—however, the temperature drops at night which makes for a much more pleasant sleeping experience.

Treat yourself to the many water sports and activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, cycling, and fishing that are available at some of the island’s 150 beaches.

READ MORE: Discover the best places to scuba dive in the world

Algarve, Portugal

Continue your summer at the beach.

When considering where to travel in October, the weather will be a prime factor. The Algarve remains warm at this time of year but has the added benefit of thinner crowds. Best known for its amazing beaches and golf resorts, it is a great way to carry on your summer activities and fun.

Fewer crowds provide a slightly slower pace and give a real sense of relaxation. Also, the lower temperatures make exploring one of the many surrounding castles a breeze. On that note, if you are on a budget for a travel to Europe in October, Algarve is actually one of the least expensive destinations in Europe!

READ MORE: Here’s Travel Wanderlust’s own selection of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Best places to visit in October in Oceania

Great barrier reef, australia, explore the great depths.

Visiting Australia in October is a great opportunity to get into watersports. From surfing and scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef, this is one of the best destinations for the month of October. With Australia relaxing its travel restrictions, making a visit in October is nothing of a hustle to plan for.

The weather in Brisbane, Australia is perfect for spending time on the water, so for those who live for the sea, this is a definite destination on your checklist.

Just a short boat ride from Cairns or Brisbane city, the Great Barrier Reef offers so much choice for water sports and activities when you travel.

READ MORE: Immerse in some of the best virtual tours of famous landmarks while staying at home

Barossa Valley, Australia

Fine wine tours under the sun.

There’s nothing better to start off your October than a glass of fine wine. A great place to experience different vintages would be Barossa Valley in South Australia.

Australia in October is when the new leaves begin to form and the warm weather makes a cross-country road trip an amazing experience. Travellers can enjoy the countryside scenery while sipping wine in the sun.

This is a popular tourist destination during October, but it is worth the crowds.

READ MORE: Make sure you bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen before travelling to sunny Australia

Plan a trip in October 2023

October is a fantastic time to travel and soak up the culture of a new destination. If you’re not sure where to travel in October, consider how active you want to be. The best places to visit in October for something lowkey are the beaches. But for out and out exploring you have plenty of options too! Be sure to check the restrictions and requirements for each country before you head down to book the tickets.

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10 Best Places to Travel in October

Prepare yourself for a month of spirited traditions and off-season bargains..

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Ah, October. The Goldilocks time to travel, when everything’s just right. Weather, crowds, and prices are all moderate, and the only thing over the top is the schedule of events and festivals.

We’ve scoured the world for the best this month, whether you want to see the opening of the Mediterranean’s newest cultural high point, mix music with mayhem in a unique Halloween mash-up, or tackle some hikes in an unexpected mountain range where spring is breaking.

Here are our 10 favorite spots to visit this October. Plus, we got the inside scoop on every location from a smart, trustworthy local expert.

The World Creole Festival will be hosted in Roseau, Dominica’s capital.

Photo by Dennis MacDonald/Shutterstock

1. Dominica

October is great for: Celebrating the Caribbean’s musical heritage

October 25 to 27 is the weekend for the World Creole Festival . Hosted at Windsor Park Stadium in the capital, Roseau, it’s intended to champion music indigenous to this island, which also has influences from both Great Britain and France. The festival caps off Creole Heritage Month and draws more than 10,000 visitors from around the globe to hear music like bouyon , which emerged on the island in the 1980s and has become popular across the entire Caribbean region. This year’s headliners include reggae singer Valiant and Trinidadian singer Nadia Batson.

Where to stay

• Book now: Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is an unusual all-inclusive option, as its rates don’t just bundle F&B; activities like lionfish catching and hikes to Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge are also gratis.

Insider tip

Go get some grilled lionfish at Keepin It Real, a local café that serves standout Dominican food, says Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort concierge coordinator Viviana Alfred. “And a must-have souvenir is a hand-woven basket crafted by the Indigenous Kalinago people. The traditional techniques have been passed down through generations.”

Marrakech will become more accessible to U.S.-based travelers this fall.

Photo by Kevin Nirsimloo/Shutterstock

2. Marrakech, Morocco

October is great for: More Marrakech in less time

It’s easier than ever to reach this Moroccan city in October, as United Airlines finally launches a direct, nonstop flight from the United States. It will run from Newark three times weekly over the winter, when the weather is seductively balmy: Temperatures day and night this month usually stay between the low 60s and low 80s. Until now, of course, airlift to this country from the United States has been solely channeled to Casablanca, which is a two-hour drive or a short flight from Marrakech. It’s not surprising to see United landing on this route since it scored major wins on unexpected long-haul links like its summertime Mallorca flight (also from EWR), which started two years ago and was so successful that the airline opted to fly larger planes on the route this summer.

• Book now: Riad Botanica

This 10th-century riad , opened as a boutique hotel last year, is offered either as a buyout for 12 people or with the five rooms sold piecemeal. The design is a fusion of the cultures of the owners, an Australian Moroccan couple who undertook this as a labor of love.

Riad Botanica owner Angela Mellak recommends heading to the city’s Jewish quarter, the Mellah, to pick up spices to take home, like paprika and ras el hanout (literally “top shelf”). “Ask them to be ground whilst you wait, for the freshest quality,” she says, noting that fresh sweet paprika might smell surprisingly damp. “And make a note of which spice is which, on a piece of paper, and stick it to the top of the bag, so there are no issues when you go through customs in your home country,” Mellak recommends.

The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque details the area’s history of ballooning.

Photo by Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock

3. Albuquerque, New Mexico

October is great for: Eye-popping, sky-bopping balloons

This month’s balloon festival in New Mexico’s biggest city, running from October 5 to 13 this year, is, fittingly, the largest in the world: It had almost a million visitors last year. Highlights of the weeklong celebrations include Mass Ascension at 7 a.m. on the first day, where all the participating balloons take to the sky together to the strains of The Star Spangled Banner, and farewell at the same time on the final day. There are skydiving displays, nighttime drone light shows in the sky, and even a fly-in competition that pits balloon pilots against each other to demonstrate their technical prowess.

• Book now: Hotel Andaluz

This hotel was the fourth ever built by hotel magnate Conrad Hilton, and it dates back to 1939. Now the Moorish-style design is offset with more contemporary touches, like a rooftop bar that’s ideal for the warm fall nights here, when temperatures rarely dip below the low 60s.

The brand-new exhibit at the city’s Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum is worth a detour, notes Isaac Tarin, the hotel’s assistant general manager: “It’s all about Ed Yost, who’s considered the father of modern hot-air ballooning.” For more aerial derring-do, take a tram up 10,300 feet above the city on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway , an amazing perch for balloon viewing.

Malta is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock

October is great for: A new cultural anchor in the Med

Make that not one, but two reasons to visit this tiny three-island nation just south of Sicily. Over the last weekend of October, the years-long MICAS project makes its splashy debut: This ambitious, 16,000-square-foot exhibition space aims to make Malta a pit stop on the contemporary art circuit, starting with a show from Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos, whose knitted, social media–friendly sculptures earn accolades both from the arterati and casual observers.

Earlier in the month, Malta’s naval heritage comes to the fore; the island was long a prime base for British sailors when it was part of the empire, and it remains one of the Mediterranean’s foremost yacht-repair sites. The Rolex-sponsored Middle Sea Race , starting on October 19, starts in Valletta’s jaw-dropping natural harbor before snaking up north to Sicily and circling back down via Pantelleria before finishing here.

• Book now: Iniala Harbor House

The 23 rooms in this decade-old boutique hotel, artfully shoehorned into a series of old houses in the heart of Valletta’s city center, date back to the 1600s. Make sure to book dinner at the rooftop restaurant run by British Michelin fave Simon Rogan.

Drive to the north of the island and take a ferry to the rural second island, Gozo, says Iniala’s Martina Brtnická, and visit the Xwejni Salt Pans: “The family has been running the business for six generations, and the owners themselves sell the salt so you can talk to them about it.” Even better, it’s just six euros for a small bag.

The beauty of the Algarve lies in its heart-stopping seascapes.

Claudio Schwartz/Unsplash

5. The Algarve, Portugal

October is great for: A centuries-old celebration of culture

For 10 days this month, starting on October 17, the city of Faro at the Algarve ’s tip lures 200,000 people to celebrate the Feria de Santa Iría , or the festival of Saint Irene—a young girl martyred for her Christian faith here in the seventh century, per folklore. It’s been a feature of the calendar here for more than four centuries, starting in 1596. Today’s iteration operates much like a state fair, centered on the town’s main square, Largo de São Francisco, with everything from fair rides to stalls selling local crafts. Try local delicacies cooked in food trucks, such as cataplana , the tomato and pepper-spiked fish stew that’s synonymous with the Algarve, and spicy piri piri chicken, another world-famous dish that originated here.

• Book now: W Algarve

The two-year-old, 134-room hotel sits on the west side of this coastal town, with decor that nods to local traditions, including Portuguese tilework by heritage company Vista Alegre and decorative surfboards.

Hit the waters on a kayak tour to explore the nearby Benagil Cave, a cathedral-like hideout carved into the limestone cliffs by the crashing Atlantic waves, says Christian Humbert, the hotel’s general manager.

Every month in the Big Easy is music month, but October’s got plenty to go around.

Photo by f11photo/Shutterstock

6. New Orleans, Louisiana

October is great for: Jazzing up your trip, Nawlins-style

October’s anchored by a raft of live performances every night and an industry conference, NOLA MusiCon , a three-day confab that kicked off last year, with sessions on everything from songwriting to fan engagement. This year, it runs from October 28 to 30, with speakers including rapper-producer Deezle and label owner Justin LaMotte. Then again, you could just come for the Krewe of Boo! Halloween Parade on October 19 or any of the monthlong spooky offerings , including tours of its above-ground cemeteries and events at voodoo shops.

• Book now: Pontchartrain Hotel

The 106-room hotel is an ideal respite from the hectic hedonism of the Quarter , as it’s situated in the more residential Garden District. Bayou Bar here has live music five nights per week, a nod to the hotel’s onetime regular pianist, jazz icon Tuts Washington.

Matthew Iacobucci is the hotel’s GM, and he recommends one dish no guest should leave the city without trying. Go to Café Reconcile , he says, which is a daytime spot that trains at-risk youngsters for hospitality careers; order the chili-glazed salmon with sweet potato crumble and jalapeño cornbread. “And be sure to ask for the crawfish sauce topping on the salmon—that’s delicious.”

Grace Bay, one of the most well-known beaches in Turks and Caicos, is one of the archipelago’s must-visit beaches.

Photo by jpbarcelos/Shutterstock

7. Turks and Caicos

October is great for: An offseason insider bargain

Yes, it’s hurricane season , but it’s also a chance to score great deals on resorts in the Caribbean that remain open. (Many, of course, choose to shutter, as they typically don’t have enough guests to stay open and instead choose to use the time for repairs.) One prime spot to consider? Turks and Caicos. Not only has the archipelago been lucky to escape major hurricane damage for more than 15 years, but also it’s an easy short-hop flight for most East Coasters.

Take a puddle jumper to the outlying island of South Caicos, which was once largely known for salt production; the old pans still dot the landscape here. It’s a perfect hideaway, with ample water sports options, including kayaking and bonefishing.

• Book now: Sailrock

The 38-villa property owns 90 percent of South Caicos, which keeps development at bay: As a result, each of its rooms has ocean-view private pools. The price, at just under $750 for two people, is more than 40 percent cheaper than peak season in January.

“Imagine a backyard setting where you can experience a combination of local and Jamaican cuisine,” says Benjamin Zirin, who grew up nearby and now leads the hotel’s excursions program. That’s why he recommends the local café Triple J’s, his favorite spot for some BBQ. Or, if you’d rather try locally caught conch salad, check out Sunset Café.

Visit Athens for colorful sunsets and historic celebrations.

Photo By Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

8. Athens, Greece

October is great for: Showing your Greek pride

On October 28, 1940, Greek Prime Minister Ioannis Metaxas bravely stared down Mussoloni’s demands and precipitated his country ‘s entry into World War II (and, eventually, occupation by a Nazi-helmed force). That moment is now commemorated every year on Ohi Day, erroneously a nod to what he was purported to have said— Ohi , Greek for “No!” (Metaxas actually replied in French, Alors, c’est la guerre —"Then it’s war.”) As a public holiday, it’s a chance for patriotic parades throughout the country, with marching bands and clubs marking the moment; the most impressive parade is in Athens , where it winds through the center of town via the Parliament on Syntagma Square.

• Book now: Brown Acropol

This three-year-old, design-forward hotel has a deliberately retro vibe, aiming to evoke the Onassis-era, 20th century heyday when Athens was a hot spot for the jet set; it sits right in the center of town on Omonia Square, a short stroll from the namesake landmark.

The fine-dining scene in Athens has been on a major upswing. Make the most of it by sampling two top-tier restaurants, says general manager Georgia Filaktou. Try the meatballs and the potato-garlic dip known as skordalia at traditional tavern Leloudas, or go to Linou Soubasis Kai Sia for a modern riff on Greek classics. “Don’t skip the bread there. It’s incredible,” Filaktou advises.

Combine fall foliage and the beach on a trip to Cape May.

Photo by EQ Roy/Shutterstock

9. Cape May, New Jersey

October is great for: Falling for old-fashioned seaside fun

The Jersey Shore’s wide golden beaches might be summertime mainstays, but pause to consider a trip once the weather’s a little cooler. This fall, the Lighthouse Challenge of New Jersey celebrates its 25th anniversary: Over the third weekend in October, guests are challenged to complete a visit to 11 lighthouses here, three life-saving stations, and one museum, spanning a route from Sandy Hook to Cape May to Paulsboro. Start at any site and register there for $5, which allows you to collect souvenirs at each check-in. It’s sort of like a miniature, treasure-hunting The Amazing Race ! Tack on a trip to Lambertville; the fall foliage here is as Insta-worthy as a New England hideaway .

• Book now: Congress Hall

This property, which dates back to 1816, claims to be one of the original seaside resorts stateside, and its colonnade façade has a retro glamor, as does its history: Four presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, have spent summers here.

Go to Cape May Point Science Center, says Bob Haislip, who works for hotel operator Cape Resorts. The science center has a superb family-friendly program for stargazing and viewing the full moon.

Explore the colorful Argentine Lake District this October.

Photo by danilovieira1/Shutterstock

10. Bariloche and Lakes Region, Argentina

October is great for: Springtime in the south

Remember, it’s spring for the southern hemisphere—and the countryside is carpeted with vibrant blooms set against the dramatic backdrop of the Patagonian Andes; it’s the ideal time to hike or bike through the countryside.

Hiking and biking will allow you to work up an appetite for the Bariloche a la Carte food festival in San Carlos de Bariloche, which sits on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is the gateway to this region. The festival runs from October 4 to 13 this year, with more than 40 different tastings and master classes, plus special menus at dozens of local restaurants. Try moreish cakes and pastries from chef Valu Ramallo or Mexican-inflected modern dishes from Veracruz native Antonio Bautista.

• Book now: Hosteria Las Balsas

The Relais & Chateaux villa sits at the heart of native forests, enveloped by the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and each of the 20 rooms has views over the namesake lake.

Olivia Schellenberg runs product development for Extraordinary Journeys, a travel operator with particular expertise here. Don’t leave without enjoying a locally produced beer alfresco with an Andean backdrop, she warns. “Cerveceria Patagonia, which was founded in Bariloche, has become a staple of Argentina’s craft beer scene in recent years. Its flagship location is tucked into an unassuming spot along the scenic drive known as the Circuito Chico and has plenty of outdoor seating.”

MORE TIME TO TRAVEL

Explore new places and savor new tastes

Italy in October (2024): What To Know and Where To Go

If you are considering a trip to Italy in October, rest assured —it’s one of the best times of year to visit. Even travel guru Rick Steves cites October as a month  that combines  convenience with pleasant weather .

Italy is consistently ranked among the world’s most popular tourist destinations. With all its culinary, cultural, architectural, and historical charms, it is never totally devoid of tourists.

But if you have a flexible schedule and can travel during one of the shoulder seasons, October can be an ideal time to go. You have missed the high season (and higher costs) from May to September, and the hordes of summer tourists waiting to visit museums and historical sites are (mostly) gone.  Yet the weather remains generally mild, with sunny days and crisp evenings.

Although October travel is becoming increasingly popular, you’ll encounter fewer tour groups than in the high seasons, allowing you to enjoy a more authentic experience. 

Jump ahead to...

The Lures of Italy in October

By October, the oppressive heat and humidity have diminished, making touring much more comfortable. And if you’re heading south, the weather may still be warm enough to enjoy the beaches. 

Fewer tourists mean shorter queues at popular attractions, greater ease in making reservations at popular restaurants, museums, historic sites, and entertainment venues, and lower prices for flights, auto rentals, and accommodations.

Food and wine lovers will delight in the bounty of mushrooms, truffles, and olives and the seasonal wine harvests and festivals throughout the month.

Yummy Food Festivals

October is an incredibly wonderful time for food lovers to visit Italy. Many  food festivals ( sagre)  take place in different towns and regions throughout the country, each focused on a particular food or dish associated with the area.

Here are just a few examples:

• Visitors can indulge in white truffles at the International Fair of the White Truffle in Alba and attend the National Chestnut Fair dedicated to chestnuts (both in the Piedmont region).
• The Porcini Mushroom Festival, celebrating the King of the Woods, is held in Casal di Pari, in the province of Grosseto, and a Porcini Mushroom and Chianina Meat Festival takes place in Castelfranco di Sotto, in the province of Pisa (both in Tuscany).
• The Pizzocchero d’Oro Festival celebrates a unique pasta shape made in the town of Teglio in the province of Sondrio, and the ancient village of Tirano (also in Sondrio) holds an Apple and Grape Festival (both in Lombardy).
• MortadellaBo, the festival of mortadella, takes place on Piazza Maggiore in Bologna (Emilia Romagna), its namesake city.

Because the dates of these festivals vary from year to year, it’s prudent to check with the regional tourism bureaus to learn more about these and other food festivals. (More information about some of these festivals is provided below).

In addition, October is a great time to go foraging for mushrooms or truffle-hunting in the forests.  

Weather in Italy in October 

Average temperatures in Italy in October range between 45°F and 75℉, varying widely by destination. The weather in the south is usually warmer than in the north , but we even caught some beachgoers in  Diano Marina (Liguria) in October. The weather will likely be milder at the beginning of the month than at the end.

Sicily is one of the warmest regions. S icilians consider October to still be beach season, and securing lounge chairs and umbrellas is likely easier. ( Mondello Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Sicily.)

The moderate weather is perfect for those who love the outdoors; it can be ideal for hiking or trekking in the countryside except at high altitudes.

While it may rain, there is less rain than in the spring and far less precipitation than in November through April (November is the rainiest month). Southern regions, like Sicily and Naples, tend to have less rain in October.

Like the U.S., the weather varies considerably depending on which of Italy’s 20 regions you visit. For example, in Milan (in the north), temperatures average between 50℉ and 66℉; in Bari (located in the south), they range from 61℉ and 71℉. (Read about some of the hidden gems of Milan )

And like everywhere else, there are fluctuations from year to year. With global warming, Italy, too,  has seen increases in average temperatures and more extreme weather conditions.

What to Pack for Visiting Italy in October

Because the weather can vary, it’s best to dress in layers and be prepared for fluctuations from day to day and even over the day. Packing a cardigan, denim jacket, or shawl is a good idea if the weather gets chilly.

Men may be comfortable with a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and cardigan (or travel vest ) for extra warmth . Because it won’t be too cold, there’s no need to pack heavy overcoats or boots.

With the weather becoming increasingly unpredictable worldwide, women should bring a few lightweight tops and capri pants in case it turns unseasonably warm. We always take rain jackets and umbrellas wherever we go—just in case.

October holidays in Italy

Two national holidays fall in October:

• Columbus Day, October 12; and
• United Nations Day, October 24th. 

On these days, offices and most stores are closed, so keep this in mind as you plan your visit. In beach resorts or other summer getaways, hotels and restaurants may have closed for the season, so be sure to check openings before you go.

The Feast of Saint Francis (October 4) isn’t a public holiday, but it is observed in many churches, particularly in Perugia. While Halloween is not a traditional Italian holiday, some themed events are often organized for children.

Italy in October: Best places to go

Depending on your interests, no destination in Italy is really off-limits in October, although some have more special appeals than others. Here are some suggestions.

Piedmont in October

Piedmont is known for its International White Truffle Fair , held in Alba every weekend in October. Here, visitors can learn about and taste this gastronomic delicacy. There are chefs’ dinners, cooking classes, wine tastings, and folklore events.

It’s a lovely time to stroll along the Po River , which runs through Torino (known as the country’s chocolate capital), and soak in the city views from another perspective. There are so many  things to do in Turin , and no visit to Turin is complete without a stop at the Royal Palace of Turin, which houses a magnificent collection of art and artifacts from the House of Savoy family. It’s a great time to see the autumn foliage as well.

Piedmont, home of the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions, offers truffle tastings and wine and chocolate events during the month of October. 

Although prices drop in November, you’re more likely to hit rainy weather.

Sicily in October

Sicily in October is a good option for beach lovers. The water temperature may even be warm enough to swim, and the risk of rain is relatively low. Average daily temperatures range between 19ºC and 24ºC.

One appealing option is Mondello Beach , a favorite of many locals. Liberty-style villas and an architecturally stunning bathing station (now housing a restaurant and bar) frame the water. Another seaside favorite is the beach at Cefalu.

The less crowded season is also a great time to explore the multicultural treasures of cities like Palermo, Taormina, and Siracusa. Established in Palermo in 2006, Le Vie dei Tesori is a unique cultural festival that transforms cities and small villages across Sicily into widespread museums with concerts, art exhibitions, and more. In October, visitors can participate in a series of events in Catania, Sciacca, Alcamo, Ragusa (the setting o f Detective Montalbano ), Scicli, and Noto.

Tuscany in October

Tuscany is filled with cultural treasures, including museums, churches, medieval architecture, and well-preserved small towns and villages. The countryside offers verdant landscapes filled with olive trees and vineyards with a tapestry of fall colors as their backdrop.

While large cities—like Florence, Siena, Lucca, and San Gimignano—are crowded with tourists in summer, the crowds thin out a bit in October when kids are back in school, making it a perfect time to tour and visit museums. The Festival of Santa Reparata is held on October 8th each year,  Festival of Santa Reparata . This major historical and cultural event includes a parade through the city’s historical center. 

The Lucca Comics & Games convention, the largest comic festival in Europe, is traditionally held at the end of October.

Some of our favorite smaller towns to visit in Tuscany include San Gusme and Castellina in Chianti (both in the Chianti region), and the beach resorts of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio , both on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Many food festivals are held in October throughout the region. The olive harvest that produces the region’s extra virgin olive oil and the white truffle season (in San Miniato) begin.  Vino novello , a young and fruity red wine, begins to appear before its traditional release on Saint Martin Day in November.  

Terre di Pisa is a relatively young (and still undiscovered) wine region in Tuscany that is worth exploring.

Val d’Aosta in October

Val d’Aosta , Italy’s smallest region, is slightly off the beaten track. This has left its quaint village more authentic and unspoiled by mass tourism. 

Weather in the Aosta Valley can be glorious in October. The fresh mountain air lures hikers who soak in breathtaking mountain views of the valley with its fall foliage on display.

The region is known for its Alpine foods and wines, including more than 100 varieties of cheese, including the prized DOP Fontina . Many people say that the fondue in Val d’Aosta is the best to be had.

Fall is the chestnut and mushroom (especially Porcini) season and the time for the Vendemmia , the grape harvest. On the last Sunday in October, Chatilion, the region’s “honey capital,” hosts a festival dedicated to its delicious honey . In October, there are also apple festivals in the town centers at Antey and Gressan.

Another unique festival held in Val d’Aosta in October is the Black Bread Festival ( Lo Pan Ner ). Historically only a few families could produce the bread at different times of the year, which involved women kneading the flour, men baking, and children awaiting the tasting.

Umbria in October

Umbria is called the green heart of Italy . Its hills are covered with more than seven million trees,  yielding five different types of olives. In October, the region boasts an average of five hours of sunshine each day. 

While the month of October is low season for tourists, one exception is the town of Assisi, where the country’s largest religious procession, the Feast of St. Francis, takes place.

Each year, the EuroChocolate festival is held in Perugia (the region’s capital and the birthplace of Perugina chocolate ). The event brings chocolate art displays, sculpting, tastings, and street performances to the city. Held since 1933, it is one of the largest chocolate festivals in Europe.

White truffles are showcased at the autumn food festival at the end of October in the small medieval town of Gubbio (featured in the long-running Don Matteo TV series). The festival includes cooking events and meetings with starred chefs. Many religious festivals also honor St. Francis of Assisi on his feast day, October 4. 

Puglia in October

  Puglia, l ocated at the heel of Italy’s boot, has become one of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations. 

In October, the temperature is pretty mild. There is abundant sunshine most of the time, but there can be some rain. It’s a nice time to visit some of the interesting towns and villages in the region, including Ostuni, Locorotondo , Trani, Martina Franca, Galatina , and Alberobello (home of the trulli ).

Wine lovers can enjoy winery visits and tastings of some of the region’s special wines (such as Rosato, the pink wine of Puglia) during the low season when producers have more time to spend with them.

Emilia Romagna in October

October is typically the driest month in Emilia Romagna, the region known for having some of the best foods in Italy. 

In the fall, the region is a foodie’s paradise with food fairs and festivals. The Castel del Rio Chestnut PGI Fest is held every Sunday in the village center. At the beginning of October, the Mostra del Fungo e del Tartufo e Festa dell’Uva (the mushroom and truffle exhibition and grape festival) is held in the streets of the ancient village of Bobbio.

Every year, Tartufesta (the white truffle festival) is held between October and November in the Appennino Bolognese (the hilly area around Bologna). If you are a truffle lover, this National White Truffle Fair in Sant’ Agata Feltria is an event not be be missed. The fragrance of white truffles permeates the air as vendors proudly display truffles and other seasonal products. You can even sit at long tables under a tent and enjoy a prepared meal with truffles.

Music lovers flock to the cities of Parma and Buseto from mid-September to mid-October for the Verdi Festival , and motor enthusiasts can attend the second round of the ACI Racing Weekend in Imola.

No visit to Emilia Romagna would be complete without a stop in Bologna , the region’s capital city. Although the Holy Day is on November 1, a host of weekend activities take place preceding it, both in the city and surrounding villages.

Liguria in October

Wedged between the mountains and the sea, Liguria is known for its agricultural products and seafood. Most tourists flock to the coastal towns of Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Sanremo, but more than 200 small towns and villages are tucked into the mountains further inland. Visiting after the prime tourist season allows you to experience these towns and villages like the locals.

While the weather in Liguria in October is generally sunny, it can get breezy with some rain towards the end of the month.

In the second half of the month, a Science Festival is held in Genoa with exhibitions, workshops, shows, and conferences geared to adults, children, and researchers. In October, the Castagneta and Polenta (chestnut and polenta) festival in Cogoleto showcases Ligurian food delicacies and desserts. 

There are also anchovy festivals in several small seaside towns like Laigueglia in the province of Savona.

The Ligurian hill town of Triora, known as the City of Witches, hosts a yearly Halloween festival.

Veneto in October

An easy day trip from Venice, the weather in the Veneto region can be quite pleasant in October, averaging 65℉. Located in the northeast, Veneto is one of the major wine-producing regions of Italy. In October, the trees and vines are adorned with fall colors.

Visitors to Veneto can enjoy the white truffle and porcini mushroom season in October. It also isn’t too late to see grape harvests (particularly for red and late-harvest wines) during this period. The wine region has more than 90 producers in 18 municipalities that offer tastings and vineyard tours by appointment. 

Asolo (dubbed the Pearl of Treviso and City of 100 Horizons) is perfect for those who love art, history, architecture, and wine.

The Vicenza Opera Festival , held in the Teatro Olimpico ,  is held in  Vicenza (about 35 minutes from Venice by train). It features opera, ballet,  and classical music. Other performances take place throughout the year. This is the city where you can see all the architectural masterpieces of Andrea Palladio.

If you are a fan of architecture, history , and/or culture, the  Regional Institute of Venetian Villas  and the  Association for Venetian Villas sponsor a two-day national event that tells the story of villas through visits, tastings, workshops, readings, performances, conferences,  and exclusive meetings.

Deciding where to go in Italy in October

There are so many places to go that choosing “the” place depends on where you’ve been and what you want to experience. Rain or shine, it’s hard to make a mistake when visiting Italy.

What will air travel be like?

TripIt, my  favorite travel organizing app, released a report on  October bookings , which suggests that October travel to Italy is becoming more popular than in years past.

Reviewing prospective October bookings by TripIt users and comparing them to 2022 volumes, they found a 64% increase in bookings to top destinations (such as Rome in Italy). One takeaway: To avoid hordes of tourists, choose smaller towns. 

A few last pieces of advice: The timing of the grape harvest, which generally takes place in September and October, varies from place to place and depends on weather conditions. So, confirm the harvest dates with any wineries you want to visit. Here are some of the regional wine tastings and tours to consider. 

Similarly, the dates of some religious and cultural festivals fluctuate from year to year. Local tourism offices can provide up-to-date information.

Also, if you are planning to travel, don’t forget that Daylight Savings Time (DST) in Italy ends on the last Sunday of October, so you must set back your watch.

This article about the best July vacations in Europe includes several destinations in Italy for those who can’t wait until October!

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Where is hot in October? Best holiday destinations for autumn sun 2024

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As October draws near, here in the UK we will soon be saying goodbye to the warm summer months and greeting the beginning of cloudy days, colder temperatures and higher levels of rainfall.

While October is rarely a good month for consistent sunny weather at home, there are several destinations abroad that continue to be graced with high temperatures and greater sunshine hours.

With kids back in school and many people avoiding holidays so close to the busy Christmas period, October is an excellent – and often affordable – month for an autumn getaway.

Southern European cities, including Seville and Valetta, stay pleasantly warm and have little rainfall during the month, while countries in the Southern Hemisphere are only just beginning to enter their own summer period.

With careful planning (namely, finding out climate information and avoiding the half-term holidays) you can find great value holidays to destinations across the world still soaking up the sun. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best.

Best autmn sun holiday destinations

Seville, spain.

• Average temperature in October: 20C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 7

October brings cooler temperatures to continental Europe’s warmest city, but daily highs still reach a pleasant 26C. This makes it a great month to explore the Andalusian capital as you can avoid the sweltering summer temperatures while sightseeing. For a real look into Moorish architecture and influence, start at the Casa de Pilatos before moving onto the Torre del Oro and then the Alcazar and its gardens. Beside this sits the city’s cathedral – a gothic marvel that is among the largest churches in the world – and the Giralda Tower.

For those who prefer to simply wander around, the banks of the Guadalquivir River make a great first stop on any long walk, with lovely places to eat and drink with a view. The María Luisa Park – and its centrepiece, the Plaza de Espana – are worthy of an extended visit, as are the numerous sites built for the Ibero-American Expo of 1929 (such as the Plaza de America).

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Seville

Valetta, Malta

• Average temperature in October: 22C

October falls in Malta’s shoulder season, but temperatures in the capital remain high enough for an enjoyable, sun-kissed trip. With highs around 25C, October is a great time to explore the city while avoiding the scorching heat that you may experience in the summer months. The city itself is a Unesco World Heritage Site, with a variety of Baroque architecture and several walls and fortifications providing pleasant sightseeing opportunities as you explore. The main tourist sights include St John’s Co-Cathedral, Fort St Elmo (and the National War Museum) and the Grandmaster’s Palace.

Nevertheless, the city is far more than just old castles and religious sites. The waterfront features a collection of 18th-century warehouse buildings that now house various restaurants, cafes and shops along the promenade, while the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens are the city’s main green spaces. October also sees the city’s annual Notte Bianca festival, an arts celebration that takes place in various venues across the city, for example, at the City Gates (this year, it will be held on October 5).

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Malta

Read more on travel inspiration :

• The best holidays to book for September 2024, from French islands to US road trips
• Where is hot in September? Best holiday destinations for late summer sun
• The best holiday destinations in Europe you can reach by train from London

Oahu, Hawaii, USA

• Average temperature in October: 27C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 8

While all of the Hawaiian islands are undeniably idyllic, Oahu is the first pick due to the presence of an American metropolis, dozens of areas of amazing natural beauty and high temperatures reaching 29C. The city of Honolulu (the state capital) has all the classic character of any American city – with skyscrapers rising high and bars and restaurants serving standard American fare – but with the addition of a beachside location with a rainforest backdrop. This combination makes it a city unlike any other.

But despite this unique capital city being the ‘centre point’ of the island, it is far from the island’s biggest draw. Hundreds of incredible beaches line the coasts, with stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters found on beaches including Waikiki and Lanikai. Other natural areas worth exploring include the Waimea Canyon State Park, Kaena Point, or the various tours of the (privately-owned) Kualoa Ranch, famous as the filming location for the original Jurassic Park films.

Sardinia, Italy

• Average temperature in October: 18C

This Mediterranean island has long been a top tourist destination, with its popularity among Italians adding to its reputation as a great pick for a holiday. While average temperatures only hover around 18C, average highs still climb to around 24C, making the island a great choice for that last bit of autumn sun. The waters will also be warm, meaning you can relax on the beach (or take part in any number of water sports) in areas like the Costa Smeralda or Cala Goloritzé.

While spending all your time kicking back at various beaches may be tempting, part of the lure of Sardinia is the opportunity for exploration . The island contains some of the most picturesque towns in Italy , with Alghero, Bosa, San Teodoro, and several others home to medieval buildings, castles and colourful riverside houses. If you’d rather stay in nature, there are also three National Parks and ten regional parks, with Asinara and Gennargentu among the most beautiful.

• Average temperature in October: 23C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 10

One of the warmest places in Europe during October, Cyprus offers temperatures in the high 20s. The island was granted independence in 1960 but has an extensive history involving ancient Greeks, Romans and many other historic civilisations. If you want to delve deeper into this history, some of its most famous landmarks include the Tombs of the Kings, Kolossi Castle and the ancient city of Kourion.

While many of its towns and cities, for example, Paphos and Larnaca, are also steeped in history, today the island enjoys a reputation as a tourist hotspot with pristine, sun-soaked beaches, a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle, beautiful natural surroundings (such as the Troodos Mountains) and dozens of villages (including Omodos and Lefkara) where visitors can experience well-preserved Cypriot traditions, cuisine and culture.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Cyprus

Algarve, Portugal

Tucked away on the southernmost region of Portugal’s mainland, the Algarve has, on average, more sunshine per year than California does, and October does not miss out on these rays. Sun seekers can be found bathing in the Algarve’s hot weather along the region’s wealth of beaches, bays and coves.

The Algarve is famous for its long stretches of silky-soft sand that roll on for miles, but the area is also ideal for hiking around the diverse terrains while the temperatures are not so intensely hot. There are hundreds of trails to choose from, but one of the best known is the Via Algarviana, which is an old pilgrims’ route that connects the seaside of Cabo de São Vicente to mountainous terrain further inland. If taking a hike is not your bag, Faro’ s charming old town offers historical sites, such as the Chapel of Bones.

• Average temperature in October: 21C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 9

As an Indian Ocean island nation, Mauritius is always going to have to compete with the Maldives and the Seychelles in the ‘idyllic beach holiday’ stakes. While the latter two arguably steal the limelight, this African country (found 1,130km east of Madagascar) still contains many of the attractions that make its ‘rivals’ so popular. The weather is still perfect in October – with average highs reaching around 27C – so it’s another great month for sampling the country’s scenic beaches, with soft white sand and crystalline turquoise water. Water-based activities are popular too, with opportunities for diving, swimming and snorkelling (along the numerous coral reefs), as well as kayaking and canoeing.

If too much beach begins to bore you, fear not: the island also contains several other natural areas, including Black River Gorges National Park (covered in tropical rainforest) and the Casela Nature Park. When you’re ready to return to civilisation, towns such as Flic-en-Flac and Grand Baie possess a pleasant mix of daytime relaxation and lively evenings.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Mauritius

Rhodes, Greece

Another one of Greece’s seemingly endless list of important historical locations, Rhodes was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Nowadays, it is home to a medieval Old Town that is listed as a Unesco Heritage Site, with visitors flocking to the city (and the island in general) to see well-preserved fortifications, narrow limestone streets and historic sites, including the Street of Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master or the Lindos Acropolis.

Like almost every Greek island , Rhodes also possesses beautiful beaches and towns. Places like Lindos and Faliraki have gorgeous beaches that are perfect for a dip in the Aegean; with the backdrop of mountainside towns and quaint villages, they’re also a great place to visit a taverna or sample meze at the end of a long day of relaxation.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Rhodes

Cape Town, South Africa

• Average temperature in October: 24C

October marks the start of spring in Cape Town , with temperatures rising to pleasant levels and average highs staying at a manageable 24C. One of South Africa’s three capital cities (the legislative capital), Cape Town is a popular destination for Brits looking to travel further afield. Its various neighbourhoods are an eclectic blend of vibrant, lively districts with a mix of locals and tourists, calm beach areas, and artistic and creative hubs, with the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay and Bo-Kaap among them.

Many people head to the city for its mix of urban living and natural sites. The Cape Floristic Region and West Coast National Park are nearby natural areas, while the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular sites in the city. Lion’s Head and Table Mountain offer hiking opportunities with amazing views of the city below, but the plethora of sandy beaches and hidden coves may be too tempting to divert from relaxation.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Average temperature in October: 26C
• Hours of sunshine per day: 5

Brazil ’s temperatures tend to start to climb in October as the summer months only just begin in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a perfect time to travel that little further to visit the country’s second-largest city. While December to February are Rio de Janeiro’s peak summer months, October may be the better option for budget travellers who want to avoid the peak summer prices.

There is plenty to see in this city, such as journeying to the top of the mountain where Christ the Redeemer looks over at the streets below, partaking in Rio de Janeiro ’s nightlife in the Lapa neighbourhood, or visiting Santa Teresa for a more chilled night out on the town. However, for those seeking to soak up a bit of sun, the city is also home to some iconic stretches of beach . Visiting the two-and-a-half mile-long Copacabana beach may be on your bucket list, but a trip to the slightly less well-known but just as beautiful Ipanema beach is also a great choice.

Read our reviews of the best beaches in Brazil

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7 hot spots to visit in the fall if you're trying to avoid crowds, according to a frequent traveler

• I travel all year, but fall is one of the best times to check out destinations with smaller crowds .
• Sonoma, California, and Alberta, Canada , are great North American destinations.
• Seville, Spain, and South Island, New Zealand, are great for a warmer getaway .

As a freelance travel writer, I know how annoying it can be to plan a dream trip only to realize hundreds (or thousands) of other people had the exact same idea as you.

I've been hunting for the best ways to avoid crowds , and fall has proven to be an opportune window. It's sometimes referred to as the "shoulder" season between peak summer travel and offseason winter trips, and it can be a more affordable and largely quiet time to travel.

Whether you're looking for off-the-beaten-path outdoorsy locales, chilled-out spots to see fall foliage, or sun-dappled destinations without hordes of tourists, here are my top picks.

The Dolomites tend to be quieter before the winter ski rush.

If you're looking for stunning mountain landscapes, delicious bowls of pasta, and gorgeous lakes, the Dolomites in northeast Italy are a perfect place to visit.

In the fall, the trees along the trails and lakefronts turn a beautiful orange and red. Plus, the ski crowd hasn't arrived yet, and the bulk of the summer hikers have left, leaving a quiet and relaxing outdoorsy atmosphere.

Once you've had your fill of hiking, wild swimming, and exploring, kick back and relax in one of the many alpine spas or mountain restaurants.

Alberta, Canada, is a gem for foliage spotting.

If you're looking for prime fall foliage , head to Alberta, Canada.

Banff , Canmore, and Jasper National Park are the big hitters. Gorgeous red-orange foliage lines turquoise lakes in a perfect, cozy tableau.

To really avoid crowds, I'd recommend heading south of Canmore to the Kananaskis Municipality. Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and Spray Valley Provincial Park tend to be quieter. You can road trip around the forest-filled routes or strap on your hiking boots for a slower adventure.

You can bypass fall altogether in South Island, New Zealand.

If you're not in the mood for cozy fall vibes , head to the Southern Hemisphere for springtime weather.

Although many people visit South Island, New Zealand, for skiing or hiking in the country's winter and summer, respectively, the offseason (September through November) is still beautiful.

Add in the lower crowd levels at popular sites like the Milford Sound and Tekapo Dark Sky Reserves, and "fall" is one of the best times to visit.

From quirky festivals like the Crayfish Kaikoura to the natural beauty in Abel Tasman National Park, there's plenty to do. Plus, the warmer spring weather makes activities like kayaking and paddleboarding possible.

Seville is a Spanish gem.

Seville, located in Andalusia in the south of Spain, is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the fall.

In the summer, the city is sweltering and full of tourists trying to explore the gorgeous Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. But when the temperatures cool off slightly, it's a little more comfortable to explore the gorgeous Real Alcázar Palace, Plaza de España, and Catedral de Sevilla.

It's the perfect city for a warm and historic autumn holiday.

Stockholm is never totally quiet, but it's certainly a little better in the fall.

Capital cities tend to be busy all year round, but Stockholm is fairly quiet in the fall. It's the ideal place to visit if you want cozy vibes.

Grab a coffee and a cardamom bun , check out the vintage shops for warming jumpers, and spend some time in the museum-filled park of Djurgården Island.

For a more artistic itinerary, you can also check out some of Sweden's amazing harvest-themed festivals, as well as the Stockholm Fringe Festival and the Stockholm Jazz Festival.

Consider checking out the "Hawaii of Europe."

Madeira, Portugal, otherwise known as the "Hawaii of Europe," has gorgeous green hikes, stunning beaches , and great watersport conditions.

Thanks to its location in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Africa, the island has warm weather all year round.

But autumn still usually brings smaller crowds, cheaper accommodation deals, and fun seasonal festivals. The Madeira Wine Festival in September and the Madeira Nature Festival in October are standouts.

California wine country hits differently in the fall.

If you're looking for a quick, wine-filled getaway with a cozy and wholesome feel, head to Sonoma in Northern California.

Although both Sonoma and neighboring Napa Valley can be very busy in the summer months, the wine-country crowds tend to disperse a little in the fall.

The vineyards turn a glorious shade of red, the harvests are being pulled in, and the region comes to life with autumnal vibes. Expect plenty of farmers markets, wine tastings, and farm-to-table cuisine .

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