Which country is the best to visit in October? There isn’t just one country that is the best, but Italy, Greece, Portugal, France, and Japan are at the top of the list. What countries are cheap to travel to in October? Thailand, Vietnam, Morocco, Central and South America, and Africa. Best advice: Travel during the shoulder season. This is the period between the peak season and the low season. It is a great time to travel because there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
Before you know it, the holidays will be upon us, and we will be busier than ever. Now is the time to take a memorable trip before you have to try to cook a delectable turkey or trim the perfect Christmas tree. October is a great month to travel, with mild weather in many parts of the world and fewer crowds than during the peak summer months. We’ve got you covered if you are looking for a place to travel to in October. Whether you are looking to stay in the U.S. or travel overseas, plenty of options are available. Best Fall Vacation Getaway Ideas
For Beach and Sunseekers….
Caribbean Cruise
If you are looking for a short getaway, consider going on a cruise to the Caribbean. Not only are there cruises that are as short as 2-3 nights in length, but you might be able to save some money. Because fall coincides with hurricane season, cruises to the Caribbean are generally not as packed, and there are a lot of excellent deals available. Worried about getting hit by a hurricane while on your cruise? Statistically speaking, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao are rarely hit by hurricanes. The Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico often see quite a bit of tropical storms and hurricanes during the fall season, so it’s best to stay away from those destinations, at least for now. Check out our last-minute cruise deals and Caribbean Cruises.
Portugal
October is a great month to visit Portugal, with mild temperatures and sunny days. It is a beautiful country with stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, and historic villages. There is a rich culture and history that dates back centuries. You can explore ancient ruins, medieval castles, and charming villages. Portugal is known for its delicious food and wine. Enjoy fresh seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and award-winning wines. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and a must-see for any visitor. Explore the city’s historic center, visit the Jerónimos Monastery a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important landmarks in Lisbon, and take a tram ride to the top of Alfama. Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination in Lisbon. Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and is known for its port wine. Take a tour of a port wine cellar, visit the Dom Luís I Bridge, and enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal in the Ribeira district. The Algarve is a region in southern Portugal that is known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and resorts. Relax on the beach, play a round of golf, or explore the many charming villages in the region. Sintra is a town in the hills northwest of Lisbon and is known for its fairytale castles and palaces. Visit the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira, and the Moorish Castle. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its terraced vineyards and port wine production. Take a boat trip down the Douro River, visit a winery, and enjoy a glass of port wine.
Sydney Australia
October marks the start of spring in Sydney, characterized by mild temperatures and sunny days. It’s a great time to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions without worrying about extreme heat or cold. There are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. This makes it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the city’s attractions at your own pace. Sydney is known for its beautiful spring flowers, which bloom in October. You can see jacarandas, magnolias, and other flowers blooming all over the city. This is also a great time to try fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and local wines. The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge are two of the most iconic landmarks in the world. You can take an Australia tour of the Opera House, climb the Harbour Bridge, or simply admire it from afar. Bondi Beach is one of Sydney’s most popular beaches. It’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, surf, or simply walk or bike along the coast. The Taronga Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from all over the world. You can see koalas, kangaroos, wombats, and other Australian animals, as well as lions, tigers, elephants, and other animals from around the world. The Royal Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Sydney. It’s a great place to take a walk, have a picnic, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Hawaii
October is a great month to visit Hawaii, with mild temperatures and sunny days. It’s the start of the shoulder season, so there are fewer crowds than during the peak summer months, and prices are lower. There is beautiful scenery, with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and towering volcanoes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Hawaii. You can swim, sunbathe, surf, hike, bike, snorkel, dive, and more. Hawaii has a unique and delicious cuisine that is influenced by its Polynesian, Asian, and American heritage. You can find everything from fresh seafood to poi to shave ice in Hawaii. Visit Pearl Harbor, a must-see for any visitor to Hawaii. It’s a historical site where you can learn about the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Hike to the top of Diamond Head, a volcanic crater that offers stunning views of Waikiki and the surrounding area. It’s a challenging hike, but it’s well worth the effort. Visit the Polynesian Cultural Center, a living museum where you can learn about the cultures of Polynesia. Traditional dances, music, and arts and crafts are seen from different Polynesian islands. Hawaii is home to two active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. You can visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the Kilauea Iki Overlook, which offers stunning views of the crater. There are plenty of Hawaii Tours and Hawaii Cruises for all budgets.
For Outdoor Adventurers
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is home to geysers, hot springs, mudpots, and other geothermal wonders. It’s also a great place to hike, camp, and fish. October brings cooler temperatures, with average highs around 60°F and lows getting down to the 20s. Snow is common in the second half of the month. Fall brings dramatic color change to the aspens and other trees in Yellowstone. Hayden and Lamar Valleys showcase brilliant golden hues mingled with evergreens. Wildlife viewing can be excellent, as large herds of elk and bison gather during their fall mating season or “rut.” Listen for the bugling of bull elk. Popular autumn activities include scenic drives, wildlife spotting, hiking trails before closures, and photography amidst the fall backdrops. October is a special time to visit Yellowstone, but go prepared for colder, snowier conditions. National Parks Must-See Sites; Yellowstone National Park’s Family Highlights
Zion National Park
Zion National Park in October offers pleasant autumn conditions perfect for hiking among vibrant fall foliage. Daytime temperatures average 70-80°F in October, cooler than the summer months. Lows at night dip into the 40s. The crowds thin out significantly after Labor Day, making this a quieter time to explore Zion’s trails and sights. The autumn colors in Zion Canyon peak in October, with cottonwoods, maples and oaks bursting into hues of gold and red throughout the valley floor. Cooler temperatures in October make hiking Zion’s trails much more comfortable. Popular routes include the Emerald Pools, The Narrows (bottom-up), and Angel’s Landing. Look for mule deer throughout the park in October as they become more active during their mating season. Also, listen for elk bugling. Tips For Visiting the U.S. National Parks; National Parks of Utah
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Africa
October falls within the Serengeti’s dry season, so days are sunny with low chances of rain. Temperatures average around 75°F. The annual migration normally reaches the northern Serengeti in October as over 1 million wildebeest and other herbivores move, seeking grass and water. National Parks In Africa, Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles congregate in the northern Serengeti plains in October, providing abundant prey for predators. The predator viewing is excellent, with many lion, cheetah, leopard, and hyena sightings near the migrating herds. Cubs are often seen as well. Birding is superb in October, with migratory birds joining the Serengeti’s nearly 500 species of resident birds. Pink flamingos gather at lake areas. You should read about East vs. West Africa Safaris and Planning A Safari.
Special Events
Munich, Germany for Oktoberfest
Really, what’s not to love about Oktoberfest? There’s a lot of food, dancing, fun and really good beer. The festivities have already begun and will last through October 4. One of the best parts about this festival, admission is free! Why not combine your trip to Octoberfest with an escorted Germany tour.
New England Fall Foliage, Eastern United States
All around New England, the leaves are slowly changing to magnificent shades of gold, red and orange hues. It’s such a delightful thing to see. Hiking among blazing fall foliage in the White Mountains or Green Mountains. You really should take a trip to view this mosaic of colors that nature has provided for us. Scenic Fall Foliage Train Rides, and If you are wondering where to go, check out our blog post on some of the country’s most beautiful fall foliage locations. Browse fall foliage tours; Check out Fall Festivals In New England, Your Guide to Fall Foliage Around the U.S. – Part 1, and Your Guide to Fall Foliage Around the U.S. – Part 2
Albuquerque Balloon Festival
The world’s largest hot air ballooning event, attracting over 500 balloons and pilots from across the globe. The festival takes place for 9 days in early October in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It draws over 800,000 spectators. The festival’s location in the Rio Grande Valley provides spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. All About the Albuquerque Balloon Festival. Each morning at 6 a.m., balloons grace the sky for the Dawn Patrol Show. One of the highlights is the Mass Ascension, when hundreds of balloons launch together at dawn, filling the sky with vibrant colors. Throughout the day, there are various races and competitions as well. Other events include the Special Shape Rodeo showcasing uniquely shaped balloons, and the Night Glows, where balloons are lit up after dark. The weather is generally ideal for ballooning in October, with cool desert mornings and light winds. The weather is generally ideal for ballooning in October, with cool desert mornings and light winds.
As you can see, there are a lot of great places to travel to this October. Hurry up and book your travel plans so you can get a great deal.
