Where to Travel in October

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where to travel in october

If you’re craving a fall getaway, October is the perfect time for it! Temperatures are cooling down, leaves are turning colors, and crowds are often smaller due to kids being back in school. Here are my top 25 recommendations of where to travel in October.


Albuquerque, NM

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 72°F high; 46°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in October:

  • Fall is a special time to visit Albuquerque with cool breezy mornings and warm sunny days. During this time of year, Albuquerque hosts the largest hot air balloon festival in the world during their “Indian Summer”.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

hyatt regency tamaya - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Hyatt.

Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa is technically 15 miles north of Albuquerque but it offers beautiful views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. All rooms have balconies or patios. There are 5 restaurants onsite, 3 outdoor pools, a spa, horse stables, tennis courts, and a golf course.

algarve - where to travel in october

Algarve, Portugal

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 70°F high; 57°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is a great time to visit the Algarve because the sun is still out but summer crowds are gone. You can still enjoy the beach with 6 to 8 hours of sun per day and warm water temperatures.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

Image courtesy of Bela Vista Hotel.

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is a beautiful Moorish-style mansion for adults with direct access to the Da Rocha Beach. This refined hotel mixes old world design elements with modern amenities, including a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, and spa.

Asheville, NC

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 68°F high; 46°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: high

Reason to Travel in october:

  • I visited Asheville, NC in December around Christmastime, which was magical, but if I returned, I would go back in the fall. Asheville is near the Blue Ridge Mountains which are stunning to see in the fall with their multi-colored forests and stunning vistas. It’s one of the most sought-after places to go “leaf peeping” during the autumn months.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

inn at biltmore estate - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Tripadvisor.

For your stay in Asheville, I'd recommend an adults-only bed and breakfast, however if you'd rather a hotel, I'd recommend The Inn on Biltmore Estate. The Inn on Biltmore Estate offers 4-star luxury with white glove service, exclusive Biltmore Estate access, and luxurious bedding. Opt for the Chateau tier of rooms which provides 24-hour access to a private lounge with snacks, a welcome drink, a larger room, and better views.

aspen - where to travel in october

Aspen, CO

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 58°F high; 31°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Aspen is a beautiful town to visit in October due to cooler temperatures, vivid fall foliage, and fewer crowds. It’s a great time for outdoor activities including cycling and hiking. You can admire the blue skies and snow-capped mountains.

Key Events:

  • Aspen Filmfest: non-competitive festival showcasing narrative and documentary features

Where to Stay: 

st regis aspen - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of hrs.com.

Conveniently located between the gondola and the lift at the base of Aspen Mountain, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a perfect alpine-chic retreat. Onsite amenities include cozy spaces like a library with fireplaces, 5 dining options, and a luxury spa. Though not a ski-in/ski-out resort, The St. Regis is a great spot for people watching and apres-ski lounging.

atacama desert, chile - where to travel in october

Atacama Desert, Chile

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 77°F high; 41°F low

  • Season: spring

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is a good time to visit the Atacama Desert in Chile because the climate stays dry without rain. The climate is enjoyable, and it’s considered shoulder season meaning you should see better rates.

Where to Stay: 

tierra atacama hotel and spa - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Tierra Hotels.

Tierra Atacama Hotel & Spa is an eco-chic boutique hotel that offers stunning sweeping views of the Atacama Desert. Onsite amenities include a map room, a luxe spa, 2 pools, a wine bar, and a restaurant that sources their produce locally. Star gazing, biking, horse riding, and local day/night tours are offered.

austin tx -where to travel in october

Austin, TX

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 82°F high; 60°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid to high

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Beat the summer heat by visiting Austin, TX in October. It’s a great time for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying outdoor activities. At this time of year the humidity is lower and the temperatures are more mild.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

miraval austin - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Visit Austin.

Miraval Austin is the perfect place for an adults-only all-inclusive retreat in Austin, TX. Set within 220 acres of protected forests, Miraval Austin provides everything you need for an activity-packed weekend getaway. The resort has a full schedule of activities to partake in, including cooking classes, horseback riding, and other wellness activities.

barbados - where to travel in october

Barbados

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 87°F high; 76°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • If you’d like better rates and fewer crowds when visiting Barbados, visit in October. October is usually the rainiest month of the year in Barbados, also making it one of the most humid. That being said, there are rarely full days of just rain. So if you want better prices and can handle some hurricane season weather, this may be the right time for you to visit.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

the house by elegant hotels - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Booking.com.

The House by Elegant Hotels is an adults-only all-inclusive resort in St. James, Barbados. Part of the All-Inclusive by Marriott collection, this 5-star boutique hotel provides complimentary champagne breakfast, motorized water sports, complimentary water taxi, evening canapes, afternoon tea, and complimentary jet lag revival massages.

bavaria, germany - where to travel in october

Bavaria, Germany

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 58°F high; 43°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Bavaria in October is a relatively dry time of the year to visit. It’s a beautiful time to see the multi-colored trees and autumn foliage. I highly recommend seeing one of Germany’s greatest castles, Neuschwanstein, during this time of year when golden and orange trees are in full force. Its architecture looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale, and it even served as inspiration for Disney’s notable castle design.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

das graseck - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Tripadvisor.

Accessible only by cable car, Das Graseck is a mountain hideaway and wellness-focused retreat. Breakfast buffet and dinner are complimentary. There are 2 restaurants onsite, a beer garden, outdoor pool, and an adults-only spa.

bhutan - where to travel in october

Bhutan

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 84°F high; 67°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: high

Reason to Travel in october:

  • One of the most popular months in the year to visit Bhutan is in October. The weather is warm and sunny and the mountains are clear for excellent viewing. Expect higher numbers of visitors this time of year due to the full events calendar.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

six senses - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Six Senses.

Six Senses Thimphu is a sustainable hotel with 82 villas and suites. Opt for a Lodge Suite which has 180-degree views over Thimphu Valley and a freestanding bath tub with floor to ceiling windows. Six Senses spas are world-renowned. Trip the Bhutanese hot-stone bath while staying here.

champagne france - where to travel in october

Champagne, France

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 61°F high; 45°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • If you can time it right, you may be able to visit during the grape harvest in the Champagne region of France, which takes place between mid-September to mid-October. At this time, vines begin to change to a golden color and summer crowds have gone away. The weather is mild and pleasant.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

domaines les crayeres - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Relais & Chateaux.

Domaine Les Crayeres is a luxe hotel inside of a grand chateau that feels like a palace. Decorated with antique-style furnishings, a stay at Domaine provides the ultimate classical luxury French escape. Onsite amenities include an elegant restaurant, a casual brasserie, a bar located in the sunroom, landscaped grounds, and multiple terraces. It's an 8-minute walk from the Vranken Pommery champagne house.


manitoba - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Wild City. Creator: Shiv Ahuja.

Manitoba, Canada

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 43°F high; 30°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Manitoba is chilly in October, but it’s the time to see the annual migration of Churchill’s polar bears. Manitoba is known as “The Polar Bear Capital of the World” due to its abundance of polar bears in the area, so this is THE destination to observe these majestic creatures in the wild.

Key Events:

  • Manitoba Showcase: annual visual and performing arts conference that features some of the best Canadian artists

  • Manitoba Culture Days: celebration of Canadian arts and culture through various free activities

  • Manitoba Ag Ex: Manitoba’s largest all-breeds cattle show

Where to Stay: 

nanuk polar bear lodge - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of TripAdvisor.

Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge is a remote ecolodge located on Hudson Bay. Guests of this lodge are able to spot wildlife such as polar bears, black bears, wolves, and moose depending on the time of year they visit. It's also a beautiful place to witness the Northern Lights.

darjeeling - where to travel in october

Darjeeling, India

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 71°F high; 58°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • If you’re interested in visiting the Queen of Hills in India, October is one of the best months to visit. The temperatures are pleasantly cool this time of year and the fog and rain starts to clear from monsoon season.

Key Events:

  • Durga Puja: one of the main festivals celebrated by Hindus, lasting 4 days

  • Diwali: festival of lights

Where to Stay: 

glenburn tea estate - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Glenburn Tea Estate.

Glenburn Tea Estate is a secluded hotel surrounded by the Himalayas. The 8 Colonial-style rooms feature antiques and hand-embroidered bed linens. Tea tastings, airport pick-ups, breakfast, lunch, and candlelit evening meals are included. Onsite amentities include gardens, verandas, a cozy lounge, and a spa with a steam room. Tea tours, fishing trips, and hiking are available.

dubai, uae - where to travel in october

Dubai, UAE

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 96°F high; 76°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • The weather is more moderate in Dubai in October. Temperatures are cooler than the extremely hot summer months. You can expect clear, sunny weather with little chance of rain during October in Dubai.

Where to Stay: 

Al maha - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Audley Travel.

Though technically 45 minutes outside of Dubai, Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is a private, guest-only oasis located on the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Onsite activities include archery, nature walks, desert drives, wildlife safaris, falconry, horse riding, camel trekking, and sundowners. Children under 10 years old are not permitted.

Hallstatt, Austria

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 59°F high; 41°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • If you’d like to avoid the crowds and high prices when visiting Hallstatt, go in October. You may expect rain this time of year but there should be some pleasant days that aren’t too chilly.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

halstatt hideaway - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of hallstatt.net.

Hallstatt Hideaway is an adults-only all-suite luxury hotel surrounded by mountains. All suites have peaceful mountain and/or lake views. Onsite amenities include a private garden by the lake and a private sauna house.

tokyo - where to travel in october

Tokyo, Japan

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 71°F high; 58°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is one of the best months to visit Tokyo due to the beautiful weather. Temperatures stay mild, humidity is low, and rain is rare. It’s a perfect time for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and visiting parks and gardens. And there are TONS of festivals to participate in, so if you visit Tokyo in October, you have to make plans to attend at least one of their many celebrations.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

aman tokyo - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Business Traveller.

Aman Tokyo is a modern luxury hotel with panoramic city views. Onsite amenities include a peaceful inner garden, a spa, an indoor swimming pool, a high-end Italian restaurant, a bar with a humidor, and a chic lobby cafe. Enjoy a hinoki bath-salt soak in your room's oversized volcanic-rock bathtub. The hotel is famous for their black afternoon tea - be sure to book ahead if you want to try it!

ho chi minh city - where to travel in october

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 88°F high; 75°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is considered the end of rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City. Though you may experience rain during your trip in October, it will likely be less than what you would experience during peak rainy season. Furthermore, you’ll likely still see lower crowds and prices before dry season begins in November.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

hotel des artes saigon - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Hotel des Artes Saigon.

A hotel that caters to adults, Hôtel des Artes Saigon is an elegant boutique hotel with French Indochina charm. Part art museum, part hotel Hôtel des Arts Saigon features 2 restaurants (1 with a terrace), 2 bars (one at the outdoor rooftop pool), a spa, gym, and 2 tennis courts.

knoxville - where to travel in october

Knoxville, TN

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 70°F high; 49°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: high

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is a delightful time to visit Knoxville, TN with its football, pumpkins, and fall foliage. The driest month of the year is October, so you likely won’t have to worry about rain. A visit to the Great Smoky Mountains will be worth the visit as the trees change colors.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

the tennessean - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of The Tennessean.

The Tennessean is a polished hotel located inside a building that dates back to the 1982 World's Fair. The downtown city-center location allows for easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Onsite amenities include a restaurant/bar, an indoor pool, and a gym.

lampang - where to travel in october

Lampang, Thailand

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 90°F high; 72°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Lampang is known for its river valleys in Northern Thailand. October is a more pleasant time to visit due to its mild weather. January is the busiest month for tourism so if you visit in October, you’ll experience better prices and fewer crowds.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

baan suchadaa lampang resort - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Agoda.

Baan Suchadaa Lampang Resort is a 4-star adults-only hotel surrounded by countryside. Rooms feature balconies or patios, and there's an outdoor pool and garden with fish pond. This hotel offers guests privacy and relaxation.

madagascar - where to travel in october

Madagascar

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 80°F high; 58°F low

  • Season: winter/dry

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Travel experts recommend visiting Madagascar in either October or September. During this time, the weather is slightly warmer and lemurs are more active.

Where to Stay: 

constance tsarabanjina - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Five Star Alliance.

Constance Tsarabanjina is an elegant all-inclusive resort accessible only by boat or helicopter. Thatched-roof beachfront bungalows offer ideal ocean views. Meals, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, laundry services, and 1-way boat transfers are all included. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, a 24-hour cocktail bar, a private beach, and a library.

arezzo - where to travel in october

Arezzo, Italy

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 68°F high; 49°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • For a more affordable time to visit Italy, go in October. Though you may experience some rainy weather, you can enjoy far fewer crowds than in the summer months. While in college, I spent a summer abroad in Arezzo, and I absolutely loved this quaint hilltop town located in eastern Tuscany. The town feels elegant, unhurried, medieval, and rural.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

il borro - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Jetsetter.

Il Borro is a 5-star hotel located inside a wooded castle estate dating back to 1254. Suites and villas are individually decorated and feature wood-beam ceilings and terracotta tile floors. Onsite amenities include an upscale bistro, a fine dining restaurant, a cafe, a wine bar, an infinity pool, a fitness room, and a spa.


portsmouth - where to travel in october

Portsmouth, NH

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 58°F high; 46°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Though a festive destination year-round, Portsmouth gets into the seasonal spirit even more during the fall months. With restaurants, boutiques, and historic charm, there’s something for everyone in the coastal town.

Where to Stay: 

wentworth by the sea - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of historichotels.org.

Wentworth by the Sea is an elegant hotel that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Onsite amenities include a formal bar and restaurant, a casual eatery with a terrace, historic gardens, a tennis court, an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a spa, and an exercise room. Guests that arrive to the resort by sea can park their boat in the resort's 170-slip marina.

salem, ma - where to travel in october

Salem, MA

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 62°F high; 45°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • A trip to Salem, Massachusetts in the month of October is sure to get you into the spirit of spooky season. Whether it’s the witchy vibes, the cool crisp mornings, or the salt air of the sea, there’s just something about Salem that pairs so well with autumn and October. Once a place known for horrendously burning witches at the stake, Salem today has become a magnet and safe haven for witchy people. Besides Salem’s dark witch history, the coastal city is also known for its rich history in ocean ships, literature, settlers, pirates, and trading.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

the merchant - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of salem.org.

A beautiful 4-star hotel in downtown Salem, The Merchant features much of the original home’s woodwork. Exquisite details are still preserved inside the 11 rooms, which feature heated bathroom floors, gas fireplaces, and plush linens. The hotel’s unique interior design was inspired by the property’s wealthy sea merchant owner and the town’s shipping port history. This resulted in the use of gray/blues, rich reds, dark purples, and deep emerald greens with Asian accents. Wainscoting and paneling were restored and the “floating” staircases were the works of 18th century architect Samuel McIntire.

salt lake city - where to travel in october

Salt Lake City, UT

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 66°F high; 47°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • October is a wonderful month to visit Salt Lake City because it’s after kids have gone back to school and before skiiers have arrived. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and discounted hotel rates during this time of year.

Key Events: 

Where to Stay: 

the grand america hotel - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of The Grand America Hotel.

The Grand America Hotel is an opulent European-style 5-star hotel. Though rooms appear dated in style, they feature handcrafted furniture, balconies, and marble bathrooms. Onsite amenities include a restaurant, 2 bars/lounges (1 serves afternoon tea), a French-style sweet shop, a spa, an indoor pool, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

scottsdale - where to travel in october

Scottsdale, AZ

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 86°F high; 54°F low

  • Season: fall

  • Tourist Season: low

Reason to Travel in october:

  • For gorgeous weather, visit Scottsdale in late fall. It’s a perfect time for hiking, dining al fresco, golfing, and lounging by the pool.

Where to Stay: 

Originally a home built in 1929, Royal Palms Resort & Spa is a high-end resort has old world-style rooms and suites with scenic views, soaking tubs and/or patios. The tropical grounds are meticulously maintained. Posh sitting areas, a croquet lawn, and outdoor fireplaces create a cozy serene atmosphere. I absolutely loved staying at this lavish Spanish Colonial resort that's tucked away behind a row of lush palm trees.

siem reap - where to travel in october

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Temperature/Season:

  • Temperature: 88°F high; 77°F low

  • Season: fall/last month of rainy season

  • Tourist Season: mid

Reason to Travel in october:

  • Skip out on heavier crowds by visiting Siem Reap in October. At this time, you may still get caught in rain but the tourists will still be fewer. You may be able to enjoy some early season promotional rates during this time of year.

Key Events:

Where to Stay: 

shinta mani angkor - where to travel in october

Image courtesy of Kiwi Collection.

A hotel that caters to adults, Shinta Mani Angkor is an upscale boutique hotel in the French Quarter of Siem Reap. Onsite amenities include 2 restaurants, a bar, an outdoor pool with a bar, and a spa that provides outdoor massages. Cooking classes are available. For added luxury, opt for one of the 10 villas with private pools and butler service.

BONUS!


Author bio

Known as The Jet Set Blonde, Brittany Ryan inspires others to add more adventure to their childfree travel experiences. Brittany has visited 23 countries (and counting!) Connect with her to get access to detailed childfree travel itineraries, travel guides for weekend getaways, and updates on adult-only hotels, resorts, cruises, and other travel amenities.




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