October really is one of the best months in the year to travel. The summer crowds have vanished, prices drop dramatically, and the weather is a lot more bearable in Europe. There’s space to breathe, locals have more time for a chat, and you’re not constantly jostling with tour groups. It just feels more… authentic.
October gives is some of the most beautiful environments to enjoy around the world. Autumn foliage that looks like a painting, beaches free of people yet still basking in sun, and cultural experiences without all the queues.
That said, you do need to watch out for a few things – hurricane season is still rumbling on in the Caribbean, and some mountainous regions might start closing cable cars and high-altitude trails.
I’ve spent years chasing the perfect October escape, collecting some absolute gems along the way across Europe, North America, Asia, and even Africa. Here are the places that are my favourite October destinations, as well as some tips I picked up from my own experiences to help you get the best out of your trip.
Europe: Sun, History, and Fall Charm
Greece (Crete, Greek Islands)
When I stayed in Crete one October, the temperatures were still hitting a pleasant 23°C and for a moment I wondered why anyone would visit in peak season (pre-kids, of course…). The sea was warm enough for daily swims, but the intense summer heat had cooled off for the year.
Crete in October is totally different to what you’d experience in peak season. Car rentals drop to about €25 a day (I paid €70 in August once), restaurants actually have tables available, and you can explore ancient sites like Knossos without feeling like you’re in a human conveyor belt.
I spent a morning hiking the Samaria Gorge – Europe’s longest gorge – and passed perhaps 15 other hikers the entire time. In summer, that number would be in the hundreds. The trail was manageable, the sun was out but not punishing, and I had time to actually stop and marvel at the scale of the place.
Do pack a light jacket though – evenings can get a bit breezy, especially if you’re dining outside. I got caught out one night in Chania’s harbour and had to buy an overpriced hoodie from a tourist shop.
Italy (Sicily, Puglia)
The south of Italy in October is what I imagine heaven might be like. Temperatures hover around 22-25°C, the Mediterranean is still wonderfully swimmable, and you can easily find parking in those picturesque coastal towns.
Puglia’s whitewashed villages took my breath away. I sat in a square in Ostuni, sipping a €2 espresso (yes, they’re still that cheap), watching locals go about their business, and thinking: “This is what travel should feel like.” No crowds, no rush, just proper immersion in a place that feels real.
Sicily delivered similar magic. Climbing Mount Etna in October meant clear visibility without the haze of summer, and the black volcanic paths contrasted beautifully with the autumn sky. That first taste of authentic Sicilian cannoli in a quiet Taormina café was just perfect. We’ve also visited Northern Sicily at this time of year (and even in to early November) and it’s just bliss. Last time, we visited Castellammare Del Golfo and it was simply bliss.
You definitely need a car for Puglia though. Public transport exists but it’s patchy at best, and the real gems are those random coastal drives where you pull over when something catches your eye. That unplanned detour led me to the most stunning hidden cove near Polignano a Mare – I had it completely to myself for two hours.
Romania (Brașov, Carpathians)
The Carpathian Mountains in Romania during October are so magical – like something straight out of a fairytale. The weather turns crisp (about 10-15°C), and the mountains explode in oranges, reds, and golds.
Hiking in the forests around Brașov was one of the most stunning natural experiences I’ve had in Europe. The trails were quiet but not deserted, the cable cars were still running (they often close in November), and Bran Castle – yes, the “Dracula Castle” – wasn’t swamped with tour groups.
I took a sleeper train from Brașov to Budapest afterwards, which was an adventure in itself – not the most luxurious night’s sleep I’ve ever had, but waking up in a different country after falling asleep in the Carpathians was very adventurous!
North America: Fall Foliage and Festive Vibes
New England (Vermont, New Hampshire)
I’d seen those classic New England autumn photos for years, but nothing prepared me for the reality of driving through Vermont in mid-October. The entire landscape was on fire – not literally, obviously, but the reds and oranges were so intense I had to blink.
The small town of Stowe was my base, and those morning drives with mist hanging over the valleys and maple trees blazing in the early light – it was like driving through a painting. I stopped about every five minutes for photos, turning what should have been a two-hour scenic route into an all-day affair.
Apple picking became an unexpected highlight. At a family orchard outside Woodstock, I spent a morning filling baskets with varieties I’d never heard of, then watched them press fresh cider. It was touristy, sure, but in that wholesome way that doesn’t feel manufactured.
Accommodation books up lightning fast though – I planned four months ahead and still struggled to find good options for peak foliage weekends. Learn from my mistake and sort this well in advance.
New York City
NYC in October is just the best – it’s not freezing yet, but there’s that slight chill in the air that makes walking everywhere actually pleasant rather than exhausting.
Central Park in autumn is so wonderful, too. I spent an entire afternoon just wandering, watching the leaves change and fall like confetti, and stopping for hot chocolate when my fingers got too cold. The contrast of those golden trees against the Manhattan skyline is stunning.
The Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village blew me away – thousands of New Yorkers in incredible costumes, street performers, live music. It’s chaotic and creative and unlike anything we do in the UK. I stood for three hours just watching the spectacle unfold, and time flew by.
Forget taxis though – the traffic is crazy. The subway might not be glamorous, but it’ll get you there in a fraction of the time.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans in October is wonderfully warm (still 20-25°C) but without the stifling humidity. The city has this infectious energy that builds as Halloween approaches – it takes its spooky season very seriously.
The jazz clubs along Frenchmen Street are a great way to spend the night, listening to musicians who could make you laugh one minute and cry the next – it was so different. No cover charges at most places, just the expectation you’ll buy a drink or two and tip generously.
Food is reason enough to visit. I still remember the gumbo I had at a tiny place in the French Quarter – rich, complex, with flavours I couldn’t even identify. The owner sat down and chatted for 20 minutes, something that never happens during peak tourist season.
Do keep an eye on the weather forecasts though – hurricane season technically runs through November, though October storms are less common.
Asia: Culture and Warm Escapes
South Korea
South Korea in October is a proper revelation – cool, dry days (around 15-20°C) and the most stunning autumn colours covering the mountains and palace gardens.
Seoul’s palaces against the backdrop of autumn leaves was one of those travel sights that stops you in your tracks. Walking through Gyeongbokgung Palace, with the golden and red maples framing those elegant traditional buildings – it was postcard-perfect.
The food was another highlight. Sitting in a tiny restaurant in Busan, learning from the owner how to eat Korean BBQ properly, surrounded by locals who eventually invited me to share their soju – those are the travel moments you remember forever.
If you’re planning a trip, avoid the Chuseok holiday period (usually late September, but sometimes early October) when many businesses close and transport gets booked solid.
Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai)
Northern Thailand in October marks the start of the dry season, and it’s an absolute treat. Temperatures sit comfortably between 20-30°C, and the countryside is lush and green from the recent rains.
When I went to Chiang Mai’s ancient temples they were peaceful and contemplative spaces rather than tourist hotspots. I sat in Wat Phra Singh for nearly an hour, just absorbing the atmosphere while monks went about their daily routines. Nobody rushed me, nobody tried to sell me anything – it was just serene.
The night markets were a sensory overload in the best possible way. Wandering through Chiang Rai’s night bazaar, sampling street food that cost pennies but tasted incredible, haggling (badly) for crafts – it’s the Thailand you hope for but don’t always find in more touristy areas.
I’d highly recommend booking a cooking class. I spent a day learning to make proper Thai curries from scratch, and it’s changed how I cook forever. Most classes include a market tour too, which gives you brilliant insight into everyday Thai life.
Africa: Springtime Adventures
South Africa (Cape Town, Garden Route)
October is springtime in South Africa, and the country absolutely shines. Cape Town can vary in temperature between 15-25°C, and the landscapes along the Garden Route are beginning to flourish with flowers.
Driving the Garden Route exceeded every expectation for me. Around every bend was another view that made me pull over – dramatic coastlines, lush forests, endless beaches with barely another soul in sight. The flexibility of having a car was essential – I’d spot a sign for a viewpoint or nature reserve and just follow my instincts.
Table Mountain in October offers clear visibility. I hiked up rather than taking the cable car (a decision my legs regretted but my soul thanked me for), and the views across the city and ocean were spectacular. The wildflowers starting to bloom on the slopes added splashes of colour to the rocky landscape.
Jordan (Petra, Aqaba)
Jordan in October is ideal – warm days (20-30°C) without the scorching heat that makes summer visits challenging.
I walked through the Siq towards Petra’s Treasury and saw that famous façade appear through the narrow canyon – it’s a travel moment I’ll never forget. In October, I was able to arrive early and have nearly 20 minutes with this wonder of the world almost to myself. By midday, more visitors had arrived, but nothing like the crowds you’d find in spring or autumn.
The hospitality I encountered throughout Jordan was genuinely touching. From taxi drivers refusing payment for short trips to a family inviting me to join their picnic in Aqaba – the warmth of Jordanian people made every day special.
Do remember to dress modestly when visiting cultural and religious sites. I packed light linen trousers and long-sleeved shirts that kept me cool while being respectful.
Practical Tips for October Travel
Packing for October trips can be tricky because the weather varies so much. For Southern Europe and Asia, I’ve found light layers work best – t-shirts for daytime, a light jumper or jacket for evenings. For New England or Romania, you’ll want warm gear including hats and gloves, especially if you’re outdoors at dawn or dusk.
Book early for Halloween-focused destinations. Places like Salem, Massachusetts, or New Orleans can sell out months in advance for October stays. I learned this the hard way when trying to book Salem two months ahead – absolute nightmare!
Don’t forget to download offline maps for rural areas like Romania’s Carpathians or South Africa’s Garden Route. Mobile signal can be patchy, and having Google Maps available offline has saved me from many wrong turns.
Where Next?
October’s travel magic lies in its versatility – whether you’re chasing summer’s last warm days in Greece, leaf-peeping in Vermont, or exploring ancient temples in Thailand, there’s something brilliant waiting for you.
I’m already planning this year’s October escape – the Douro Valley in Portugal is calling my name. Where are you heading? Whatever you choose, I guarantee October will show you a side of your destination that the summer crowds never get to see.