With Halloween around the corner, and the last of the autumn leaves falling, October gives travelers a chance to wander with fewer crowds and great weather. It’s the perfect time of year when temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold, and prices haven’t sky rocketed before the Christmas rush. Here are the best places to travel to in October.
1. Marrakech, Morocco
October is an excellent time to visit Marrakech. With excellent weather that’s somewhere in the middle of blazing hot and chilly lows, it’s perfect for booking a guesthouse in the city. Try one of riads with open courtyards. There are hundreds across Marrakech.
2. Palermo, Italy
You can visit Palermo without having a true spooky October feel! Visit the eerie catacombs and have one of the creepiest Halloweens yet. The catacombs have been in use since the 1600s as the final resting place of monks, friars, and members of the city’s elite. They now hold around 8,000 corpses.
3. Hanoi, Vietnam
While temperatures between May to August are pretty hot, October sees much more pleasant weather this time of the year. Wander around colonial buildings or sail to the exotic Ha Long Bay, and take in beautiful sights of limestone karsts projecting vertically out of the water.
4. Seville, Spain
Gasp in splendor at the sights of Seville from the top of Seville Cathedral and spend some time in the Cathedral’s Orange and Lemon Tree garden. October is the perfect month to visit, as the city has cooled down and evenings are beautiful. Take a stroll and grab some dinner outside.
5. Mauritius
Mauritius is known for its beautiful beaches, and Trou aux Biches is rightfully one of the most popular ones around. Grand Baie is known for its water sports and with October seeing some great weather, this is an excellent time to hit Mauritius!
6. Perugia
This is the best time of year for chocolate fans, as Perugia becomes a chocolate paradise between October 14th and 23rd! This is the time of the Euro chocolate exhibit, which sees booths showcasing every single kind of chocolate you can think of! Imagine giant chocolate sculptures and delicious chocolate liqueurs! Entrance to the festival is free, and you will find it scattered across various venues in the center of town.
7. Malta
Travel south of Sicily, and you will find a little Mediterranean archipelago known as Malta. The city is known for its hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, making October an excellent time for a holiday. Take in the sights of beautiful houses and churches carved out of native limestone using a taste of Moorish, Byzantine, Neoclassical and other architectural styles.
8. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the best European cities to visit in October, as it is the perfect European stop for photography at this time of year. Be sure to check out the spots along the Vltava River, as here you’ll find trees lining the banks and a wonderful mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and greens.
9. South Korea
The National Park in South Korea is a must visit in fall. It’s known as one of the most beautiful places in South Korea on an ordinary day, but in the autumn the colors of the changing leaves give the park a whole other dimension. Seoraksan National Park has a variety of hikes for every level of hiker, and these range from short trails to multi-day back country hikes. The best part is that the park is close enough to Seoul, making it accessible as part of a day trip!
10. Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua, located in North New Zealand, is known for its natural geothermal hot springs and steaming geysers! The city itself is known for offering a combination of adventure, outdoor, and cultural activities, catering to the tastes of any traveler. The best part? The city is home to a volcano valley and craters filled with thermal water. Spend some time hiking in the forests and exploring the peaceful landscape.
11. Tel Aviv
While Israel is known for being a hot desert country, October in Tel Aviv sees the Mediterranean city cool down, making it ideal for exploration! Be sure to explore at night, as Tel Aviv is known for its nightlife, especially during the fall months.
12. Cyprus
Known as the third largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus has a wealth of ancient sites that are perfect for wandering during hot summer weather! Be sure to experience the infamous seafront areas and take in the busy bars and nightclubs!
13. Bali
Bali is one of the best holiday destinations, known for its beaches and beautiful culture. Be sure to check out popular areas of Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud.
14. Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is known for its emirate beaches, stylish hotels, and high-end restaurants! If you’re looking for a place filled with glitz and glamour, this is the place to be. October sees temperatures of around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 C( and while this can sound pretty hot, it’s much cooler than other times of the year, so be sure to check it out.
15. Queensland
Known as Australia’s second largest state, most travelers think of the beaches when visiting Queensland, but trying looking for the natural wonders beyond the beach! Explore the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable October vacation.
