Top destinations to visit in October: Great options for fall vacationers

Whatever your plans for the next holiday, here are some of the most recommended places to travel to in October to enhance your autumn experience.

There won’t be heavy crowds and there is good weather, good sights to see, and you will spend less time waiting in line for anything. The leaves are coming up with bright reds and golds, and the parties and festivals are happening across the world.

Best vacation spots in October

October is the perfect time to explore stunning vacation spots worldwide. Experience the vibrant fall foliage in New England, USA, bask in the mild Mediterranean warmth of Santorini, Greece. Adventure seekers can explore Japan's autumnal beauty or go on a wildlife safari in South Africa. For beach lovers, Bali offers tropical bliss. Each destination provides unique charm, scenic beauty, unforgettable experiences, making October an ideal month for a well-deserved getaway.

Here are the most attractive travel destinations that can be interesting for travelers throughout the year and in any season.

Kyoto, Japan — Best time for viewing autumn leaves

Kyoto is famous for its magnificent temples and shrines as well as gardens, but in October there is much to admire. This is when the city goes through ‘koyo’, the foliage when the maple and ginkgo trees turn red, yellow, and orange. A dirty and winding stroll through the Autumnal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or the elegant gardens of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) gives you mere views of how nature changes.

New England, USA: Fall foliage extravaganza

Autumn as a season of colorful landscapes has been traditionally popular in New England, including Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. October bears the countryside alight with red, orange, and gold in preparation for its most famous pursuit: leaf-peeping. New England is also endowed with beautiful small towns, archaeological places, and harvest fairs that capture the features of a typical fall season. Try a cider donut and hot apple cider (trail mix) at a local farm, or hike through the beautiful countryside in the White Mountains for the view.

Tuscany, Italy: Viniculture of wine grapes as well as golden vineyards

October brings the “truffle season’’ while more bright light events occur during the Tuscan grape harvest festival. Spoleto’s vendemmia refers to grape harvest, or the end of the growing season and the initiation of winemaking. Wine-producing vineyards are let out for tourists to come and taste wines, including Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino. October is another launch office, cause Medieval towns like Siena for Montepulciano are less busy.

Marrakech, Morocco: Escape the heat

October in Marrakech is perfect in a way, as the summer heat gradually eases off. Alhamra is surrounded by souks and the vibrant medina is best seen in the souks that sell spices, carpets, and much more. That is why the mountains known as the Atlas are only a few hours’ drive away and with beautiful views along with trekking zones. One can even dare to take a ride on camels and spend nights in the Sahara Desert.

Munich, Germany: Oktoberfest fun

Munich, the state capital of Bavaria, is a dynamic city that brings together culture to creation.  Known for its iconic Oktoberfest it provides diverse cultural activities including historical buildings like the Nymphenburg Palace, Marienplatz.

No October travel list will be considered as complete if it has not included the Oktoberfest festival in Munich – the biggest beer festival globally. It’s an Oktoberfest kind of atmosphere, complete with a beer garden, German cuisine, music, and dancing. However, even when Oktoberfest is over, Munich is a city with numerous historical buildings, great parks, and best of all – the Alps nearby.

Santorini, Greece: Fewer people around and best climate

October is one of the best months to visit Santorini, not too many tourists and the climate is still good enough for sunbathing and sightseeing with a beautiful background. The whitewashed houses can be found on the cliffs along the shores of the Aegean Sea; what better place to watch the sunset?

One of Greece's famous islands, Santorini is popular for its beautiful sunsets, whitewashed plans, and pure waters. Explore the charming villages of Fira and Oia, which were cafés and shops lining their serpentine streets. Go to Red Beach and Kamari, famous volcanic beaches, or relax in luxury hotels with expansive views.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile: A Southern hemisphere spring

Patagonia provides amazing scenery such as glaciers, mountains, and fjords. October is spring in Patagonia with wildflowers growing all over the place and the perfect climate for treks and wildlife spotting. If you would like to make a closer acquaintance with it, you can visit Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina where the Perito Moreno Glacier is situated or walk through the Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.

Seoul, South Korea: Properties of fall colors and cultural festivals

October is an awesome season in Seoul, especially because the parks and mountains are painted with the colors of autumn. Events such as the Seoul Lantern Festival are among the landmarks that give a touch of culture to the country. Experiencing the oncoming autumn by walking on trails such as the ones in Bukhansan National Park will prove to be breathtaking.

Hawaii, USA: Tropical holidays with pedestrians and less tourist interruptions

October, as you know, is shoulder season in Hawaii, and it means fewer crowds and great weather. From hiking the verdant canyons of Kauai to swimming with dolphins in the crystalline waters of Maui; from jet boating across the lava fields of the Big Island, October is the best time to go on an adventure in Maui and get your rest, too.

October is an ideal time to visit Hawaii, USA, offering pleasant weather, fewer crowds, lower prices. The Big Island is perfect for exploring active volcanoes, while Maui offers serene beaches, whale-watching opportunities.

October is a travel-intensive month featuring great fall colors in New England and Japan, festivities in Munich and Seoul, and a host of other attractions. For instance, there are city sightseeing enthusiasts, there are lovers of natural trails as each of them can find the most suitable place this autumn. Weekend trips, good weather, and unique events all make October one of the ideal months to map out a future vacation to see.

Where is the best holiday destination for October?

Which October vacation destination is best for you will depend on your preferences. When the weather is favorable, you can find sunny retreats in countries like the Maldives, Bali, and the Canary Islands. If you love fall foliage, New England in the United States and parts of Europe like Austria and Switzerland are perfect. Japan's festivals and Mexico's Day of the Dead celebrations are excellent opportunities to learn about other cultures. 

What is the best place to vacation in October?

October is perfect for exploring vibrant destinations with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The best time of year to see stunning fall locations is in October. New England, USA, provides famous leaf-peeping experiences, while Kyoto, Japan, astonishes with its brilliant fall foliage. Bali, Indonesia, and the Maldives offer beachcombers tropical paradise. Kenya's prime safari season offers adventurers the chance to explore the country's wildlife-rich plains. For wildlife enthusiasts, South Africa’s Kruger National Park offers prime safari experiences during the dry season.

Where to travel in October?

October is the ideal month to visit places with lovely fall colors and comfortable temperatures. Consider visiting New England, USA for stunning fall colors. Kyoto, Japan and offers Cultural festivals and colorful leafy maples.