
Best Places to Travel in October: Your Ultimate Guide to Fall Escapes
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When summer fades and crisp autumn weather rolls in, it can feel as if the chances of going on a vacation get slimmer and slimmer. But against all odds (and according to our research) October can be one of the best months to explore new destinations. In this guide, we’ll uncover the best places to travel in October, from charming American towns to exciting locations around the world.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend getaway, immersed in the vibrant fall foliage, or booking that international adventure you’ve been dreaming of, October brings smaller crowds, better prices, and gorgeous scenery. And with Going’s Premium and Elite memberships, you can save even more by catching the best flight deals before they disappear.
Why October is a great month to travel
This month hits that sweet spot between summer’s heat and the rush of holiday travel. Across the US as well as much of Europe, you can enjoy mild weather perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and outdoor dining. Off-peak travel also means better hotel rates, cheaper flights, and far fewer lines at popular attractions.
Even better, October is when fall events kick off, from cozy harvest festivals to Halloween-related celebrations. Plus, if you’re into outdoor adventures, this is the season of golden landscapes—ideal for hikes, scenic drives, and winery visits. Traveling in October lets you enjoy some of the year’s best destinations without the peak-season crowds or prices.
Top 10 best places to travel in October in the USA
New Mexico

Beyond the amazing sights of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the mountains and valleys of northern New Mexico explode with golden leaves, making for incredible scenic drives—perfect for those seeking a southwestern alternative to New England’s foliage trips. Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos offer distinctive takes on the state’s vibrant art, history, and New Mexican cuisine, with regional favorites like red and green chile-smothered enchiladas and sopapillas with honey.
- Type of trip: Adventure / Cultural / Nature
- Weather: 50–75°F (10–24°C)
- Budget: $-$$
New England

This is New England’s picture-perfect season: crisp air, brilliant foliage, and hearty meals by the fireplace. New England in October is the place for vibrant foliage, especially in Vermont’s Green Mountains and New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Charming small towns like Woodstock, North Conway, and Stowe overflow with fall fairs, pumpkin festivals, and local harvest celebrations.
- Type of trip: Nature / Couples / Family
- Weather: 40–60°F (4–16°C)
- Budget: $$–$$$
Savannah, Georgia

Savannah shines brightest in October, with fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and a festive Halloween atmosphere. Take a spooky walking tour through the city’s storied squares, then explore local culinary highlights like the Savannah Greek Fest mixing of Southern charm and international cuisine.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Couples
- Weather: 60–80°F (15–27°C)
- Budget: $$
Hawaii

October is one of the best-kept secret times to visit Hawaii: less crowded beaches, ideal surfing conditions, and opportunities to spot marine life like spinner dolphins and green sea turtles. Foodies can also enjoy the scene with events like the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, and fresh poke bowls, loco moco, and tropical cocktails everywhere, from Oahu’s Honolulu to Maui’s Lahaina.
- Type of trip: Adventure / Family / Couples
- Weather: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Budget: $$$–$$$$
Washington, DC

October brings cool temperatures and vivid fall colors to the US Capital. It’s one of the best months for exploring monuments, memorials, and outdoor spaces like the Tidal Basin. If you prefer the indoors, Smithsonian museums are always full of activities, exhibitions, and rotating art shows.
- Type of trip: Urban / Cultural
- Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
- Budget: $$
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina

The Smokies have a vast array of tree species, which creates a staggered leaf-peeping season from late September through early November. Towns like Gatlinburg and Cherokee offer scenic drives like Clingmans Dome Road and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Between hikes and drives, you can also enjoy regional favorites like barbecue pulled pork and apple cider donuts from local farms and bakeries.
- Type of trip: Nature / Adventure / Family
- Weather: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
- Budget: $$
Utah’s Mighty 5

Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks (Zion, Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef) are must-sees in October. Hiking and photography are much more pleasant thanks to the milder temperatures and fewer crows, especially in spots like Angels Landing and Delicate Arch.
- Type of trip: Nature / Adventure
- Weather: 40–70°F (4–21°C)
- Budget: $$–$$$
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park becomes a wildlife spectacle in October with the elk rutting season and the golden groves provide a perfect photo backdrop around every corner. After a day of hiking, you can also treat yourself at a local brewery with a pint.
- Type of trip: Nature / Adventure
- Weather: 30–60°F (-1–16°C)
- Budget: $$-$$$
Salem, Massachusetts

Salem’s reputation as a Halloween destination is well-earned, and October is a great time to enjoy the spooky ghost tours. But this city offers so much more beyond witches and ghosts. Explore the town’s rich maritime history at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, or visit the Peabody Essex Museum, one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the US.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Urban / Family
- Weather: 45–65°F (7–18°C)
- Budget: $$
Gulf Shores, Alabama

If you’re looking for warm weather in fall and fewer beach crowds, this city delivers. Gulf Shores in October brings off-season tranquility, warm waters, and seafood festivals like the annual National Shrimp Festival, where you can try local specials like fresh oysters, fried crawfish tails, and shrimp po’boys.
- Type of trip: Couples / Family / Culinary
- Weather: 60–80°F (16–27°C)
- Budget: $$
Best places to travel in October: international destinations
Japan

October in Japan is prime time for autumn leaves viewing (known as momiji), particularly in Hokkaido and Nikko. Visitors can also participate in local festivals like Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto, where locals parade in historical costumes, celebrating Japan’s imperial history. Add in a tea ceremony in a Kyoto traditional tea house and you’ve got an unforgettable cultural experience.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Urban
- Weather: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
- Budget: $$$$
Italy

October is an ideal time to visit Italy, especially regions like Tuscany and Piedmont, thanks to the many harvest festivals and wine tastings. Mild weather also makes it perfect for walking around Rome, Florence, and Venice. Don’t miss the chance to sip Chianti in Tuscany or hunt for white truffles in Alba.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Couples
- Weather: 55–75°F (13–24°C)
- Budget: $$$–$$$$
Mexico

In October, Mexico starts preparing for its most famous celebration: Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). If you’re looking for a relaxing experience instead, Cancun and Riviera Maya offer ideal beach weather. Cultural travelers, on the other hand, will enjoy exploring ruins and local markets. Don’t miss a chocolate tasting in Oaxaca.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Adventure
- Weather: 60–85°F (16–29°C)
- Budget: $$
Germany

Germany in October means Oktoberfest. Munich celebrates this world-famous event, but the whole country is full of beer gardens and harvest festivals during this month. Beyond Munich, cities like Nuremberg and Dresden offer stunning fall scenery and warm inns serving traditional German comfort food.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Urban / Culinary
- Weather: 45–60°F (7–16°C)
- Budget: $$–$$$
Costa Rica

Costa Rica enters its dry season in October: a perfect time for surfing or spotting wildlife in Tortuguero and Cahuita National Parks. If you want to take on an adventure, you can try zip-lining or kayaking through lush, vibrant rainforests.
- Type of trip: Nature / Adventure / Culinary
- Weather: 70–85°F (21–29°C)
- Budget: $$
Madagascar

October is prime time to see baby lemurs in Madagascar. If you’re wondering where to see the wild lemurs of Madagascar, the answer is at wildlife reserves like Andasibe-Mantadia. It’s also a great month for rainforest hikes and exploring biodiverse landscapes before the rainy season kicks in.
- Type of trip: Adventure / Nature
- Weather: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
- Budget: $$$-$$$$
Canada

Fall foliage in Quebec and Ontario make Canada one of the best places to travel in October outside the US. Places like Montreal also glow with its Gardens of Light Festival, which transforms the Botanical Garden into a wonderland of lanterns. October is also polar bear migration season in Churchill, Manitoba, and northern towns like Yellowknife offer chances to catch the Northern Lights on crisp evenings.
- Type of trip: Nature / Cultural
- Weather: 40–60°F (4–16°C)
- Budget: $$–$$$
India

India is vibrant in October, not just because of post-monsoon freshness but also because of Diwali, celebrated with lights, fireworks, and sweet treats. For a tranquil vacation, explore Rajasthan’s palaces in Jaipur or Udaipur, or sail Kerala’s backwaters.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Culinary / Adventure
- Weather: 65–90°F (18–32°C)
- Budget: $$-$$$
Dominican Republic

October is an underrated time to visit the Dominican Republic’s north coast, where you can relax at eco-lodges, take advantage of off-season rates, or venture to Samaná for potential whale-watching experiences.
- Type of trip: Relaxation / Couples / Nature
- Weather: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
- Budget: $$
South Korea

Foliage-covered parks like Seoraksan and Gyeongju make South Korea one of the top destinations to visit in October. Seoul also shines during this month with lantern festivals, local markets, and kimchi-making workshops that give visitors a hands-on taste of Korean culture. For nature lovers, Jeju Island is ideal for an outdoor adventure.
- Type of trip: Cultural / Nature / Culinary
- Weather: 50–70°F (10–21°C)
- Budget: $$$
Morocco

October brings much-needed cooler desert temperatures to Morocco, perfect for camel treks through the Sahara or hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Attending date harvest celebrations in southern towns like Erfoud and sipping mint tea in bustling Marrakesh medinas are a must if you visit Morocco in October. Enjoy flavorful tagines, fresh bread, and endless spice markets.
- Type of trip: Adventure / Culinary / Cultural
- Weather: 60–85°F (16–29°C)
- Budget: $$-$$$
Budget traveling tips for October adventures
How to find affordable flights
Learning how to find cheap flights is the first step to a great October getaway. Use flexible travel dates whenever possible, start searching early, and take advantage of Going’s memberships to catch incredible deals, including mistake fares for Premium and Elite members. The Going team monitors thousands of routes every day so you don’t have to. Join Going, and let us help you save on your next trip.
Accommodation tips during off-peak season
October is shoulder season in many parts of the world, so it’s a great time to score discounts on hotels, vacation rentals, and guesthouses. Many destinations (especially in Europe and the US) lower their rates after summer crowds head home. Also, look up official websites of the accommodation before making your reservations. Booking direct with smaller accommodations can sometimes come with added perks like discounts, room upgrades, or more flexible cancellation policies.
Avoid tourist traps
Tourist traps exist everywhere. While some TikTok spots are worth adding to your itinerary, others might not live up to the hype. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy popular destinations differently. A simple way is to visit at off-peak hours, book guided tours with skip-the-line access, or explore nearby alternatives. For example, in Rome, skip the usual midday rush at the Colosseum and instead book a guided tour under the moonlight or visit the lesser-known Baths of Caracalla for equally impressive ruins with fewer crowds.
Book early for special events
Planning to attend major events or festivals, like Germany’s Oktoberfest or India’s Diwali? Flights and hotels for these events often sell out quickly and prices spike closer to the date. The best way to stay ahead of the curve is to learn the cheapest month to book flights (as well as accommodations) and lock in better rates.
Start planning your vacation and save with Going
Ready for a fall getaway? Become a Going Premium or Elite member, and start receiving alerts for discounted fares to the best places to travel in October. Our travel experts monitor thousands of routes daily and alert you when ticket prices drop, so you can spend less on getting there and more on what really matters: enjoying your trip.
We help you find cheap flights to kickstart your October getaway. Join Going today!
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Published June 24, 2025
Last updated June 24, 2025