Many people plan their vacations for the summer, when children are not in school and the weather is warm. But autumn is an underrated time for travel. First, there will be no crowds of tourists. Second, the cooler temperatures make it easier to explore new destinations. And third, prices are often lower in the fall.
Not to mention that October marks the beginning of the wine and spice harvest season, as well as the start of art and culture festivals around the world. From Vermont to Morocco and California to Australia, here are the best places to travel in October.
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, with its beautiful mosques, bustling bazaars, and colorful culture, is always a popular place to visit. But autumn is a special time to visit this famous Turkish city. In October, the city will host many local festivals. We recommend paying attention to the coffee festival, the Akbank Jazz Festival, and the Contemporary Istanbul exhibition, which is a contemporary art exhibition featuring more than 1,500 works by more than 600 artists.
Burgundy, France
This beautiful French wine region comes alive during the autumn harvest. October is the perfect time to visit Burgundy. Some of the world's finest wines can be found in five wine regions, including Chablis, Mâconnais, Côte de Nuits, and Côte de Beaune. Stay at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau and enjoy a meal at the two Michelin-starred La Côte d'Or restaurant. Prepare for an unforgettable experience.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney is a great city to visit because of its consistently warm weather. In addition, from October 21 to November 6, Bondi Beach will once again host the world's largest free open-air sculpture exhibition, Sculpture by the Sea. The entire 2 km coastline will be transformed into a sculpture park with more than 100 creations by Australian artists.
Mexico City, Mexico
On October 29, Mexico City will host the 2023 Mexican Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodríguez Circuit. Fans of Formula 1, as well as design enthusiasts and foodies, will love the city for its vibrant culture, incredible cuisine, art museums, and beautiful architecture. If you come here at the end of October, you can take part in the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations. And another bonus: the weather is mild in October.
Boston, Massachusetts
October is a great time to visit Boston. You can enjoy seasonal events such as the regatta and the Boston Book Festival. There are also live performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and shows in the Theater District. If you love Halloween, consider visiting Beacon Hill. There you will learn about the rich and mysterious history of this place. You can also take a day trip to Salem to learn all about the witch trials.
Napa Valley, California
October, with its mild weather and very little rain, is a great time to visit Napa Valley. This month marks harvest time in wine country California! From parties to wine tastings, Napa will host a variety of events to welcome autumn. The changing season paints the region's fall foliage in stunning shades of copper, gold, and red.
Barnard, Vermont
For an unforgettable experience, pack your flannel clothes and head to Vermont in the fall. Since October is usually not too cold, you can enjoy perfect weather for hiking. In addition, you can enjoy cycling, outdoor picnics, and incredible photo shoots.
Marrakesh, Morocco
October is the month when saffron, one of Morocco's leading export products, is harvested. You can find piles of fragrant spices in the Medina's bazaars or visit a nearby saffron farm. There, you will have the chance to try your hand at harvesting one of the most expensive spices in the world. If this activity appeals to you, you can arrange such a trip at your hotel.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Head to Albuquerque for the International Balloon Fiesta in October. There you'll see whimsical hot air balloons floating above the city. You'll also explore the city's amazing culture, cuisine, and art. We recommend staying at Los Poblanos. This working lavender farm is about 15 minutes from downtown. There, you can take wellness classes and learn how various lavender products are made. And if you want to completely relax, there is a spa on site.
