Best Places to Travel in October and Why its the Best Month

In October I enjoyed one of my best vacations ever. We traveled to France and Germany! In looking back over my many years of travel and adding this latest experience, it reinforces once again to me that OCTOBER is the best month to travel. Here’s are some of the best places to travel in October and why you should go at that wonderful time of the year.

Why October?

Let’s begin with all the amazing seasonal treats, like fresh hot apple cider, caramel apples, pumpkin spice everything, maple syrup, cinnamon and cider donuts, apple pie and so many other autumn tastes and smells.

The summer crowds are gone – I don’t know how many times on our fall vacations that I said, “I’m so glad we’re not here in the summer.” We’ve never had problems with lines or oppressive crowds even at the most popular destinations.

Perfect Weather for Scarves and Sweaters

Temperatures are perfect for walking in most climates. I’ve found that, for me, mid-sixty degree temps (F or 18C) are most comfortable for walking. A heavy coat isn’t needed. Generally, a sweater and scarf are perfect for most times of the day and those aren’t bulky to carry around if the afternoon temps are a little warmer. I have a wonderful scarf collection with neckwear from around the world. I love it when I have a chance to wear my scarves. And they’re so easy to pack to provide an easy way to switch up your wardrobe with a change of color or additional layer.

Bugs and humidity are gone – it can ruin a great walk or any outdoor activities if you’re constantly swatting at flies or mosquitoes or dripping in sweat. Besides the discomfort (and possible odor), it’s just exhausting. And let’s not even talk about what humidity can do to your hair. Also, who wants to go out in the dead of winter? Wind, snow, frost, cold. Not very conducive to being outside.

Alfresco Dining

Alfresco (fresh air/outdoor) dining is on every corner – eating outdoors is one of my favorite treats. When you consider the cooler temps, lack of humidity, and absence of bugs in October, the prospect is even more attractive. During our last European vacation, we were able to have at least one meal at a cafe with outdoor seating nearly every day, enjoying the scenery and people-watching. It was so refreshing!

Check out these cool restaurants with a view from around the world.

Of course, you can plan a picnic anywhere when the weather’s nice. One of my absolute favorite meals was this pizza and wine overlooking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset. It was spectacular! Pizza never tasted so good. And here are some ocean-view restaurants with alfresco dining in Podstrana, Croatia that we enjoyed.

Here are some ideas for other awesome destinations for alfresco dining.

20 Top Outdoor Dining Destinations

Best Outdoor Dining in New York

Best Cities for Alfresco Dining

America’s Best Outdoor Restaurants

Venues are still open reasonable hours and are not yet closed for the winter off-season – Some venues may close an hour or so earlier in October than in the summer, due to shorter daylight hours, but it’s still possible to enjoy a full day of activities within the available time, especially because there aren’t so many crowds and lines to navigate.

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Autumn Leaf-Peeping

Some of the prime destinations to go leaf-peeping in October in the U.S. are New England, Shenandoah National Park, or the mountains of Colorado. Gorgeous red Maples, golden Aspen, and a rainbow of autumn leaves are on display – for prime fall color leaf-viewing. If you’re heading to the Hudson River Valley, in New York here’s a gorgeous Airbnb that we stayed in a few years ago. Of course, these aren’t the only places with great color. Even many parts of Europe and Asia have lovely fall foliage in October. That’s just an added bonus to an already perfect time of year.

Many Tourist Areas are Cheaper and Quieter

Prices are often lower for accommodations, airfare, and rental cars – We were able to get round trip flights from Washington DC, flying into Paris and out of Munich for under $700 per person with IcelandAir in October! Our prices for hotels and Airbnb stays were also more reasonable than during peak summer or holiday times.

Many kids are back in school in September, so families squeeze most of their vacation time into the summer months. That gives you an advantage if you can travel in October or the shoulder season. It’s the perfect lull between summer busyness and the holiday rush. Looking for something to do before ramping up for the holidays? What could be more fun than a new adventure?

October is one of the best times to visit Canada’s and America’s National Parks

Having most kids back in school makes visiting national parks much better in October too. Not that there’s anything wrong with having kids around. The benefits of the smaller crowds especially at the most popular national parks make a visit much more relaxing and enjoyable. First, you don’t have to fight to get reservations or seating for meals at the restaurants. You also have a better chance at lodging or camping reservations. The popular stops are also quieter and less crowded.

Fall Festivals

October also brings festival season! Think of OctoberFest in Germany and around the world, Fall Festivals, Wine Festivals, Harvest Festivals. Or perhaps you have the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta on your bucket list.

Are you a lover of mushrooms and truffles? Then check out these 20 events around the world celebrating these edible fungi. Some of them are in October. This perfect month also brings many food festivals to the Normandy Region of France in celebration of the 4 C’s of Normandy Cuisine. Foodies have a myriad of options. So many adventures, so little time…these are just a few.

Alba International White Truffle Fair – Italy

Best October Wine Tasting Destinations

12 of the Best Food Festivals Happening This Fall

Top 10 Harvest Festivals Around the World

20 of America’s Best Fall Festivals

15 Fun Events Around the World in October

Ghosts and Scary Stuff

If you’re a fan of Halloween and all things scary, you’ll find special spookiness this month. Ghost tours and haunting celebrations abound. Even Disney and other amusement parks are filled with ghostly experiences. Some are more family-friendly than others. Here are a few lists of haunted destinations in all shapes and sizes. Or start researching now with “A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to the Most Haunted Historic Sites in America“.

25 Ghost Tours Across America

10 North Carolina Ghost Tours

Best Haunted Destinations in the U.S. for the Halloween Lover

The South’s Best Ghost Tours

Ghost Hunting Tours Around the World

So, the next time you have the chance to travel in October, I hope you’ll take advantage of this magical season. You won’t regret it.

Where have you traveled in October? Which destination gets your vote as the best place to travel in October?

Tags: Al Fresco Dining, alfresco dining, Amusement Parks, Autumn, Disney, Fall, fall festivals, Fall Foliage, Fall leaves, Fall season, fall travel, featured, Festivals, France, Germany, Ghost Tours, Halloween, haunted houses, Inspiration, leaf peeping, National Parks, New England, october travel, Octoberfest, Outdoor dining, Spooky, travel, Wine Tasting

Category: United States, Colorado, Colorado, Croatia, Destinations, Europe, France, Germany, Maine, Mid-Atlantic States, New England States, New York, Normandy, North Carolina, Northeast States, Rocky Mountain States, Southwest States, Travel Tips, Trip Planning, Vermont, Virginia