Autumn colors, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures are what we’re looking forward to this October.

October is an excellent time to travel to global destinations. Considered the shoulder season in most continents, it boasts a healthy balance of good weather and shorter lines. October is one of the best months of the year to experience the real culture of the place while avoiding the cold winter months. Festivals abound from food to film to comics. Please note that not all the events mentioned in this article will be occurring this year due to the on-going pandemic. Check with your travel agent and local government regulations before planning a trip to any of these destinations.

Cambodia

Cambodia with its ancient architecture, archeological artifacts, and rugged landscape is a wonderful Asian country to visit in October. And what an ideal time to visit. You avoid the crowds of peak season tourism between November and April but enjoy moderate weather and lower rainfall than the previous months. The Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia is at its peak. And fresh fruits and vegetables are in their prime. Not only does Cambodia, located just south of Thailand, have good weather in October, but it also has some of the best festivals and events. Commemorations and celebrations are common, but the Water Festival is a real treat. Starting in the end of October, the event spans over three days and honors ancient Cambodian war victories. Locals also give thanks for the harvest and pray for happiness and rain for rice cultivation.

Cambodia

South Africa - Cape Town

Cape Town, located on the southwestern tip of Africa, has everything you could want for a vacation town. Panoramic ocean views, gorgeous mountains, and luscious vineyards abound with activities for every interest. October happens to be one of the best times to visit Cape Town, South Africa as well. Considered the shoulder season, October in Cape Town has excellent weather, smaller crowds, and more affordable prices. Cape Town has a full events calendar in October as well. Wine and beer festivals, music shows, home and deco expos, and some fun Halloween events make Cape Town the place to be in October. 

Cape Town, South Africa

Catalonia, Spain

Catalonia is the most visited region of all of Spain. With Mediterranean beach resorts, the Pyrenees Mountains, and the vibrant city of Barcelona, it’s easy to see why. Because of its location of the coast, the best times to visit are late spring and early fall. The summer months often being very hot and humid. October is a great time. Tourism isn’t at its peak, the weather is balmy (average temperatures sitting at around 70F), and there are plenty of things to do. In fact, October is one of the best times to visit for cultural events in Catalonia. The jazz festivals, horror film festivals, and a Spanish version of Oktoberfest are all in October. The museums and year-round attractions are also open and not crowded. If you are a fan of spooky October events, don’t miss out of the Stiges Film Festival. Stiges is a small town located near Barcelona featuring a horror and fantasy film festival. There is also a Zombie Walk where the locals dress up and parade. 

Catalonia, Spain

Ireland

Ireland in the fall is quite lovely: the autumn colors are bright and cheery, and the summer accommodations and activities are open at a fraction of the cost. It is Ireland’s rainiest month so bring a raincoat and focus on visiting inner city events. When you do get a sunny day, it will be worth all the rain because Ireland trees are beautiful. Many small towns close to tourists in the winter, so October often is a perfect time to catch these beacons of rural Irish culture before hotels close till spring. Cultural happenings in October are varied and exciting with many festivals. The Dublin Theatre festival is over two weeks long and is the oldest festival of its kind in Europe. Although the Dingle Food Festival has been postponed for this year, it’s also a fun way to explore local foods with over 50 stalls, workshops, tastings, and cooking demonstrations. 

Dublin, Ireland

Croatia

October is an ideal month to visit sunny Croatia. A fantastic combination of comfortable temperatures (averages of 70F), bright fall colors, fewer tourists, and warm enough water for water sports, Croatia makes a good beach vacation even in the fall. The water remains at 65F, warm enough to swim. It is also orange and tangerine season, and restaurants love to incorporate the array of produce from the harvest. Croatia’s Independence Day is also celebrated on October 8, with celebrations and shows of patriotism throughout the land. If you’re a foodie, white truffles are at their peak in October. The peninsula of Istria celebrates this unique and luxurious fungi with exhibitions, fairs, and of course truffle and truffle oil tasting.

Croatia

Lake District – England

Clear glacial lakes surrounded by mountains and small market towns make the Lake District a lovely piece of heaven in northwestern England. England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike is in this area. Known for its walks and hikes appropriate for various age levels, the Lake District also has a bustling food scene with hearty rustic meals to Michelin-star fine dining. The autumn colors of the Lake District are especially magnificent in October. Wander through the mountainous countryside and then warm up with a classic ale by the fire. There are also historic houses, art galleries, and castles to explore for those who aren’t as outdoorsy. The Derwent Pencil Museum is enjoyable for the whole family and includes the Queen’s diamond jubilee pencil. The comic art festival is also in October celebrating local and international comic artists and writers.

Lake District, England

Istanbul, Turkey

Sunny days with average temperatures in the 60’s makes October in Istanbul a popular time to visit. Bridging the high tourism time of year with the low, October is considered shoulder season. In other words, an ideal time for excellent weather and shorter lines. Republic Day is on October 29 in Turkey. Locals will gather for the national holiday to enjoy fireworks, concerts, parades, and other historical events to mark the day Turkey was proclaimed a republic in 1923. The Akbank Jazz Festival is also exciting for music lovers, with various venues and times in the month of October. While you may need a raincoat on occasion, historical, cultural Istanbul, Turkey will not disappoint in October. 

Istanbul, Turkey

Albuquerque, New Mexico

You don’t need to leave the country to enjoy exciting October events. Albuquerque, New Mexico is alive with activities and temperate weather come October. Most notably in the International Balloon Fiesta. Hot air balloons of every shape and color fill the skies of the Grande Valley in this nine-day event. Of course, there are plenty of other activities to explore during the festival in addition to the almost 600 balloons. Live music, rodeos, competitions, exhibitions, and fireworks will provide you with endless fun in Albuquerque. 

Albuquerque,New Mexico