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Summer may be over but that doesn’t mean your travels have to be as well. October is a great time to take advantage of shoulder season travel, that sweet spot between a destination’s busiest travel period and its quieter off-season. Depending on where you’re going, that can mean more comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists and sometimes better hotel rates and airfare.
Of course, October isn’t shoulder season everywhere. In places famous for their fall foliage, it’s actually one of the busiest times of year. But that’s part of what makes this month so interesting. While some destinations are winding down after summer, others are just coming into their own.
Whether you’re dreaming of a long weekend close to home or an international adventure, here are 10 destinations worth considering for an October getaway.
5 U.S. destinations to visit in October
1. Stowe, Vermont
If your idea of the perfect October getaway involves cozy sweaters, charming inns, apple cider and trees bursting with red, orange and gold leaves, Stowe is hard to beat.
This picturesque Vermont town looks like it belongs on a postcard, especially when the surrounding Green Mountains are showing off their fall colors. Spend your days exploring scenic back roads, visiting local farms, hiking or wandering through town with a warm drink in hand.
One of the best ways to experience the foliage is to drive along Route 100, which passes through some of Vermont’s prettiest countryside. You can also head up Mount Mansfield for sweeping mountain views.
Just keep in mind that October is peak season here, not shoulder season. Book accommodations well in advance, particularly if you’re planning a weekend trip.
Best time to visit: Early October for Stowe’s typical peak foliage, although timing varies with the weather.
2. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is beautiful year-round, but October might be one of the best months to experience its famous red-rock scenery.
After the intense heat of summer, daytime temperatures become much more comfortable for hiking, biking and exploring the area’s spectacular landscapes. The contrast between Sedona’s rust-colored rock formations and the brilliant blue autumn sky is pretty incredible.
Popular trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are especially appealing this time of year, although you’ll still want to get an early start to avoid crowds. For something a little different, take a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon, where deciduous trees add unexpected splashes of yellow and gold to the desert landscape.
Best time to visit: Throughout October, with fall color in Oak Creek Canyon generally becoming more noticeable later in the month.
3. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is one of those destinations that really comes alive in the fall. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers an appealing combination of gorgeous scenery, excellent restaurants, craft breweries and outdoor adventures.
October is an especially good time to explore the surrounding mountains, where changing leaves create spectacular views along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
What makes Asheville particularly appealing is its unusually long foliage season. Because the surrounding mountains vary so much in elevation, the leaves begin changing at higher altitudes before the color gradually makes its way down into the valleys.
You can spend the morning hiking, the afternoon exploring the Biltmore Estate and the evening enjoying Asheville’s lively food scene. Before setting out, check current trail and parkway conditions, particularly if you’re planning to drive through the mountains.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late October for fall foliage around Asheville, although higher elevations can peak earlier.
4. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe doesn’t always get the attention it deserves as a fall destination, but October is a wonderful time to visit.
The summer heat has eased, the skies are often brilliantly blue and the city’s adobe architecture looks especially beautiful against the autumn light.
Spend your days browsing art galleries along Canyon Road, exploring the historic Plaza and enjoying New Mexican cuisine. If you’ve never tried green chile on just about everything, this is the place to do it.
October is also an excellent time to venture into the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where golden aspens create a stunning contrast with the evergreen forests.
And if you can plan your trip for early October, consider combining Santa Fe with a visit to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in nearby Albuquerque. It’s one of the most spectacular hot-air balloon events in the world.
Best time to visit: Early October for fall color at higher elevations and the annual balloon fiesta.
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
Maine is magical in October, especially around Acadia National Park. The summer vacation crowds have started to disappear, the air is crisp and the park’s rugged coastline looks even more dramatic when framed by colorful autumn foliage.
One of the best experiences is driving the Park Loop Road, stopping at scenic overlooks and exploring the rocky shoreline. If you’re feeling adventurous, hike one of Acadia’s many trails or catch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain.
Nearby Bar Harbor is also a lovely place to spend a few days, with charming shops, seafood restaurants and cozy accommodations.
Be aware that early October can still be busy with leaf-peepers and cruise ship visitors. Later in the month, crowds generally decrease, but some seasonal businesses begin closing.
Best time to visit: Early-to-mid October for fall foliage, with quieter conditions later in the month.
5 international destinations to visit in October
6. Tuscany, Italy
Summer in Italy might be wildly popular but Tuscany is particularly wonderful in October. The scorching summer temperatures have faded, the vineyards are changing color and the region is celebrating the grape and olive harvests.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend your mornings exploring medieval hill towns, your afternoons visiting wineries and your evenings lingering over a long Italian dinner.
Florence is also much more pleasant to explore without the intense summer heat, although popular attractions can still draw substantial crowds.
If you’re renting a car to explore the countryside, make sure your phone is charged and you’ve downloaded offline maps before setting off. A European travel plug adapter is a useful addition to your packing list, particularly if you’re traveling with multiple devices that need charging overnight.
Best time to visit: Early-to-mid October for pleasant sightseeing weather and harvest-season experiences.
7. Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s cherry blossom season gets most of the attention but autumn is another beautiful time to visit and October offers some distinct advantages.
Kyoto‘s intense summer heat and humidity have generally subsided, making it much more comfortable to explore its historic temples, traditional neighborhoods and peaceful gardens. Spend a morning wandering through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, visit the famous Fushimi Inari shrine or explore the narrow streets of Gion.
One important thing to know: Kyoto’s most spectacular autumn foliage typically arrives in November, not October. If you’re visiting in October, think of the cooler temperatures and easier sightseeing as the main attractions, with the possibility of early color in nearby mountain areas.
Japan generally uses the same Type A plug shape as the United States, although its electrical voltage is different. Many modern phone and laptop chargers are dual-voltage, but always check the label before plugging anything in.
Best time to visit: Mid-to-late October for comfortable sightseeing temperatures.
8. Lisbon, Portugal
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, Lisbon is a fantastic October destination. Portugal’s capital often enjoys mild, sunny weather well into autumn, making it a lovely time to explore its colorful neighborhoods, historic streets and scenic waterfront.
Ride one of the city’s famous yellow trams, wander through Alfama, visit Belém and stop for a pastel de nata whenever the opportunity presents itself. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
October can also be a great time for day trips to nearby Sintra or the coastal town of Cascais, without the same level of summer tourism. Just pack a light jacket and be prepared for occasional rain.
When you’re spending your days exploring Lisbon’s hilly streets, using your phone for directions, taking photos and looking up restaurants, it’s surprisingly easy to drain your battery before dinner. That’s why I always recommend carrying a compact portable charger. It’s one of those travel essentials you’ll be glad to have when you’re miles from your hotel and your phone is running low. Look for a lightweight power bank with enough capacity to recharge your phone at least once, preferably with a built-in USB-C cable so you have one less thing to pack.
Best time to visit: Early-to-mid October for the best chance of lingering warm weather.
9. Munich, Germany
Munich is a fantastic fall destination, particularly if you enjoy a mix of history, culture, traditional food and beautiful autumn scenery.
Of course, the city’s famous Oktoberfest is a major draw, although here’s something that surprises many first-time visitors: Despite its name, Oktoberfest actually begins in September and typically ends during the first weekend of October. If you want to experience the festival, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
But even after Oktoberfest ends, Munich is worth visiting. The city’s parks turn beautiful shades of gold, the beer gardens can still be enjoyable on warmer afternoons and the cooler temperatures are perfect for sightseeing.
Take a walk through the English Garden, explore Marienplatz or venture outside the city to visit Bavaria’s castles and picturesque alpine towns.
If you’re combining Germany with other European destinations, a compact multiport travel adapter can be especially useful. Just remember that an adapter changes the plug shape, not the electrical voltage, so check your devices before traveling.
Best time to visit: The first few days of October for Oktoberfest, or later in the month for a quieter city break.
10. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is an excellent October destination, especially for travelers who love food, art, history and vibrant neighborhoods.
October falls near the end of the rainy season, and while afternoon showers are still possible, the temperatures are generally comfortable for exploring.
Spend your days visiting the city’s extraordinary museums, wandering through Roma and Condesa, exploring Chapultepec Park and sampling everything from street tacos to innovative fine dining.
Late October is particularly interesting because preparations for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, begin appearing throughout the city. You’ll see colorful marigolds, decorative skulls and elaborate displays celebrating this important Mexican tradition. The main holiday takes place on November 1 and 2, so consider extending your trip into early November if you’d like to experience the celebrations.
Another bonus for American travelers? Mexico generally uses familiar U.S.-style electrical outlets, so most travelers won’t need a plug adapter for standard phone chargers.
Best time to visit: Late October, especially if you want to experience the lead-up to Day of the Dead.
A few smart packing tips for October travel
One of the trickiest things about traveling in October is that the weather can vary dramatically depending on where you’re going.
You might need a warm jacket for Vermont, comfortable walking shoes and a raincoat for Lisbon, or lightweight layers for exploring Mexico City. My advice is to pack versatile pieces you can layer rather than bringing a completely different outfit for every possible temperature.
A few other things worth remembering:
- Check the forecast right before you leave. Fall weather can change quickly, particularly in mountainous destinations.
- Bring a compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket. Even destinations known for sunny October weather can have unexpected showers.
- Download offline maps. They’re especially helpful for road trips, remote hiking areas and international destinations where cell service may be unreliable.
- Keep your devices charged. Between navigation, photos, boarding passes and travel apps, your phone works overtime when you’re traveling.
- Check international plug types before departure. If you’re visiting several countries, a TESSAN universal travel adapter can simplify your charging setup, provided it supports the outlets at your destinations.
