Language 
Best places to travel in October 2026: Top destinations to add to your list
Discover the best places to travel in October from Australia, including short escapes like Fiji, autumn trips to Tokyo, and iconic destinations like Egypt.
With the spring school holidays coming to an end and the year-end travel rush still weeks away, October is an ideal time for Australians to plan a getaway. Lower airfares, fewer crowds, and better weather make it easier to explore some of the world’s most popular destinations.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel in October from Australia, including nearby getaways, autumn destinations across Asia, and iconic long-haul trips that are well worth the journey.
An eSIM you can rely on
Join over 10 million Holafly customers and get connected with our trusted, global services.
Why October is a great month for Australians to travel
October is one of the most versatile months for Australians to travel overseas. It falls just after the spring school holidays, when demand and airfares often ease, while many popular destinations enter their best travel season.
Southeast Asia and much of the Pacific welcome the start of the dry season, making beach holidays and island escapes more appealing. At the same time, Europe and parts of North Asia enter autumn, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds than during the summer peak, which gives Australians plenty of options for both short getaways and long-haul adventures.
Short-haul escapes from Australia in October
Not every overseas holiday needs a long flight. These nearby island destinations offer warm weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty of outdoor activities, all within easy reach of Australia.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu is one of the closest tropical getaways from Australia, known for its white-sand beaches, clear lagoons, active volcanoes, and rich Melanesian culture. It’s ideal for travellers who want a mix of relaxation, adventure, and authentic island experiences.
Expected weather: Warm and dry with temperatures around 22°C–28°C.
Top things to do:
- Visit Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna Island.
- Snorkel or dive in crystal-clear reefs.
- Swim in the Blue Lagoon.
- Explore Millennium Cave.
- Relax on Champagne Beach.
- Experience traditional village tours.
Fiji
Fiji is a popular island destination for Australians, offering more than 300 islands, tropical beaches, colourful coral reefs, lush rainforests, and a welcoming local culture. While most visitors fly, if you have more time, cruises to Fiji from Australia are another popular way to reach the islands and experience several ports before arriving.
Expected weather: Warm and sunny with temperatures around 23°C–29°C.
Top things to do:
- Island-hop through the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.
- Snorkel or dive vibrant coral reefs.
- Relax at beachfront resorts.
- Visit the Sabeto Mud Pool and Hot Springs.
- Go river rafting on the Upper Navua River.
- Experience a traditional kava ceremony.
New Caledonia
New Caledoniais an ideal short international trip from Australia, thanks to its proximity and direct flights from major Australian cities. The destination combines French culture with South Pacific scenery, offering turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, excellent food, and outdoor adventures within easy reach.
Expected weather: Mild and sunny with temperatures around 20°C–26°C.
Top things to do:
- Swim or snorkel in the UNESCO-listed lagoon.
- Explore Nouméa’s beaches, markets, and waterfront.
- Visit Île aux Canards Marine Reserve.
- Take a day trip to Amédée Island or Îlot Maître.
- Hike in Blue River Provincial Park.
- Sample French and Melanesian cuisine.
Autumn-colour escapes from Australia in October
Autumn paints these destinations in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating some of the year’s most spectacular scenery. Comfortable temperatures also make it easier to explore parks, historic streets, and mountain trails while enjoying the Northern Hemisphere’s colourful fall season.
Tokyo, Japan
Travelling to Japan from Australia is a bucket-list experience for many Australians, and Tokyo is one of the best places to enjoy the country’s autumn colours. Parks and gardens transform with brilliant shades, while the city’s festivals, seasonal food, and comfortable weather make October an excellent time to visit.
Expected weather: Mild and comfortable, with temperatures around 15°C–22°C.
Top things to do:
- Admire autumn foliage at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.
- Visit Meiji Jingu and Yoyogi Park.
- Take a day trip to Mount Takao.
- Explore Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple.
- Sample seasonal dishes and autumn sweets.
- Shop in Shibuya and Ginza.
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is one of Asia’s best autumn destinations, with crisp weather and colourful fall foliage across the city. Just a short trip from the capital, Nami Island is famous for its tree-lined roads covered in red, orange, and yellow leaves during October.
Add scenic walks along the Han River and seasonal festivals, and it’s easy to see why autumn is one of the best times to visit the city.
Expected weather: Cool and dry, with temperatures around 10°C–20°C.
Top things to do:
- Take a day trip to Nami Island.
- Walk or cycle along the Han River.
- Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace surrounded by autumn colours.
- Hike in Bukhansan National Park.
- Explore Bukchon Hanok Village.
- Attend Seoul’s autumn festivals and cultural events.
Beijing, China
Beijing combines imperial history with colourful autumn scenery, and October offers ideal conditions to explore the city’s famous landmarks. There are plenty of things to do in Beijing, from walking the Great Wall to visiting the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.
If you visit around China’s National Day, expect larger crowds during the Golden Week holiday.
Expected weather: Cool and dry, with temperatures around 10°C–20°C.
Top things to do:
- Walk the Great Wall surrounded by autumn colours.
- Explore the Forbidden City.
- Visit the Summer Palace.
- Wander through the Temple of Heaven.
- Stroll around Beihai Park.
- Sample Beijing’s famous Peking duck.
Long-haul escapes from Australia in October
A longer journey opens the door to ancient wonders, vibrant cultures, and unforgettable landscapes. October also brings cooler weather to many of these destinations, which makes sightseeing far more comfortable than during the hotter months.
Morocco
Morocco is a feast for the senses, where bustling medinas, colourful souks, ancient kasbahs, and golden desert dunes create an unforgettable journey. Milder temperatures make sightseeing much more comfortable, and you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Morocco, from camel trekking in the Sahara to exploring the blue streets of Chefchaouen.
Expected weather: Warm and mostly dry, with temperatures around 18°C–30°C, depending on the region.
Top things to do:
- Explore the medina of Marrakech.
- Ride a camel in the Sahara Desert.
- Visit the blue streets of Chefchaouen.
- Wander through Fes’ historic old town.
- Hike in the Atlas Mountains.
- Shop for local crafts in traditional souks.
India
After the monsoon season, many parts of India become more comfortable for sightseeing, making it easier to explore its historic cities, mountain landscapes, and cultural landmarks.
Before you go, it’s worth brushing up on a few travel tips in India, such as dressing appropriately at religious sites, carrying cash for smaller vendors, and planning ahead if your trip coincides with Diwali celebrations.
Expected weather: Warm to hot, with temperatures around 20°C–33°C, depending on the region.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra.
- Explore Jaipur’s forts and palaces.
- Cruise along the Ganges River in Varanasi.
- Discover Delhi’s markets and street food.
- Relax on Goa’s beaches.
- Experience Diwali celebrations if your visit coincides with the festival.
Egypt
Egypt’s cooler autumn weather makes long days of sightseeing far more enjoyable than during the peak of summer. There are countless things to do in Egypt, whether you want to stand before the Pyramids of Giza, cruise along the Nile, explore ancient temples, or snorkel in the Red Sea.
Expected weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures around 22°C–35°C.
Top things to do:
- Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.
- Explore the temples of Luxor and Karnak.
- Take a Nile River cruise.
- Tour the Valley of the Kings.
- Snorkel or dive in the Red Sea.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Tips for planning an October trip from Australia
For a smoother October getaway from Australia, keep these tips in mind before you book your trip.
- Book early to lock in better prices on flights and accommodation.
- Check visa requirements and passport validity before departure.
- Pack for the season, as the weather varies between tropical and autumn destinations.
- Get travel insurance to protect against unexpected delays or cancellations.
- Use a travel eSIM to stay connected wherever you go.
- Plan your itinerary in advance, especially if you’re visiting multiple destinations or popular attractions.
Stay connected on your October trip with Holafly
Landing in Port Vila, Seoul or Cairo, you want your phone working before you reach the baggage carousel. An eSIM for your destination from Holafly gives you unlimited data with speeds up to 5G, so maps, ride-hailing apps and translation tools are ready the moment you arrive.
If anything needs sorting out along the way, 24/7 customer support is available in your language.
Plans shift on the road: a delayed connection out of Nadi, an extra night in Marrakech, a return flight that moves. Keep your Holafly eSIM installed and Always On: 1 GB of monthly backup data is there at no extra cost, so you still have data to rebook a flight or message home once your plan has run out.
Get an unlimited data eSIM
Use code MYESIMNOW5 for 5% off at checkout
FAQs about the best places to travel to in October
A two-week holiday gives you enough time to explore long-haul destinations like Japan, South Korea, Morocco, Egypt, or India without rushing. If you prefer a beach escape, you can also combine several islands in Fiji or spend time exploring both Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia are among the best tropical destinations for Australians in October. Warm temperatures, low rainfall, and clear waters create excellent conditions for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and island hopping.
Countries likeVietnam, Indonesia, and Bulgaria are among the cheapest countries to visit in October, with budget-friendly accommodation, inexpensive local transport, and affordable dining options.
Plans that may interest you
哈囉我是來自台灣的 Wen，平常最喜歡旅遊，也喜歡將旅遊的種種化成文字跟大家分享，希望大家能在我的文章中找到有用的資訊，加上 Holafly 的 eSIM，讓你的旅程更美好！✈️✈️✈️ Hi! I'm Wen, a passionate content writer and travel enthusiast from Taiwan. I transform my wanderlust adventures into engaging stories and practical guides, helping fellow travelers make the most of their journeys.Through my articles, I strive to provide travel tips while introducing how our eSIM technology can enhance your travel experience - keeping you connected wherever your adventures take you!
