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12 Cheap places to travel in October

Looking for cheap places to travel in October? Discover 12 destinations for a budget fall escape, from Europe to the US.

Published: August 26, 2025

Warm days, long days, and less crowds make October an excellent month for your next vacation. And let’s not forget it’s the perfect time to avoid the cut-throat prices! But where can you visit in October while on a budget?

Below, we cover 12 cheap places to travel in October. Our list covers everything from staycations to Southeast Asia, showing you why they are worth the visit and how much they will set you back.

Plus, we tell you how you can get unlimited data for less on your October travels with Holafly.

cheap places to visit in october

1. Madrid, Spain

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $100 

madrid
Madrid is a city rich in history, art, impressive architecture, and activities to suit all types of travelers. Source: Shutterstock.

By October, Madrid finally cools down. The sweltering summer is gone, and days settle into a pleasant range of 47°F to 71°F—ideal for walking the streets, lingering in plazas, and taking in the city’s history.

It’s also low season, which means cheaper flights and hotel deals, making Madrid one of the cheapest places to travel in October. You can often find a comfortable room for $30–$40 a night, a rare bargain in a European capital.

The Prado Museum is free in the evenings, a chance to see masterpieces without the price tag. For a quieter break, Retiro Park is perfect for a walk, a picnic, or just sitting under the trees.

If you have extra time, you can take a short train or bus ride to nearby towns. They’re close, easy to reach, and give you a glimpse of everyday Spain outside the capital. This makes Madrid one of the best cheap places to travel in October if you want both city and countryside in one trip.

💰Save on data while in Madrid with our eSIM for Spain!

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee 

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $100

Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg
The famous Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg draw visitors from the US and abroad. Source: Shutterstock.  

For all those looking for the cheap places to travel in October in the USA, Gatlinburg delivers with its stunning fall colors in the famous Great Smoky Mountains. Temperatures hover between 44°F and 71°F, perfect for hikes and scenic drives.

The best part? Entry to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is completely free. Accommodation ranges from rustic cabins to motels, with some spots as low as $40 a night.

You’ll find plenty of local diners and casual restaurants with cheap meals, or you can cook in your cabin to save on eating out. Free entertainment is the point of this October trip, with ideas ranging from hiking the trails to catching the lively shows at The Island in Pigeon Forge.

💰 Save on data while in Tennessee with our eSIM for the USA!

3. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $40 

Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh offers visitors a mix of modern skyscrapers, rich history, and delicious and affordable street food. Source: Shutterstock.

When looking for the cheap countries to visit in October, make sure to look into Vietnam. More precisely, Ho Chi Minh City is especially affordable. October brings the dry season, with highs around 88°F and lows of 75°F, making it ideal for exploring.

Rooms are easy to find for $10–$15 a night, and a bowl of pho from a street stall costs just a couple of dollars. The favorable exchange rate makes this one of the cheapest places to visit in October for international travelers.

This is one of the cheapest Asian countries to visit in October, offering big city buzz on a backpacker budget.

💰 Save on data while in Ho Chi Minh with our eSIM for Vietnam!

4. Lisbon, Portugal

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $100 

lisbon trams
Visitors to Lisbon can take a ride on the famous tram cars and walk along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. Source: Shutterstock.

Lisbon is calm but still sunny, with highs near 73°F and lows around 61°F. The summer crowds are gone, the prices drop, so Lisbon is one of the best cheap places to go in October in Europe.

Stay in a guesthouse or hostel for about $30 a night, and enjoy local flavors for less. Meals at neighborhood cafés or food markets run about $5–$10.

Portugal is one of the cheapest European countries this time of year, perfect for travelers who want culture, history, and good food without stretching the budget.

💰 Save on data while in Lisbon with our eSIM for Portugal!

5. San José, Costa Rica

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $80 

pura vide written on the costa rica beach
Visitors to Lisbon can take a ride on the famous tram cars and walk along the city’s quaint cobblestone streets. Source: Shutterstock.

If you are on the budget and are looking for a mix of city life and easy access to nature, San José is one of the cheapest places to travel in October. The average temperature sits at 77°F, and October brings fewer tourists.

Rooms go for about $15 a night, and meals at local “sodas” (casual eateries) cost $5–$10. If you’re staying longer, you can even join volunteer programs that include low-cost housing.

Free and cheap things to do include the Central Market, the National Theatre, and simply walking the city’s historic districts.

💰 Save on data while in San José with our eSIM for Costa Rica!

6. Cairo, Egypt

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $70 

Cairo
Ancient history, the River Nile, and breathtaking architecture keep tourists coming back to the city of Cairo. Source: Shutterstock.

Cairo is comfortable for sightseeing and walking in October, with highs of 84°F and lows of 64°F. Hotels start at around $20 a night, and the exchange rate makes food, taxis, and attractions affordable. For a unique experience, a felucca ride on the Nile can cost just $1–$2 – and is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Egypt.

If you’re hunting for the cheapest place to travel in October with world-class history, Cairo should be at the top of your list.

💰 Save on data while in Cairo with our eSIM for Egypt!

7. Albuquerque, New Mexico

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $150 

Albuquerque
The impressive ancient carvings surrounding the city of Albuquerque are a must-see for any history lover. Source: Shutterstock.

Looking for cheap places to travel in October in the USA? After the Balloon Fiesta wraps up, Albuquerque becomes a fantastic budget destination.

The weather is pleasant, around 72°F, and hotel rooms average about $60 a night. Outdoor activities like hiking, exploring Old Town, and visiting Petroglyph National Monument are free or nearly free. It’s also one of the cheapest places to fly in October domestically, thanks to off-season airfare.

💰 Save on data while in Albuquerque with our eSIM for the USA!

8. Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $80 

Mayagüez
The beautiful island of Mayagüez offers tourists picturesque beaches, affordability, and rich culture. Source: Shutterstock.

Mayagüez is a cheap place to travel in October 2025 for US citizens who want a Caribbean vibe without leaving the country. Temperatures range from 74°F to 89°F, and demand drops after summer – making it one of the best times to visit Puerto Rico.

Budget stays are about $15–$20 a night, and meals from comedores or kiosks run under $10. From there, you can catch public transport to nearby beaches like Playa Buyé. It’s one of the cheapest places to visit in October for culture, beaches, and affordability rolled into one.

💰 Save on data while in Mayagüez with our eSIM for Puerto Rico!

9. Chicago, Illinois

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $120 

chicago
Full of free attractions, museums, and famous architectural buildings, Chicago offers something for everyone. Source: Shutterstock.

In October, temperatures in Chicago drop to 47°F–63°F. The summer crowds have left, making it one of the cheapest places to travel in October within the US.

Budget hotels average around $50 a night, and the city is full of free attractions. Visit Millennium Park, explore the Chicago Cultural Center, or stop by the Lincoln Park Zoo—all without spending a dime.

💰 Save on data while traveling with our eSIM for Chicago!

10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $50 

batu caves
The Batu Caves of Malaysia are a mighty attraction, located just outside the major hubs of Kuala Lumpur. Source: Shutterstock.

For travelers seeking the best places to travel in October on a budget, Kuala Lumpur is a solid choice. With highs around 89°F, it’s warm and lively but less crowded than peak months.

Accommodation runs about $15 a night, and street food is famously cheap—just a few dollars per meal. Free attractions include the Batu Caves and the nightly water show at KLCC Park.

If you’re looking for the cheapest places to travel in October in Asia, Kuala Lumpur is hard to beat.

💰 Save on data while in Kuala Lumpur with our eSIM for Malaysia!

11. Savannah, Georgia

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $150 

savannah, georgia
The riverfront of Savannah, Georgia is perfect for a morning stroll, or for taking a ride on the Savannah Belles Ferry. Source: Shutterstock.

October is a great month to visit Savannah. The weather ranges from 58°F to 78°F, perfect for strolling the squares and historic neighborhoods.

Hotels average $70 a night, and long-term travelers can find shared housing for less. Free experiences include riding the Savannah Belles Ferry for riverfront views and exploring the city’s public squares.

Savannah is one of the cheap places to go in October if you want Southern charm and a touch of fall atmosphere.

💰 Save on data while in Savannah with our eSIM for North America!

12. Bali, Indonesia

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $50 

beach in bali
Visitors to the beautiful beaches of Bali can enjoy hours of swimming and people watching under the warm sun. Source: Shutterstock.

In October, Bali’s rainy season starts, which means cheaper prices and fewer visitors. Temperatures stay in the 70s and 80s, and showers usually pass quickly. Despite the low season, Bali is still one of the best places to travel in October outside of the US.

Basic rooms are easy to find for about $15 a night, and local meals rarely cost more than a few dollars.

Many of Bali’s highlights are free: walk the Campuhan Ridge in Ubud, relax on the beach at sunset, or take in the scenery of the rice fields.

💰 Save on data while in Bali with our eSIM for Indonesia!

Stay connected during your cheap October vacations with Holafly

Your October vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. And neither does your mobile data once you arrive at your destination. 

With a Holafly eSIM, you can get unlimited data for as low as $1.55 a day – the price of a Pastel de Nata in Lisbon or a bowl of pho in Ho Chi Minh.

With coverage in over 200 destinations, you can travel the world with peace of mind. Plus, with your eSIM you’ll get:

  • At least 500 MB of daily hotspot sharing
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Instant connection to local mobile networks

If you’re headed abroad for longer, your best bet is to opt for one of our monthly Holafly Plans.  The Unlimited Plan gives you unlimited data and hotspot sharing in 170+ destinations, all under a single eSIM profile and for $64.90/month. 

That means you can explore all of these cheapest places to visit in October for less, with Holafly.

I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.

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