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Best places to travel in October 2025
Read about all of the best places to travel in October, whether you’re looking for crisp weather adventures in the great outdoors, fall festivals in international cities, or spiritual destinations outside peak season.
The leaves are falling, the colors are coming out, and the pumpkin-spiced lattes abound. October hosts a number of festivals, holidays, and beautiful weather days for outdoor activities around the world.
Looking for sunny cities to enjoy outside of peak season? We’ve got you covered. Or maybe you’re hunting the coziest, most colorful mountain town. Also found, all right here.
From exploring Dracual’s castle in Transylvania to savoring the diverse flavors of Mexico City’s cuisine, here are the best places to travel in October.
Best places to visit in October for fall foliage
Painters have painted it for centuries, songwriters have sung its glory, and photographers have organized their calendars accordingly – if one thing October is loved for, it’s fall foliage. Here are the best places to visit in October to enjoy it.
New England, USA
One of the all-time best places to travel in October in the USA for leaves of every color is New England. Peak foliage in New England varies by state and elevation. In northern areas (like Vermont and New Hampshire) it peaks earlier, around the first week of October. While southern regions (like Massachusetts and Connecticut) usually peak around mid-October.
🍁Best October activities:
- Scenic drives: Explore the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or Vermont’s Route 100 for storybook fall scenery.
- Apple picking: Visit family-run orchards like Honey Pot Hill in Massachusetts or Hackleboro Orchards in New Hampshire for fresh apples and cider donuts— a cozy fall weather must.
- Hiking: Enjoy crisp air and golden forests hiking through Acadia National Park in Maine or Franconia Notch in New Hampshire.
- BnB stays: Cozy up in a charming bed-and-breakfast in Woodstock, Vermont, or the Berkshires for peak autumn vibes and fireside relaxation.
🗺️Top travel tip: Make it a road trip, starting north in Vermont or New Hampshire and head south to get the best of the colors without a hurry.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
Visit the Bavarian Alps in October for breathtaking alpine scenery, with the mountains blanketed in orange and gold hues as autumn sets in.
You can also enjoy the festive atmosphere of Oktoberfest in Munich. Or, cozy up in traditional alpine lodges, experiencing local culture through hearty cuisine and folk music in scenic towns like Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Füssen, and Mittenwald.
🍁Best October activities:
- Castle visits: Wander through the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle or the medieval Hohenschwangau Castle, both surrounded by stunning autumn landscapes.
- Cozy stays at alpine lodges: Unwind in a traditional Bavarian lodge in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, savoring delicious dishes like schnitzel and warm apple strudel by the fire.
- Hiking: Explore trails like the Partnach Gorge or the Zugspitze foothills for crisp mountain air and panoramic seasonal views.
🗺️Top travel tip: While English is widely spoken in major cities, you are more likely to encounter the native language, German, in small mountain towns. Most locals are accommodating but a “Guten Morgen” (good morning) thanks to Google Translate goes a long way.
If traveling to Germany means international travel for you, be sure to study up on how to avoid roaming charges before you go abroad! Essential travel apps like Google Translate, Maps, and AirBnb require mobile data.
Quebec, Canada
Quebec is one of the best places to visit in October. The rich autumn colors in its National Parks, such as Mont-Tremblant, are breathtaking.
Fall festivals like Le Festival de la Galette de Sarrasin, steeped in folk tradition and full of buckwheat pancakes, add to the charm. Favored hikes like the Pink Lake and King Mountain trails in Gatineau Park offer stunning views, making the season even more magical.
🍁Best October activities:
- Kayaking: Paddle along the Saint Lawrence River or through the fiery red and orange reflections on Lake Tremblant.
- Fall festivals: Experience the charm of Le Festival de la Galette de Sarrasin or the Oktoberfest de Repentigny, where local flavors, music, and traditions bring the season to life.
- Hiking: The trails of Mont-Tremblant and Gatineau Park’s Pink Lake showcase Quebec’s fabulous fall foliage.
🗺️Top travel tip: Use this packing list for international trips to cover your essentials if you’ll be crossing borders to get here.
Lake District, England
The best place to travel in October for water lovers is the Lake District in England. October is a great month to catch the stunning scenery and autumn colors and enjoy outdoor activities by quieter waterside trails.
The weather is generally mild, though it can be unpredictable, so pack water-resistant clothing and boots.
🍁Best October activities:
- Hike Catbells: A relatively short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Derwentwater and the surrounding mountains
- Conquer Helvellyn via Striding Edge: A more challenging hike, offering one of the most iconic ridge walks in the Lake District
- Buttermere Circuit: A beautiful and moderate hike that loops around Buttermere Lake
- Boat rides
- Explore picturesque villages, like Ambleside, Hawkshead, Kendal, or Keswick, where you can wander through charming streets, visit quaint local shops, and enjoy cozy cafés or traditional pubs.
🗺️Top travel tip: Adjust your iPhone settings for international travel to optimize your phone and minimize your costs abroad.
Best places to visit in October for city escapes
Cities offer unique cultural experiences, architectural views, and opportunities to discover new food. Here are the best places to visit in October for city escapes to remember.
Seville, Spain
Any quality Spain travel guide will send you to Sevilla. What makes it one of the best places to travel in October is the sunny skies, pleasant temperatures (around 26°C or 79°F during the day), and absence of peak season crowds.
🍁Best October activities:
- Catch a Flamenco show: Experience one of Spain’s most famous cultural art forms in October with fewer summer tourists. Find passionate performances throughout the city at places like Casa de la Memoria.
- Wine, dine, and more: Filled with wonderful restaurants and historical sites, there’s plenty to eat, drink, and see in this beautiful city. Visit Alcázar Palace and then go for at least a couple of tapas in Plaza de la Contratación, just around the corner.
- Experience Día de la Hispanidad: Spain’s Columbus Day, October 12th, celebrates Spanish heritage and history with events, parades, and festivities. In Seville, there’s always a reason to dance, though on this holiday you’re even more likely to find performances, music, and cultural exhibitions in public spaces.
✌ ️ Cultural and language considerations: You will find fewer locals who speak English in Sevilla than in larger cities in Spain like Barcelona and Madrid. Before arriving, make sure your phone works in Europe so you can use essential travel apps like Google Translate to get around, ask for help, and learn more! Don’t be shy, the south of Spain is known for its hospitality.
Vienna, Austria
In Vienna you can find classical concerts, stunning architecture, and cozy coffee houses. Experiencing fewer crowds in the shoulder season, this iconic European city offers more space for inspiration and contemplation to locals and tourists alike during the autumn months.
🍁Best October activities:
- Vienna International Film Festival: Austria’s premier film festival, held annually in October, showcases a diverse selection of international and Austrian films, with a focus on art-house, independent cinema, and emerging talent. The 2025 festival will take place October 16-28. Tickets are available from October 12, at 10:00 am. You can purchase your tickets at the pre-selling office Gartenbaukino, by phone, or online.
- Vienna Design Week: A celebration of design, creativity, and innovation featuring exhibitions, workshops, and installations throughout the city. Dates for the 2025 festival are September 26th to October 5th. Ticket prices vary on an event-by-event basis, so book in advance and check the official website for details.
- Kürbisfest (Pumpkin Festival): Held in some of Vienna’s parks like Augarten Park and markets like Naschmarkt, this festival celebrates the harvest season with pumpkin everything—pumpkin dishes, pumpkin carving, and autumn crafts. It’s a fun, family-friendly activity for anyone visiting in October.
✌️Cultural and language considerations: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas. Basic German phrases can go a long way in showing respect and the handshake is the common greeting.
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is often considered one of the more affordable tourist destinations in Western Europe. With direct flights to and from the USA, some of the best prices in comparison to other European capitals, and a highly walkable layout, it’s one of the best places to travel in October on a budget for international travel.
🍁Best October activities:
- Enjoy local Fado music: Cozy up in traditional taverns as cooler evenings set the perfect mood for soulful songs – just a singer, guitar, you, and maybe your plus-one.
- Fresh seafood experiences: October’s mild weather makes outdoor dining ideal for savoring seasonal seafood dishes like grilled sardines – an absolute must.
- Explore historic neighborhoods: Free of their summer crowds, Alfama and Belém are extra special in autumn, offering a relaxed way to enjoy Lisbon’s charm
✌️Cultural and language considerations: Home to the westernmost point of Europe, Lisbon has been a historic gateway for global exploration, blending Portuguese traditions with diverse cultural influences today. While Portuguese is the official language, its global ties mean English is widely spoken, especially in tourist hubs.
🗺️Top travel tip: Lisbon’s sunny climate continues in October, making it enjoyable to explore the city. Though, particularly towards the end of the month, you may encounter rain so be sure to add a raincoat to your Europe packing list.
Best places to visit in October for outdoor adventures
Whether it’s the fresh, crisp autumn air or the desire to extend summer that sends out the call for adventure, here are the top spots to enjoy the great outdoors in October.
Nepal
October is peak hiking season in Nepal with clear skies and mild temperatures (around 17°C-25°C or 63°F-77°F in the lowlands).
However, if you intend to hike the Himalayas or visit Everest Base Camp, you can expect cooler temperatures with higher altitudes, dropping to around 0°C-15°C (32°F-59°F) by day and below freezing by night. In other words, pack layers!
🍁Best October activities:
- Hike the Himalayas: Hike the world’s tallest peaks, experience their spiritual significance, and explore the biodiversity of this unique location.
- Visit Everest Base Camp: Become one of the few and proud to visit this bucket-list destination.
- Explore Annapurna Circuit: Another beautiful hike within the mountain ranges of central Nepal providing unmatched views
✌️Cultural and language considerations: Nepal hosts a traditional culture, numerous sacred sites, and powerful nature – making it exciting to visit, and necessary to respect. Wear conservative clothing while you travel, ask before you take pictures, and consult travel experts for excursions.
The Scottish Highlands
If October rings bells of storytelling, ancient tales, and adventure for you, why not immerse yourself in the legend of Loch Ness in the highlands of Scotland?
Other fall highlights include cozy evenings in lodges, spotting wildlife like red deer and golden eagles, and visiting unforgettable natural destinations.
🍁Best October activities:
- Scenic hikes: Try Ben Nevis for a challenging climb with panoramic views over the surrounding glens and lochs, The Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye for a moderate hike and views of the island’s coastline and jagged peaks, or Fairy Pools, also on the Isle of Skye, for an easier hike to crystal-clear, turquoise pools.
- Cozy lodges: Search Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking for bed and breakfasts and cozy vacation rentals in the Scottish Highlands for your cabin in the woods and embrace all the green of Scotland.
- Unforgettable destinations: If you prefer to stay in the city of Edinburg, you can take a day trip to Glencoe, Loch Ness, and more of the Scottish Highlands. Guided tours are available, search online or ask your host for recommendations.
✌️Cultural and language considerations: While there’s surely a local accent and dialect, English is widely spoken in Scotland.
🗺️Top travel tip: Scotland is lovely to explore by car. Reserve a rental and download the best travel apps before you go to travel smart, safe, and efficient.
Utah’s National Parks, USA
One of the best places to travel in October in the USA is Utah. Fall is shoulder season for Utah’s National Parks, meaning fewer tourists and more time with nature. Also, the weather is more moderate compared to the intense summer heat or cold winters.
🍁Best October activities:
- Iconic hikes: National Parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches are full of unbelievable and otherworldly trails, ranging in level of difficulty and therefore accessible to the novice or family up to the trained athlete.
- Stunning photography: There’s something only the hues of October can create, no matter what filters you have access to. Experience the light and setting that makes this area a destination for photographers around the world.
- Park City Wine Festival: Held in October in Park City annually, explore wine tastings, seminars, and gourmet food pairings.
✌ ️Cultural and language considerations: Full of beautiful nature and native tradition, remember to leave no trace on the trails and respect indigenous cultures throughout the land.
Best places to visit in October for unique experiences
Wondering where to travel in October for a trip to remember? Look no further. Here are three special destinations for unique experiences.
Transylvania, Romania
Just imagine it – visiting Dracula’s Castle on Halloween. Home to Bran Castle, known for inspiring the original Dracula story, Transylvania, Romania offers rich history, spooky stories, and a gorgeous setting for an October trip to remember.
🍁Best October activities:
- Visit Dracula’s Castle on Halloween: Explore Bran Castle’s dark corridors and chambers by candlelight, accompanied by live performances, eerie storytelling, and costume parties. Tickets go for about $25 for adults and $13 for kids.
- Hike the Carpathian Mountains: Continue the adventure in the dense forests, charming villages, and hiking trails of the Carpathian Mountains. Most of the Carpathian region is well-connected by road and rail, making it easy for travelers to access various parts of the range from Transylvanian cities.
- Explore colorful nearby towns: Mountain towns like Sinaia, Predeal, or Poiana Brașov make for great hiking day trips
✌️Cultural and language considerations: Transylvania, like most of Romania, is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate, especially in tourist areas. However, LGBTQ+ rights are still evolving in Romania. Romanian is the official language, but many people, especially in tourist areas, speak English, Hungarian, or German.
🗺️Top travel tip: Reserve tour tickets well in advance – hot destinations like Dracula’s Castle book up quickly!
Mexico City, Mexico
Beyond the blue skies, white sand beaches, and unforgettable stand-up paddleboarding you can find in the coastal areas of Mexico, Mexico City offers great food, vibrant nightlife, and cutting-edge fashion and design also worth writing home about.
Year-round you can find colorful markets, incredible museums, and inspiring street art in this capital city. Yet, what makes it one of the best places to travel to in October is, of course, Día de los Muertos.
🍁Best October activities:
- Lead-up to Día de los Muertos: Mexico City transforms in October with vibrant decorations like marigold flowers, papel picado (a traditional Mexican craft), and colorful skulls. Markets like Mercado Jamaica brim with festive items for altars.
- Día de los Muertos celebrations: Experience the grand Desfile de Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead Parade) featuring elaborate costumes, floats, and music. Families create ofrendas (alters) honoring loved ones with photos, candles, and favorite foods.
- Traditional foods and festivities: Savor pan de muerto (sweet bread) and sugar skulls, while visiting cemeteries like Mixquic, where traditions come alive with candlelit vigils and offerings.
✌️Cultural and language considerations: Mexico City is a large global city with strong traditional roots and international influence. Spanish is the most dominant language, while you will also find many people speaking English. Always check with your government’s official travel advisory website for up-to-date safety information and guidance before traveling internationally and adhere to essential safety trips when traveling alone.
🗺️Top travel tip: Stay connected with the Holafly eSIM for Mexico if you’re traveling from overseas or your home network’s coverage doesn’t cover Mexico, not all carriers in the US do.
Bhutan
Rest, relax, and recharge among the peaceful monasteries in Bhutan, a country known for its Gross National Happiness (GNH).
That’s right, Bhutan measures its success based on Gross National Happiness rather than Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Year-round Bhutan focuses on environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and the well-being of its people. Yet – autumn’s clear weather and cultural event calendar make it one of the best places to travel in October.
🍁Best October activities:
- Thimphu Tshechu festival: A traditional festival with mask dances and local traditions celebrating the teachings of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan
- Trekking in the Himalayas: Popular hikes like the Druk Path Trek and Jomolhari Trek take you through pristine landscapes, alpine meadows, and forests filled with rhododendrons and pine trees are extra special in the agreeable fall temperatures.
- Peaceful monasteries: Visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu), and many other monasteries in Bhutan for a blend of serene surroundings, beautiful architecture, and a deep sense of spirituality.
✌️Cultural and language considerations: Bhutanese culture values respect, humility, and modesty, so dressing conservatively and being polite is important. The official language is Dzongkha, but English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and by younger generations.
Stay connected on your trip with Holafly
We hope this guide to the best places to travel in October has left you with plenty to plan for your trip! Whether you decide to explore the scenic sites of autumn in Europe or choose an adventure in Asia, be sure to stay connected with the eSIM for your destination.
Holafly offers 24/7 customer service in a variety of languages, easy installation, and unlimited data packages across the globe. Made by travelers, for travelers, the Holafly eSIM was designed to help you fly with peace of mind.
No more monstrous data roaming charges, pesky physical SIM card swaps at customs, or arriving abroad without connection. Secure coverage before you go, and let your October adventure unfold.
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Detroit native, foothills and lakes of North Carolina raised, Barcelona-based writer and creator. Sam lives and loves by the phrase: words create worlds. An international lifestyle matched with a background in psychology, business, and creative writing has allowed Sam to create content for a range of artists, entrepreneurs, and fashion and lifestyle brands across the globe. Sam's an avid water sports athlete with a passion for fashion, well-being, and adventure.
