Summer doesn’t mean travel has to stop. This article will provide you with information on the best travel destinations October. Fewer crowds and cheaper flights make October the perfect month to travel. We offer some of the cheapest fares for air travel and hotels to all of our recommended locations.
1. The Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is home to Prague which is one of the world’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its iconic castles, chateaus, and mansions make it a popular travel destination. Approximately, 8 million people visit Prague every year. The weather in the time of October ranges from the low 60s to high 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to the picturesque castles that you can tour, October is great time to visit to see fall colors. The Czech Republic offers a beautiful range of fall colors which make it perfect for hiking. One of the most popular hiking locations, is the region called the Bohemian Switzerland.
October is also replete with fall festivals throughout the country side. Tour groups are also typically smaller during this time of the year. Unlike the summer time, smaller tour groups make a more intimate travel experience. The Czech Republic also has some of the cheapest flights from any major airport. However, one of the main reasons to visit the Czech Republic is the beer. Beer is perhaps the country’s claim to fame. Some of the most popular beers, Budweiser, originated in the Czech Republic. Aside from big name breweries, there are also many craft beers in the countries any breweries.
2. Croatia
Croatia has always been a popular travel destination. Dating back to the days of when it was part of the Austria-Hungary empire. In the late 60s and early 70s, many Europeans made it a summer travel destination. In recent years, Croatia has gained more fame by being one of the filming locations for the popular HBO show, “Game of Thrones.” The city of Dubrovnik is the fictional “Kings Landing,” and it is one of the main tourist attractions.
Tourist season peaks in the months of July and August, attracting over 11 million tourists in 2021. October is a great month to visit to avoid the heavy crowds that Croatia brings. It has ten locations that are registered on the UNESCO World Heritage sites. These ten sites are:
- Plitvice National Park
- Palace of Diocletian
- Dubrovnik
- Euphrasian Basilica
- Trogir
- Sibenik Cathedral of St. James
- Stucci Medieval Graveyards
- Primeval Beech Forests
- Venetian Works of Defense
- Stari Grad Plain
The weather during this time of the year can be pretty mild with rain showers. It is important to pack a light jacket as temperatures can range from the low 50s to high 60s. However, in other parts of the country the weather is perfect for a beach vacation you can tour the island of Brac. Zlat beach is one of he most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
Croatian wine is also delicious and the vineyards are in peak season. October also offer lowers prices at this popular destination. Entry into many of the tourists sites, hotels, and air fare is much lower during this time.
3. Santorini, Greece
Santorini’s iconic whitewashed settlement on the edge of the calder; are a must travel destination. The throngs of tourists that visit in July and August are long gone by October. Santorini is the result of one of the biggest volcanic eruptions recorded in human history. Interestingly, the volcano still remains active today.
Santorini is nestled in the Aegean Sea and it is part of the Cyclades Islands. Some of its most popular sites include: Fira, the capital, with its photographic blue domes, has breathtaking views of the cliff and submerged volcano. Some of the other attractions are: the Castle of St. Nicholas, Amoudi Bay, and Nea Kameni. Santorini’s weather is still warm in the month of October but not as hot as in the month of July and August. Temperatures range from 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Santorini is often associated with the lost city of Atlantis and garnered the attention of many history aficionados. Accommodations and air fare are easier to book during these months. Make sure to check out our website to find great travel deals from anywhere in Europe and the U.S.
4. Sonoma, California, USA
Often referred to as “The Wine Country,” Sonoma, California, is home to some of the countries best wines and most beautiful vineyards. As with most of our travel destinations, October has less crowds and makes access to the “Wine Country,” much easier. Temperatures in October are warm-ranging from the high 70s to the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are many festivals that take place during this time of the year, as October and November are typically known as the harvest season. Similar to the fall foliage in the northeastern part of the United States, the grapes changes colors in the fall. If you travel to Sonoma, you will spectate the changing colors of the grape. Popular wineries in Sonoma include:
- Rodney Strong Vineyards
- Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyards
- Buena Vista Winery
- Fort Ross Vineyard and Tasting Room
- Truett Hurst Winery
In addition to touring the vineyards and wine tasting, Sonoma is also a historical site. You can tour the Mission San Francisco Solano or take a hike in Sonoma State Park. At the end of your trip, if you find an irresistible wine, you can always subscribe to a wine club. They will ship your wine directly to your house instead of having to check it in your luggage.
5. Cabo, San Lucas, Mexico
October is the month in which the patron saaint of Cabo is celebrated. Every year on October 18th, the streets are closed off, a parade takes place, in addition to a huge celebration. The temperature through mid-October is exceptionally warm, make sure to pack sunscreen. Popular attractions that may visit are:
- Medano Beach
- Chileno Beach
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
- Playa del Amor
- Bay of Cabo San Lucas
October is typically the pre-season to the tourist season. Cabo receives its most tourists in the winte time, December through February. If you are traveling in October it is important that you start looking at your accommodations and airfare early, as the snowbirds begin to book hotels early on.
One of the advantages of traveling to Cabo in October is that it is perfect season to snorkel and dive. The water is warm for snorkeling and the highest visibility occurs in October.
6. Asheville, North Carolina
If taking a trip to New England is too far, then Asheville, North Carolina is the perfect location to visit. Settled in the southern part of the Appalachian Mountains, its quirky art culture and many breweries make it a great visit. October is peak tourist season for Asheville, but you can still find travel deals, if you book early.
Anyone seeking to see the beautiful fall foliage can drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway to observe the vibrant fall colors. The River Arts District and the Biltmore are popular destinations to tour. Asheville is also popular for its hand crafted beer. Some of its most popular breweries are:
- Burial Beer Company
- Zillicoah Beer Company
- DSSOLVR
- Bhramari Brewing Company
7. Vienna, Austria
Home to big composers like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig Van Beethoven, Vienna is the original music capital of Europe. October also offers one of the best times to visit as children are back in school, and the tourist season is over. Weather in Vienna can be difficult to pin down during the fall. Temperatures range from 45 degrees Fahrenheit to a cool 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The Austrian capital can be windy during this time so we recommend bringing a jacket and your best fall outfits to stay warm.
Vienna offers many museums and once a year you can visit all 700 museums for the price of one ticket. The Long Night of Museum is offered on October 1st, every year. For 15 Euros you gain admission to all museums in Vienna. Other than museums, you can visit the opera and ballet houses. Every week at St. Peter’s Church, you can hear a classical ensemble play the music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.
Finally, one of Vienna’s most exciting October events is the Viennale. The Viennale is the Vienna International Film Festival that takes places October 20th thru November 1st.
8. Rome, Italy
October is one of the best times to visit the Italian Capital. Most commonly referred to as Ottobrate by Italians, October is the time that many take time to enjoy the harvest season and visit the country side and take in the beautiful fall colors. October in Rome is still warm but not as suffocating as it can be in the summer months.
You can expect lots of festival in Rome in the month of October. One of the most popular festivals is the Festa del Cinema di Roma, Rome’s film festival. There is also the Romaeuropa, Rome’s opera festival. Some other spectacular sights to take in are: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the Vatican, and of course the many museums that are in Rome. Rome is also foodie’s paradise. Make sure to check out our list of recommended restaurants:
- Osteria Chiana
- Checchino dal 1887
- Pro Loco Pinciano
- Lanificia Cucina
Travel In October
Of course there are many other locations that you can travel to during the month of October. We offer exclusively deals for our military community to all of these locations. Make sure to check out our travel deals at our website!