These are the 10 best places to visit in October
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
As summer’s haze fades into the background, but before the onset of winter’s chills, October’s warm afternoons and cozy evenings make many places ripe for exploration sans contending with hordes of high-season tourists.
Whether you’re looking for the brilliant hues of fall foliage, seasonal pumpkin-spiced delicacies or a last dose of sunshine on a sandy beach, there are plenty of prime spots for exploration this fall.
Here are the 10 best places to travel in October.
Seoul, South Korea
South Korea offers a vibrant kaleidoscope of leaves and pleasantly cool weather in October. Seoul, in particular, transforms with its grand palaces like Gyeongbokgung, where ancient ginkgo and maple trees frame historical architecture in bursts of yellow and red. For a panoramic city view, head to Namsan Park, offering trails that wind through fiery foliage. The culinary scene highlights seasonal harvests, with persimmons and chestnuts enhancing nearly every dish. Farther afield, festivals abound. Enjoy lantern-lit nights at Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival in the southern city of Jinju or the traditional Andong Mask Dance Festival in Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
TPG tip: Stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul for spectacular views and convenient access to the city’s best sights and sounds. Rates start at $322 or 66,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Las Vegas
A robust roster of shows this October in Las Vegas includes the continuation of Adele’s residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and the Eagles at the Sphere. Fall also ushers in better weather for exploring the great outdoors just minutes from the Strip. With the mercury dipping to the low 80s, it’s prime time for hiking through Red Rock Canyon or enjoying a hot-air balloon ride over the Mojave Desert. Plus, the city is less crowded than in the spring, allowing for a more relaxed experience, whether hitting the casinos or getting reservations at popular restaurants like the Golden Steer Steakhouse, where Elvis Presley used to dine, and the Wicked Spoon for its famous brunch. At night, the cooler temperatures make wandering the neon-lit Strip all the more enjoyable.
TPG tip: One of three Hilton hotels in Resorts World Las Vegas, Conrad Las Vegas has large rooms with midcentury modern decor and red accents. Rooms start at $219 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Botswana
October in Botswana is the prime time to witness the natural world at its most dynamic. Waterholes shrink as the dry season takes hold, and wildlife congregates, making it a peak month for safari-goers. Warm, dry days provide excellent conditions for game drives in the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, where elephants, lions and countless bird species are easily spotted. The thinning vegetation enhances visibility and the landscape’s beauty, transforming it into a golden savannah. This time of year is less about the lush greenery and more about the drama of survival in the wild, offering an unfiltered look at nature’s cycle.
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TPG tip: Xigera Safari Lodge is part of Fine Hotels + Resorts through American Express Travel. If you have an eligible card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, and book a stay through Amex Travel, you’ll get perks such as daily breakfast for two and $100 credit toward eligible charges, which vary by property.
Dominica
This small Caribbean island bursts into a symphony of culture and music each October as it hosts the World Creole Music Festival, a cornerstone event celebrating Dominica’s rich heritage. Timed with Independence Day celebrations and the end of Creole Heritage Month, the festival (October 25-27, 2024) brings pulsating rhythms, vibrant dance and local cuisine into the spotlight. Imagine nights filled with music under starlit skies and days exploring lush rainforests and volcanic hot springs. It’s also the tail end of hurricane season, meaning fewer tourists and more authentic experiences.
TPG tip: Stay at Secret Bay for around $950 per night. Or book the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, where rates start at $350 or 84,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Marrakech, Morocco
A year following the September 2023 earthquake, Marrakech has shown remarkable resilience, with most of the city open and ready to welcome tourists again. October is one of the best months to visit, as the oppressive heat of summer gives way to mild days and crisp evenings. The city’s souks, filled with the season’s harvests — including saffron, dates and olives — offer a feast for the senses. Put those fresh, seasonal ingredients to use at a traditional cooking class at the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum, which reopened this summer in the Medina with a new tea lounge and a boutique. Plus, it will also be easier for North American travelers to get to Marrakech this fall, thanks to a new United route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) that launches October 24.
While the harder-hit communities in the Atlas Mountains are still rebuilding, Virgin Limited Edition’s Kasbah Tamadot is set to reopen on October 15, 2024. The hotel, which now has six new three-bedroom riads as well as new restaurants, continues to raise money to support surrounding communities through its Eve Branson Foundation Earthquake Relief Fund.
TPG tip: Book a room at brand-new Park Hyatt Marrakech for $699 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a luxurious stay. On a budget? Consider staying at Le Meridien N’Fis, where rates start at $205 or 16,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia, Chile, in October, is like nature’s version of a grand opening party. The snow is starting to melt, revealing jaw-dropping landscapes, and the wildlife, like guanacos and pumas, is out and about as if they’ve been practicing their moves all winter. Fewer tourists mean you get more of the epic views to yourself, whether it’s the towering peaks of Torres del Paine or the glittering lakes. Hike the famous W Trek, take a boat tour to the Grey Glacier or enjoy spring blooms. Just be flexible with your plans. Patagonia’s weather likes to keep you guessing. And after a day of adventure, warm up in Puerto Natales with a cozy coffee.
TPG tip: The newly renovated Hotel Las Torres just reopened, making it an ideal base for your adventures in Torres del Paine National Park. It costs about $680 per night, including buffet breakfast and dinner for two adults. The property also offers two- to five-night all-inclusive packages starting from $2,160 for two people and including a daily tour and meals.
Golden Isles, Georgia
Enjoy an extended summer vacation in Georgia’s Golden Isles, with highs still hitting a comfortable 78 degrees in October. The crowds have thinned out, but all the charm is still there, making it the perfect time for a visit. You can enjoy everything from leisurely beach strolls on St. Simons Island to exploring the rich history at Christ Church and Fort Frederica. Over on Jekyll Island, Driftwood Beach looks even more magical in the fall light, and the golden hues of the spartina marsh grasses around Sea Island are a sight to see, especially if you’re out kayaking. Plus, fall means festival season in the Golden Isles, so there’s always something fun happening, whether it’s CoastFest or the Georgia-Florida Golf Classic.
TPG tip: Consider staying at the Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, a beautiful, budget-friendly resort. Rates start at $124 or 26,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Cyprus
October is considered shoulder season in Cyprus, but it can also be the best time of year to catch some sun without the sweltering heat and tourist buses. Picture yourself exploring ancient ruins one day and sipping the island’s famous commandaria wine the next. There are many local events like the Ayia Napa Medieval and Commandaria festivals to check out, where you can dive into the best Cypriot food, drink and history. Cycling fans will love pedaling around the island’s stunning roads.
TPG tip: Stay at the adults-only Agora Hotel for $239 per night. Or opt for Hotel Indigo Larnaca, an IHG hotel where you can stay for around $172 or 36,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
The Cotswolds, United Kingdom
With average temperatures in the mid-50s, October in the Cotswolds is about embracing the crisp air and the slower pace of the countryside about a two-hour drive from London. Villages like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water get even more charming in October, with plenty of cozy corners waiting to be discovered. The slower pace of the offseason means you can savor the experience, whether wandering through historic market towns, popping into local artisan shops or tucking into a hearty meal at a traditional pub. And if you’re up for a walk, the Cotswolds has some of the most scenic trails in England, like the Cotswold Way. Plus, Delta is launching a flight from Orlando to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) starting October 26, 2024.
TPG tip: Delta Hotels Swindon is a newly renovated, family-friendly hotel located at the gateway to the Cotswolds. Rates start at $75 or 12,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. You could also stay at Thyme in Southrop from $570 per night, which hosts several workshops where you can learn to bake a classic Victoria Sponge Cake or make a flower arrangement, among other things.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Head to Albuquerque October 5-13, 2024, for the world’s largest hot-air balloon fiesta. Early mornings here are surreal, watching hundreds of balloons take flight. Stick around for the fireworks or evening Balloon Glows, when all the balloons fire up their burners simultaneously. When you’re not neck-deep in balloon festivities, Albuquerque’s fall weather — with average highs in the low 70s — is great for hiking the Sandia Mountains or exploring Old Town’s cultural spots. Don’t miss out on the local eats, especially the green chile stew at places like Owl Cafe and Cucina Azul.
TPG tip: Rooms at Hotel Chaco in Albuquerque’s historic Old Town district start at $174 per night.
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