18 Best Places to Travel in October

It might still be summer, but autumn is just a few months away—and October brings cool weather, shoulder-season prices, Halloween festivities, and more. Now is the time to look ahead and plan that idyllic fall trip or weekend getaway, so we’ve put together a list of our favorite nearby and faraway destinations to consider. Here are our top suggestions for an unforgettable October vacation.

Dallas, Texas

Cool weather and the State Fair of Texas (Sept. 26-Oct. 19) make October a great time to visit Dallas. The iconic event will feature livestock shows, rodeo, and an impressive range of deep-fried treats. Not to mention, there are all sorts of other things to do in Dallas, including pumpkin patches, farmers markets, Halloween celebrations at the Dallas Arboretum, haunted houses, and zombie bar crawls.

If you’re arriving by air, prepare to get your steps in. Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW) is one of the country’s largest airports, with long walks from its entrance to the farthest gates—so brush up on the layout using Travel + Leisure’s DFW map and terminal guide beforehand.

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Texas hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, and winning Dallas hotels include The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, The Adolphus Hotel, and the Omni Dallas Hotel. Hotel Swexan, Hall Arts Hotel, and Hotel Crescent Court are also excellent options.

Macon, Georgia

About 90 minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Macon is known for its music heritage, nightlife, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and lots of outdoor activities. In October, its reputation for activity “from beyond” makes it a perfect Halloween destination. Hay House is open for after-dark tours, and the Piedmont Grand Opera House, dating to 1884, is said to be haunted by a former director. A Halloween highlight is the Witch Float, when more than 100 witches float (or paddle) down the Ocmulgee River.

Where to Stay: The 1842 Inn, said to be haunted by the ghost of former mayor John Gresham, is perfect for a Halloween stay—if you dare. You can also find a few chain hotels, campsites, and bed-and-breakfasts throughout the area.

New Orleans, Louisiana

One of the best places to get into the Halloween spirit, New Orleans has cemetery tours, voodoo shops, haunted houses, and a colorful parade by the Krewe of Boo with costumes and decorated floats (Oct. 25). For family fun, there’s the Audubon Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo,  Boo Carre Halloween Haunt, and Ghosts in the Oaks at City Park. During one of the city’s most celebrated LGBTQ+ party weekends of the year (Oct. 24-26), “Myths & Legends” will raise funds for Project Lazarus.

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite New Orleans hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, with The Windsor Court coming out on top. Other editor-approved properties include Hotel St. Vincent, The Roosevelt, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and Hotel Peter & Paul.

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Queen City celebrates its German heritage and hosts America’s largest Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (Sept. 18-21), complete with beer gardens, bratwurst-eating contests, dachshund races, and the world’s largest chicken dance. America’s River Roots Festival (Oct. 8-12) is a free five-day celebration marking America’s 250th birthday with concerts, bourbon tastings, riverboat cruises, and cultural programs. At Cincinnati Zoo, the country’s second-oldest zoo, Halloween events like Jack O’Lantern Glow and HallZOOween are planned throughout the month as well.

Where to stay: The Lytle Park Hotel is a short walk to the vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and Hotel Celare overlooks the University of Cincinnati.

Boston, Massachusetts

Fall foliage, mild weather, and shoulder-season prices are just a few reasons to plan an autumn trip to Boston. You can also watch athletes at the top of their game compete during the Head of the Charles Regatta (Oct. 17-19), which has been a popular event since 1965. For more family-friendly entertainment, there’s Fall-o-Ween at the Boston Common Frog Pond with games, arts and crafts, treats, and Glow in the Park.

Oktoberfests, graveyard tours, and haunted pub crawls are among other can’t-miss things to do in Boston. If you’re up for a day trip, drive about 20 miles north to Salem, a historic city that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to the annual Salem Haunted Happenings throughout October (Oct. 1-31).

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite Boston hotels in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, with The Eliot Hotel—a charming boutique property with a James Beard Award-winning restaurant—taking first place. Not your vibe? Don’t worry, Boston has more than a handful of other options, including The Langham, The Newbury Boston, and the InterContinental Boston.

Florida

For food festivals, wine tastings, and pleasant temperatures, visit Florida during October’s shoulder season; during this time of year, culinary celebrations fill the calendar. The Naples Stone Crab Festival (Oct. 24-26) features live music performances and, you guessed it, plenty of seafood. Overlooking the Atlantic, the Amelia Island Cookout is set for Oct. 16-19, and Miami will host the South Beach Seafood Festival Oct. 22-25. If you’re more interested in music than food, Florida also delivers in October. The lineup at Clearwater Jazz Holiday Festival (Oct. 15-19) includes St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Trampled by Turtles, and in Fort Myers, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest (Sept. 19-28) will be headlined by Chris Young.

Where to Stay: Florida has an impressive list of award-winning resorts and hotels, so you certainly have options. If you’re in Miami, go with the stars of the 2025 World’s Best Awards: Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club or Faena Hotel Miami Beach. Depending on your festival plans, you may also want to consider The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, or Fort Lauderdale’s Pier Sixty-Six.

Greater Palm Springs, California

October is a gorgeous time to visit Palm Springs. Temperatures cool down and shoulder season prices kick in, and there’s a dynamic calendar of events to check out. Modernism Week (Oct. 16-19) celebrates the area’s mid-century architecture, and the Joshua Tree Music Festival (Oct. 9-12) in Joshua Tree National Park is billed as a “global music experience,” complete with art and family activities. Palm Springs Pride (Nov. 6-9) brings a parade, music festival, and vibrant celebrations to the downtown area.

Where to Stay: If you’re hoping to leave Palm Springs feeling rested and rejuvenated, book one of the wellness packages at Sensei Porcupine Creek (it’s about 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs). Travelers who’d rather stay downtown should go for Thompson Palm Springs. The property opened in 2024, and Palm Canyon Drive puts you in the heart of the Sonoran Desert city.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Shoulder season is a great time to find both hotel bargains and festive events in Honolulu. Honolulu Pride features parades, drag brunches, and live entertainment (Oct. 16-18), and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival on Oahu (Oct. 30-Nov. 2) will include “Slanted & Phan-tastic” at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, honoring the Vietnamese cuisine of the late chef Charles Phan. Battleship Missouri Memorial will unveil a new interactive exhibit on Sept. 2, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Where to Stay: On the ultra-luxe end of the spectrum, you have Espacio (note the private Jacuzzis), and Prince Waikiki is known for its oceanview rooms. For those travelers who want to feel connected to Waikiki’s history, there’s Moana Surfrider, a Westin Resort & Spa and The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort—the former opened in 1901, and the latter was built in 1927. 

Park City, Utah

There might not be snow on the mountain yet, but October is still an ideal time to visit Park City. You get crisp mountain air, yellow aspen groves, and fewer crowds, plus plenty of chances to hike, mountain bike, and go fly fishing. There’s also the option to align your trip with the fabulous Park City Wine Festival (Oct. 2-4)—or wait until Halloween for costumes and fun on Main Street. 

Where to Stay: Goldener Hirsch topped the list of T+L readers’ favorite Utah resorts in the 2025 World’s Best Awards, but it’s far from the only option in town. Grand Hyatt Deer Valley was featured on the 2025 It List, and Pendry Park City and The St. Regis Deer Valley both offer a high-end mountain experience. 

Los Cabos, Mexico

October is the sweet spot in Los Cabos—it’s right between humid, warm September and the beginning of high season in November. Plus, the sea is warm and clear, ideal for snorkeling and diving. It’s not just about great beach weather, though. The Secrets of the Catrinas Festival (Oct. 31-Nov. 2) gives visitors an opportunity to observe traditional Dia de Los Muertos customs; art galleries, restaurants, and shops will display altars of flowers, candles, and food to honor deceased family members.

Where to Stay: One World’s Best Awards-winner, Waldorf Astoria Los Pedregal, will complete a multi-year property-wide renovation by late summer 2025. Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol opened in spring of this year and is convenient to downtown Cabo San Lucas, and Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers the Sensei wellness program (ideal for returning from your vacation armed with healthier living practices).

Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is amazing to visit any time of the year. It was a Super Hall of Fame honoree in the 2025 T+L World’s Best Awards, after all, and its French architecture, Parisian style, and world-class food account for its consistently high scores. In the fall, however, you get amazing foliage, shoulder-season prices, and mild weather. The city is best seen on foot, so walk the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec on your own, or book a tour to learn more about the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where to Stay: The elegant Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is always a classic choice, but you also can’t go wrong with the chic Auberge Saint-Antoine, a Relais & Châteaux property and a WBA Hall of Fame honoree. 

Oman

Bordering the United Arab Emirates, Oman has a diverse landscape that includes deserts, mountains, and seashore. If you visit in October, you’ll experience mild weather that’s ideal for exploring its natural beauty, whether you’re hiking the Al Hajar Mountains, snorkeling in Bandar Al Khairan’s coral reefs, or swimming in the Wadi Shab natural pools. While it’s a modern country in most ways, Oman retains its original style of architecture and maintains long-standing cultural traditions. The capital, Muscat, is the home of the Sultan Qaboos Mosque and the Royal Opera House—and both should be on every visitor’s itinerary, no matter when you visit.

Where to Stay: If your budget allows for luxury accommodations, go with The Chedi Muscat, Mandarin Oriental Muscat, or Jumeirah Muscat Bay. For a particularly memorable stay, there’s Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, located in the mountains, about two hours from Muscat—it’s one of the world’s highest resorts.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination, but there’s different weather and wildlife to witness during each season. October is cool and dry, and visitors can see the waved albatross as well as blue-footed boobies and fur seal pups. The courtship of frigatebirds takes place in the fall, and it’s also nesting season for lava herons (notably, this species does breed throughout the year, but most often after heavy rainfall). Opinions vary about the best time to visit the Galápagos, but most agree that anytime you have an opportunity to go is the right time.

Where to Stay: Tour companies, cruise lines, and land-based tours with daily boat trips are ways to visit the Galápagos. T+L-approved options include Quasar Expeditions, Aqua Expeditions, Overseas Adventure Travel, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions—all of which were named by readers as favorite intimate-ship cruise lines in the 2025 World’s Best Awards.

London, United Kingdom

With a chill in the air and London’s bright fall colors, October is a lovely time to visit the Big Smoke. London Cocktail Week (Oct. 9-19) is a great excuse to visit the city’s famed cocktail bars, and you’ll find Oktoberfest events throughout the month. Londoners and visitors alike celebrate Halloween with a range of activities, from Warner Bros. Studio—The Making of Harry Potter to the macabre London Dungeon immersive experience and the Jack the Ripper walking tour. October is also Black History Month in the U.K., and various events are scheduled at museums, colleges, and concert halls. See which one aligns with your trip online. Stick around until Nov. 5 for Bonfire Night, commemorating a failed attempt to assassinate King James I in 1605.

Where to Stay: London is a spread-out city, so plot your trip’s activities before deciding on a hotel. Once that’s squared away, you can determine which property will be the most convenient. Need some inspiration? Shangri-La The Shard, Rosewood London, and the Corinthia London all come recommended by T+L readers.

Argentina

October is early spring in South America’s second-largest country, a year-round destination with much to offer. In Mendoza’s wine country, you’ll find mild, dry weather, winery tours, and an assortment of hiking trails. An extended trip to Argentina might also include an adventure in Patagonia or a few days in Buenos Aires, where you can enjoy excellent food, art, history, and nightlife.

Where to Stay: T+L readers voted for their favorite resorts in South America in the 2025 World’s Best Awards. In Buenos Aires, stay at Casa Lucía, Recoleta Grand, Buenos Aires, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, or Palacio Duhau, Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

October is called “the secret season” on the Amalfi Coast; it’s when summer’s crowds are gone and there’s still much to be enjoyed. Although beach clubs begin closing in October, visitors can embrace the outdoors, world-class restaurants, and gorgeous scenery. The annual Chestnut Festival in Scala is set for Oct. 12-13 and 19-20, with food markets, roasted chestnuts, donkey races, and concerts. Located between Positano and Ravello, Scala is the Amalfi Coast’s oldest village, and the festival is an opportunity to experience traditional Italian culture.

Where to Stay: The stunning Borgo Santandrea gets rave reviews, and T+L readers gave high praise to several other properties in the 2025 World’s Best Awards—including Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel, Le Sirenuse, and Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria.

Turkey

From the fascinating city of Istanbul to the Aegean coast, Turkey is an amazing destination in October. Temperatures are comfortable in Istanbul, and beaches are less crowded in Bodrum and the other resort cities along the “Turquoise Coast.” After a day at the beach or tours of local wineries, there’s shopping at night markets or dining at seafront restaurants. No visa is required, and Turkish Airlines has been routinely voted the Best Airline in Europe in the World Airline Awards.

Where to Stay: If you’re traveling all the way to Turkey, you might want to explore a few different properties. The Peninsula Istanbul, Maxx Royal Bodrum Resort, or the Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum have all received the T+L stamp of approval, but you may also find yourself drawn to the adults-only OKU Bodrum.

Tokyo, Japan

October is shoulder season in Tokyo, so you can enjoy the renowned cuisine, shop, and explore the various sites while taking advantage of fewer crowds. It’s the perfect destination for couples, families, or solo travel, and you’ll find excitement and wonder along its busy streets and in its markets—but there’s also serenity in its ancient temples and peaceful gardens. To get a good dose of both atmospheres, be sure to visit the Tsukiji Market and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

Where to Stay: Of all the reasons to plan a trip to Tokyo, its list of memorable hotels is at the very top. You’ll certainly get a good night’s rest at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, Aman Tokyo, or Janu Tokyo—and you’ll need it to recover from the jet lag.