The 15 Best Places to Visit in October
Whether you’re looking forward to all the fall festivities or the slightest thought of a chill makes you want to go into full-on hibernation mode, one thing’s for certain: October is packed with plenty to do, and that extends to travel experiences both near and far. There's the end of harvest and the start of Dia de Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” celebrations that make Halloween look like child’s play in Mexico, while Oktoberfest pretty much takes over the rest of the world. This month’s destinations are particularly great for budget travelers who are saying goodbye to the smoldering summer heat but aren’t quite yet ready for the blistering winter cold. Here are 15 of the best places to visit in October.
1. NEW YORK, NY
- Why We Recommend It: tons of activities, fall foliage, family friendly
Some of our favorites for a classy night out on the town include Sola Pasta Bar, and yep, you totally read that right. The “pasta bar” is packed with delicious favorites, like a yummy squid ink pasta, crowd-pleasing cacio e pepe, and spaghetti alle vongole, as well as a take on the classic Aperol Spritz that uses Italicus bergamot flavored liqueur. Other outdoor stunners include Match 65 Brasserie, which boasts a melt-in-your-mouth steak tartare; the fancy pants, dreamy floral garden display at Scarpetta; and, the charming neighborhood feels of The Leroy House, with its tables and outdoor dining structure positioned on a popular stretch of the West Village’s Hudson Street. Pro tip: If it’s on the menu, get the burrata.
Halloween is also sure to be a blast in late October, especially since all those events that had been put on pause during the pandemic are back in full swing. New York City’s legendary Halloween parade is back on, and it’s likely to draw a pretty epic crowd this year and some of the wildest, most innovative costumes you’ve ever seen.
Where to stay:
- Cozy Renovated Brownstone (4 guests): $165/night
- Garden Property (4 guests): $139/night
- Large Park Block Duplex with Garden (8 guests): $338/night
2. St. Lucia
- Why We Recommend It: beach vacation, refreshing waterfalls, lots of history
One of our favorite activities on St. Lucia is the drive-in volcano, La Soufriere. It’s here where you have the rare ability to see the actual crater of the volcano since it imploded in on itself during a past eruption.
While this island can be all about relaxing, we'd suggest not sleeping on a stop at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens or the colorful Immaculate Conception Church, either. Travelers can also experience a detoxifying sulphuric mud bath (a stone’s throw from La Soufriere) which will leave the skin milky and hydrated. Let a guide paint your body with mud in splatters, handprints, patterns, shapes and even animal figures. It’s super cheap to experience, and the photos are Insta gold.
Where to Stay:
- Elegant Villa on the Gros Piton (8 guests): $392/night
- Luxurious Bay View Apartment (6 guests): $124/night
- Castilla Bella (6 guests): $313/night
3. MIAMI, FL
- Why We Recommend It: buzzing nightlife, tons of culture, great restaurants
Those who love cruises will be delighted to embark on the freshly minted Scarlet Lady—a new cruise ship from Virgin Voyages. With high design elements blanketed in Virgin’s signature red, more than 20 eateries—some from Michelin starred chefs—plus an impressive spa and even guest quarters and “seabeds” that can be rearranged to maximize space, no wonder Cruise Critic dubbed this yacht-inspired beauty Best New Cruise Ship in 2021.
Where to stay:
- Modern Two-Bedroom (6 guests): $134/night
- Brickell Waterfront Luxury Apartment (4 guests): $199/night
- Casa Blanca Tropical Paradise (5 guests): $150/night
4. LAS VEGAS, NV
- Why We Recommend It: lots of partying, tons of outdoor activities, great food
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, head over to FlyOver—an immersive flight ride that allows you to experience a multi-sensory journey in 8K video through popular destinations across the American West. In the most Vegas turn of events ever, that means you can see all the glittering natural beauties our country calls home from the comfort of a chair—including the volcanic peaks of Oregon’s Cascade Volcanic Arc and the valleys of the Grand Canyon, plus plenty of other attractions in California, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming and beyond.
Where to stay:
- Vdara Condo (4 guests): $162/night
- Deluxe Condo at Wyndham (8 guests): $209/night
- Private Vegas Casitas Pool (6 guests): $203/night
5. ISTANBUL, TURKEY
- Why We Recommend It: great architecture, lots of history, vibrant nightlife
Other points of interest in the place where Eastern and Western cultures collide include the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower and the Basilica Cistern. If you’re big on Mediterranean food and BBQ (and who isn’t), this is the town for you, especially at crowd-pleasing favorites with plenty of kebab options, like Last Ottomon Cafe & Restaurant, Bitlisi, Siva Restaurant and the super affordable and tasty Hidden Garden.
Where to stay:
- Spacious Ottoman Style Apartment (6 guests): $53/night
- Elegant Apartment with Beautiful Apartments (7 guests): $280/night
- Homely Apartment Near Galata Tower (5 guests): $157/night
6. ORLANDO, FL
- Why We Recommend It: lots of theme parks, family friendly, tourist hub
Where to stay:
- Mills Cottage on Small Lake (4 guests): $188/night
- Elegant College Park Cottage (4 guests): $157/night
- Cozy Modern Full Apartment (5 guests): $131/night
7. LISBON, PORTUGAL
- Why We Recommend It: amazing food, ornate architecture, lots of history
Some top attractions in Lisbon include the mind-blowing aquarium Oceanário de Lisboa, the adorable, picture-perfect neighborhoods of Alfama and Barrio Alto, and the gothic architecture and cloisters of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos. You can see most of it by foot or by the city’s glorious trams, some of which offer spectacular hilltop vistas. Our favorite way to see Lisbon is by grabbing a pastéis de nata (a local custard tart) and taking the Route 28 tram through some super narrow city streets until you disembark at Portas do Sol. With a birds eye view over the city and sea, it’s about as dreamy as it gets. The resort town of Cascais is also an easy 40-minute day trip from Lisbon, and may provide you one last jaunt at the beach before it starts to feel too chilly.
Where to stay:
- Lisbon House (6 guests): $122/night
- New Duplex with Fantastic View to Tejo River (7 guests): $115/night
- House River and Rossio (4 guests): $71/night
8. PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
- Why We Recommend It: beach vacation, tons of history, lots of activities
Where to stay:
- Premier Beachfront Condo (5 guests): $145/night
- Luxe Beach Condo at Hard Rock Punta Cana (6 guests): $159/night
- Beachfront Condo in Beach Bavaro (6 guests): $100/night
9. SCOTTSDALE, AZ
- Why We Recommend It: tons of outdoor activities, scenic views, great weather
But come October, when the weather is beyond pleasant at 86 degrees, there are even more reasons to visit, including a free concert series that runs each week into October and features local bands and musicians, plus an art walk featuring works from over 30 galleries, a super spooky Scottsdale Zombie Crawl and an Oktoberfest celebration housed on a nearby train through the Verde Canyon. An afternoon spent at Butterfly Wonderland, home to thousands of species of butterflies and where you might be lucky enough to have one land directly on you, is another favorite activity of visitors.
Where to stay:
- Remodeled Home in Old Town Scottsdale (6 guests): $139/night
- Scottsdale Oasis with Heated Pool (6 guests): $195/night
- Southwest Villa in Scottsdale (5 guests): $164/night
10. ASPEN, CO
- Why We Recommend It: beautiful foliage, great shopping, fewer crowds
Rent an E-bike from Four Mountain Sports and cruise around town or take the bike on the 20-mile round trip pedal up to the Maroon Bells, one of the most popular destinations in the entire country. The Roaring Fork Valley (home to Aspen and Snowmass) was previously awarded a Gold Level Ride Center from the International Mountain Bike Association, meaning there are plenty of other roads and trails to check out if you’re big into mountain biking. Visitors to Aspen this time of year are also fond of The Rim Trail and the Ute Trail. Neighboring Snowmass has 90+ miles of hiking trails, and 2.8 million acres of adjacent wilderness to be explored, providing accessible and scenic hiking for any and all abilities.
And after a long day out on the trails, there’s lots to do in town, too. A swirl around Aspen’s impressive art museum is never a bad idea, as is a swirl around the handsome lobby bar at Hotel Jerome. Dinner at BOSQ for contemporary American fare is a highlight for most visitors to Aspen, as is a trip to Silverpeak Apothecary—a great dispensary with knowledgeable staff if you happen to be into cannabis tourism (yep, it’s legal here).
Where to stay:
- Adorable Aspen Condo ($4 guests): $437/night
- Charming Aspen Condo (4 guests): $353/night
- Deluxe Aspen Condo (6 guests): $642/night
11. YOUNTVILLE, CALIFORNIA
- Why We Recommend It: great art, lots of wineries, highly-rated restaurants
The charming town of Yountville, steps from the Chandon property, is Napa’s crown jewel, and a Disneyland of food and wine. Within walkable distance, you’ll find everything from fine restaurants and tasting rooms to a spa and salon where you can get primped with a glass of vino in hand.
Where to stay:
- Yountville Villa (4 guests): $350/night
- Home in the Heart of Wine Country (7 guests): $300/night
- Charming Farmhouse (4 guests): $158/night
12. CANCUN, MEXICO
- Why We Recommend It: bustling nightlife, tons of outdoor adventures, great food
Speaking of eats, back in Cancun, we recommend La Destileria and Tacun for authentic grub, and the immersive video dining experience—where the table you sit at is a giant video screen that is paired to take you through a multi-sensory, multi-course meal celebrating Mexican food—at La Joya. And while there are plenty of yummy Mexican bites to be had, when you’ve officially had your fill of chips and guac, consider splurging on Le Basilic, one of Cancun’s most celebrated French fine dining spots.
Where to stay:
- Ocean View Two-Story Penthouse (6 guests): $220/night
- Hopelchen Beach Getaway (6 guests): $80/night
- Ocean View Apartment on the Beach (6 guests): $145/night
13. MONTCLAIR, NEW JERSEY
- Why We Recommend It: no crowds, artist hub, quiet getaway
Where to Stay:
- Duplex Apartment in Downtown (8 guests): $245/night
- Spacious One Bedroom Apartment (4 guests): $107/night
- SoHo-Style Townhouse (4 guests): $180
14. VANCOUVER, CANADA
- Why We Recommend It: great shopping, gourmet eats, great nightlife
Where to stay:
- Crosstown Crib (8 guests): $250/night
- Brand New Three Bedroom Suite (6 guests): $279/night
- Modern Central Condo (5 guests):$189/night
15. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
- Why We Recommend It: famous sights, lots of museums, vibrant culture
And we haven’t even mentioned the premiere part of traveling here in October, besides the light leather jacket-appropriate weather: London Cocktail Week. A pass here—roughly $20 or less—gets you access to the U.K.’s biggest cocktail festival. We’re talking pop-up bars, immersive cocktail-making experiences, street food and more—basically, lots of vehicles to get a cocktail or good grub in your hands. If you’d prefer a more sophisticated nightcap, splurge on a night at Scarfes Bar at the Rosewood; the sophisticated, art-filled ambiance complete with live singers and piano players and cocktails inspired by some of your favorite musical acts will not disappoint.
And if you needed one more reason to consider London this month, besides cozy fall walks, you can consider attending the 2022 BFI London Film Festival will begin on October 5 to 16. Screenings are of course on the agenda, as are talkbacks, DJ parties and even a few crash-worthy red carpet galas.
Where to stay:
- Chelsea Charm in Historic Neighbourhood (5 guests): $219/night
- Spacious Apartment in Bloomsbury (5 guests): $262/night
- Spacious Two-Bedroom Apartment (6 guests): $195/night