The nights are getting longer, and the days are getting darker — but you’ll forget all about it with these great October holiday destinations. October is the perfect time to visit countries with sizzling hot summers. There’s no midsummer heat to worry about, but you’ll still be able to spend your days in shorts and t-shirts. You might even — whisper it — come back with a tan.
Our top picks for the best places to travel in October will give you an autumn getaway you’ll never forget. Delve into one of the world’s most fascinating traditions with a trip to Mexico for the Day of the Dead. Explore the ancient cities of Petra or Machu Picchu, or enjoy the last chance for a sunshine holiday in Morocco. Where will you go this October?
Halloween is fun, but there’s a much more exciting October tradition to experience: Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead. Like Halloween, it takes place right at the end of October. With grinning skeletons and skulls decorating every street, this festival can look pretty spooky to an outsider. However, it’s considered a celebration, as deceased loved ones are given an opportunity to visit their families for one last hurrah. When you look closer at those skeletons, you’ll see they’re dressed in bright colours and surrounded by flowers and streamers. You can expect live music, parades and — because this is Mexico, after all — delicious food.
There’s no trick or treating here, but there’s still something to enjoy if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Yep, it’s a sugar skull, a type of calavera. If taking a bite out of a human skull makes you feel a bit uncomfortable — even if it’s made of candy — you can just admire the elaborate Catrina makeup worn by women in the parades.
Día de los Muertos isn’t the only thing that makes Mexico one of the best holiday destinations in October. The weather is still great, and you’ll even see people swimming in the waters of the Caribbean. With the spring break and summer holiday crowds long gone, coastal hotspots like Playa del Carmen and Cancún are just crying out for you to explore them. This is a country with endless wonders: white sand beaches surrounded by coral reefs, lush green jungles, mysterious pyramids built by the Mayan Empire and bustling modern cities.
Looking for a different way to celebrate Halloween this year? Why not join us for a Dia de los Muertos adventure in Mexico?
Ecuador gets its name from the equator, which runs right across the country. This destination is the best place to holiday in October if the dark autumn nights are getting you down. There’s no such thing here since there are just two seasons: wet and dry. With milder weather as the dry season draws close, October marks the transition between these two seasons.
If your perfect holiday is filled with nature, then Ecuador is definitely one of the best destinations in October. From stunning mountains to overgrown rainforests, this country has it all. Ecuador is breathtaking — quite literally. Don’t be surprised if you need a couple of days to get used to the air in Quito, the world’s highest capital city. Luckily, there’s always a plate of refreshing ceviche and a glass of citrus-packed canelazo, the country’s favourite cocktail, to help you adapt.
When you get out of the mountains, you’ll discover a different side of Ecuador. One of the highlights of a holiday here is the chance to visit the legendary Amazon rainforest. Densely packed with trees and home to thousands of unique species, this is a true paradise for nature lovers. October is one of the best times to go exploring: the water levels are low, and the hiking trails are pretty clear. That means you won’t be trudging through sludge. There are fewer mosquitos than in the wet season, but just to be on the safe side, you’ll want to bring some repellent anyway.
Discover one of the most beautiful and varied corners of the world with us. All aboard for an Amazon adventure!
Jordan is one of those destinations that is all but impossible in summer, thanks to the immense desert temperatures. That makes it a good holiday destination in October since you can expect balmy days of 25°C. If you head down to the resort town of Aqaba, daytime highs regularly hit 32°C, and the Red Sea is still perfectly swimmable. This spot is a great choice if you’re into snorkelling or scuba diving, as the water here teems with life, with coral reefs to explore and colourful fish to admire.
Although small in size, Jordan is a country that packs a serious punch. Many visitors head straight for the ancient city of Petra, carved out of rose-coloured rock and often considered a wonder of the world. Go beyond the Treasury at the entrance to Petra, and you’ll find a number of hiking trails, altars, temples and more. It’s not the only wonder in Jordan, though. Spend a night under the stars at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, where the eerie desert will make you feel like you’re on the moon. Alternatively, head to the Dead Sea to float in the remarkably buoyant, mineral-rich waters.
Even Jordan’s modern capital city, Amman, is packed with remarkable sights. The Roman theatre and the Temple of Hercules are two stunning ancient attractions, while the modern King Abdullah I mosque is a remarkable display of opulence and wealth.
Join us in a country with millennia of history to explore. Come to Jordan for one of the best holidays in October!
From one ancient city to another. Like Petra, Peru’s Machu Picchu is one of the best October travel destinations. Built by the Incan Empire, Machu Picchu is over 2,400 metres above sea level. This high-altitude wonder has earned its place on thousands of people’s bucket lists. The ruined city is stunning, but the hike to get there — following the legendary Inca trail through the rugged mountains — is truly epic.
In fact, a trip to Peru is one of the best holidays in October if you love challenging hikes. As well as Machu Picchu, you can head to Rainbow Mountain. You’ve probably seen this unique, colourful natural wonder all over Instagram, but it’s even more impressive in real life — and there are no filters! It’s a tough uphill hike to get there, but the views of this striped sandstone mountain make it worth it.
Balmy daytime temperatures also mean that October is great for exploring Lima, Peru’s bustling, vibrant capital city. This destination is a hotspot for surfers, but there are also plenty of museums and cultural sites to explore. Don’t miss the creepy catacombs, the largest in Latin America. They’re said to be haunted, but even if you don’t come across any ghosts, the piles of skulls and bones will be enough to send shivers down your spine.
Put on your hiking boots and prepare for something truly amazing. Follow the Inca trail and discover the beauty of Peru!
With daytime temperatures floating around 31°C, Cuba is a great choice for those seeking hot holidays in October. This Caribbean island is known for its gorgeous beaches, world-class cuisine and unique culture. Put on your dancing shoes and learn to master the salsa, or try your hand at rolling an authentic Cuban cigar.
When you take a trip to Cuba, you might want to spend your days lazily wandering the streets of old Havana, enjoying the local food and filling your nights with rum and Latin rhythms. It’s worth heading out of the city to explore more of the island, though. The rolling sugar and tobacco plantations create a unique landscape, while the beaches are world-class. The Bay of Pigs, once synonymous with the political dramas of the early Cold War, is now better known as an ideal place for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you’re not keen on getting your hair wet, just chill out on the deck of a boat, enjoying the stunning Caribbean surroundings.
Inland Cuba is just as beautiful as the coastal areas. The Topes de Collantes Natural Park is a real highlight. This stretch of lush, unspoiled greenery hides tiny lakes with crystal-clear water and dramatic waterfalls. It’s ideal for hiking and trekking. Want an insider’s secret? October is the month of the year with the lowest humidity in Cuba, so there’s no better time to explore the hinterland.
Discover a country that’s like nowhere else on Earth. Join us for an October trip to Cuba!
You don’t have to go to the other side of the world for pleasure-filled October sun holidays. Morocco, just a stone’s throw from Europe, has warm days and plenty of sunshine. In the world-famous ancient city of Marrakech, daytime temperatures can hit 29°C, so be sure to pack your sunscreen. Spend a day wandering the streets of the medina, and don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s the best way to discover the city’s ancient secrets, with tiny boutiques, aromatic spice shops and soothing hammams to explore.
Morocco is known for its deserts, which can be incredibly daunting to outsiders. Nevertheless, the Bedouin people have lived here for centuries, masters of the shifting sands. You can learn about their unique way of life by taking a trip to the heart of the desert. Spend the night in a traditional camp, where you’ll eat around the fireplace and share stories. Then, you’ll have the chance to enjoy some remarkable desert stargazing in a part of the world where the night skies are almost impossibly clear. It’s no wonder why Morocco ranks as one of the best holiday destinations in October.
While you’re enjoying Morocco, why not hit the beach, too? Morocco has two coasts, but the rugged Atlantic beaches are more impressive than the Mediterranean shores. With surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing and all kinds of aquatic fun on offer, Essaouira is known as a paradise for fans of water sports. Don’t feel like hitting the waves? Sit back on a bench and watch the traditional fishing boats hauling in the catch of the day.
Experience one of the best holiday destinations in October by exploring the nature and culture of North Africa. Join us for a trip right into the heart of Morocco!
If you’re looking for a destination with the best weather in October, it’s hard to beat Southeast Asia. Let’s deal with the elephant in the room first: yes, October is the rainy season in Thailand. Don’t worry, though — the average temperatures are in the mid-20s. The nights are balmy enough for you to go out without a jacket, and the daily drizzle means that the rainforests are at their absolute best. Want to spend your days exploring the lush green jungles of Khao Sok? Then there’s no better time of year.
October is also a great time to visit the beaches on Thai islands like Koh Tao and Koh Samui. These are known as party destinations, but you won’t find the usual crowds of backpackers in autumn. If you get up early, you might just have the beach to yourself — exactly what you need for rest and relaxation.
Of course, no trip to Thailand would be complete without spending a few days in Bangkok. Make sure you’ve got your elasticated waist shorts on because this is your chance to indulge in one of the world’s very best cuisines. Bangkok is the street-food capital of the world. Spend your evenings hitting the local stalls, trying tasty green curry, pad Thai, fish cakes and all kinds of tasty treats. If you’re a spice lover, this is heaven.
Plunge into a jungle adventure. Join us in a Thai paradise!
In October, Japan has mild days and cool nights. With the typhoon season over, you can expect dry weather and low humidity. Best of all, you’ll enjoy stunning natural landscapes. As the leaves change colour, the Japanese countryside is transformed into a brilliant tapestry of every shade of gold and orange. Bring your camera because the “koyo”, or autumn foliage, is something you’ll want to remember forever.
Japan also has a number of festivals in October. Top of the list is the Hokkaido Food Festival, which takes place in Tokyo at the start of the month. It’s every bit as mouth-watering as it sounds. Seasonal eating is always on the agenda in this country, and wild mushrooms, roast chestnuts, stuffed pumpkins, and colourful sweet potatoes are all menu highlights.
Beyond that, you’ll have all the excitement of the Land of the Rising Sun: ultra-modern cities with dramatic skyscrapers, traditional teahouses, beautiful pagodas and some of the world’s most cutting-edge fashion. This place is a land of contrasts, where modernity rubs shoulders with tradition. There’s never a dull moment when visiting Japan, which is why it’s one of the best holiday destinations in October.
Discover the Land of the Rising Sun. Join us for a trip to Japan this October!
Now that you have discovered the best holiday destinations to visit in October, choose your trip!
