Best Places to Travel in October

October is prime time for fall foliage and seeing iconic travel spots in all their autumn glory. There are also world-famous festivals that you definitely need to check out at least once in a lifetime. When writing the post, I realized that October is historically the month for our biggest bucket list journeys. Whether you love fall activities near your hometown or off the beaten track experiences, here are the best places to travel in October.

China

The first half of October is an ideal time to visit China. The Great Wall is one of the supreme places in the world to catch the stunning fall colors. Visit Beijing for amazing historical sites, Xian for the famed Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai for it’s skyscrapers, cosmopolitan Hong Kong and the beautiful village of Yahgshuo by the Li River. Hotel: Alila Yangshuo

Maine

Everyone knows about New England fall foliage but I wonder if they venture as far as Maine. October is a fantastic time to visit Acadia National Park. The summer crowds have lessened and the autumnal colors are on high. Catch the sunrise on Cadillac mountain, have a delicious Jordan Pond breakfast with popovers and work off those calories rock climbing or taking a lovely hike. There are fall festivals all over Maine in October. Hotel: Bar Harbor Inn & Spa

RELATED: New England Road Trip with Teens

Germany Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest 2019 takes over Munich September 21 – October 6. Pack your lederhosen, find the perfect beer tent and go on some wild rides. We did this in our 20s and had a blast. If you want a more low key version of Oktoberfest, stay in a chic hotel and take a Bavarian day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle. Hotel: The Flushing Meadows Hotel

RELATED: Best Places to Travel in September

Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, October 4-13 hosts the launch of 550 hot air balloons into the sky over the course of 9 days with 800,000+ attendees. Combine your visit with some cool hikes in Sante Fe, a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park or the amazingly beautiful White Sands National Monument. Hotel: Inn of the Five Graces or Hotel Chaco

Jordan

This is where we’re heading this year. October weather is almost as good as Spring weather and a little less crowded.. Petra is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a bucket list destination. Plan to visit on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday so you can attend the candlelit Petra at Night. Stay overnight in Wadi Rum bubble tents for a Martian desert experience. Hotel: Sun City Camp

Poland

Poland is a step back into history with old ornate towns, beautiful central squares filled with brightly colored buildings, and castles. The fall has temperate weather and a few eclectic music festivals. If you can’t make it in October, go toward the end of November to see amazing Christmas markets. Hotel: H15 Boutique Hotel

United Arab Emirates

The UAE is well known to travelers for glitzy Dubai and traditional yet modern, Abu Dhabi. These two cities are 2 hours apart by car and ideally visited in the shoulder season of October when the weather is more comfortable and it’s not as crowded as high season. Prices are also more reasonable. Hotel: W Dubai and Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort

Tuscany

As the hot Tuscan summer fades into vineyards with gorgeous fall colors, truffles and mushrooms take their place at the table. Tuscany is known for having some of the best food to eat in Italy. Fall is the perfect time for a relaxing trip around the villages of Tuscany. Enjoy the Chianti region, the medieval village of Siena, and of course spend time in gorgeous Florence without the hordes of summer tourists. Hotel: Gallery Hotel Art

Morocco

Morocco is an amazing trip and a top pick for the best places to travel in October. Start in Marrakech, take a trip to the fishing port of Essouria, visit berber villages in the Atlas Mountains, stay overnight in the Sahara desert, see the ancient city of Fez, and if you have time, go the royal blue village of Chefchaouen. Game of Thrones fans should check out these cool Morocco filming locations. Hotel: La Sultana Marrakech

Vietnam

Vietnam has many different climates so there’s not a specific perfect month to travel the country as a whole. October is the time to visit the northern region. Head to the beautiful mountain province of Ha Giang, the city of Hanoi, stunning Halong Bay, and the terraced verdant mountains of Sapa. Hotel: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

RELATED: Add 2 Days in Phuket to Your Trip

Travel in October often involves incredible Autumn colors or fall festivals. The best bucket list Autumn destinations are at their optimal weather. It can be a dreamy time for a simple weekend getaway with a sweater and a great book by the fire to embrace a chill in the air. If you are looking for more fun trip ideas, try the best places to visit in September or November too. For destinations specific to the USA, here are 25 fantastic USA trip ideas.

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