Best Places to Travel in October

October is prime time for fall foliage and seeing iconic travel spots in all their autumn glory. Fall colors peak around the USA. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking in places that may be too hot in summer. 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.

Yosemite

You may not think of California for fall foliage but Yosemite will make you think again. You can expect the full spectrum of color with less crowds and perfect hiking weather to enjoy 800 miles of trails. With days getting shorter, you’ll also have a better chance to view skies full of stars. If you have enough time, you can see some other spectacular spots in the Eastern Sierras like Mammoth, June Lake and Alabama hills. Hotel: Yosemite Autocamp

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Maine

Everyone knows about New England fall foliage and October is a fantastic time to visit Acadia National Park where the 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. On your way up to Acadia, make sure to stop in Portland. Take a cruise on Casco Bay and follow it up with a little culture at Portland Museum of Art, one of the best museums in New England. Last but not least, get the requisite Maine lobster roll for lunch or dinner. Hotel: Bar Harbor Inn & Spa

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Aspen Colorado

Aspen is a great town year round but late September and October offer some of the most striking fall foliage in the USA. The aspen trees that cover much of Colorado turn a beautiful yellow. It’s truly a sight to be seen. Bike to Maroon Bells and you’ll be rewarded with towns of vibrant color sometimes highlighted with October snow. There are also many beautiful hiking trails to enjoy before you head back to your hotel to sit by the fire and enjoy the crisp mountain air. Hotel: The Little Nell

RELATED: Best Places to Travel in September

Santa Fe, New Mexico

October has always been a big month in New Mexico because of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta that hosts the launch of 550 hot air balloons into the sky over the course of 9 days. It’s been postponed for 2020 but there are still some amazing sights and things to do. After exploring the artsy downtown, enjoy some great hikes in Sante Fe. Take a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park or explore the world’s largest gypsum dune field at White Sands National Monument. Hotel: Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe

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

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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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