October is an excellent time for travelers who prefer pleasant weather and vacation spots that are less crowded. I’ve gathered some of the best places to travel in October for everyone: stunning fall foliage at Acadia National Park, the sunny beaches of Seychelles, ancient medinas in Morocco, and mysterious castles in Romanian Transylvania. You might also join in the colorful Diwali festival celebrations in India.
Let’s explore all of these destinations to find out which ones can make your autumn trip unforgettable.
Acadia National Park (Maine, USA) – fall foliage & autumn colors
Acadia National Park is scenic in every season, but travelers love visiting in the fall (September and October). During this time, the weather is usually nice and not too hot. Furthermore, there are fewer people than in the summer. The beautiful part is that the leaves on the trees change to bright colors (red, orange, and yellow). The best time to see these colors is around mid-October.
| Country details | Information |
| Average temp | High: 55°F (13°C) / Low: 38°F (3°C) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| Language | English |
| Dial code | +1-207 |
| Visa requirements | Visa or ESTA is required for most tourists (check official U.S. government websites) |
| Ideal for | Hikers, bikers, photographers, stargazers, bird watchers, mountain lovers |
| Flight cost | Europe: $1,300+; Australia: $1,400+; Africa: $1,900+; Asia: $1,200+ |
Best places to travel in October to Acadia National Park
- Park Loop Road is a 27-mile drive around the park. You can rent a car to see many sites.
- Carriage Roads are 45 miles of paths perfect for a quiet bike ride (cars are not allowed).
- Thunder Hole is where you can hear an exceptional sound of ocean waves crashing into a small cave. Sometimes it produces a loud “thunder” noise and creates a splash.
- Cadillac Mountain is the tallest point on the East Coast of the U.S. It is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise.
- Ocean Path is a walking trail by the coast.
- If you are into hiking, consider Beehive Trail.
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse is a nice place to take pictures. It’s built right on the rocky shore. Just look at it.
Bass Harbor Lighthouse is one of the best places to travel in October for photographers.
Where to stay
There are many accommodation options in nearby towns like Bar Harbor and Southwest Harbor. Also, you’ll find four campgrounds in the park (a reservation is needed).
Affordable places to eat
Jordan Pond House in Seal Harbor is a well-known restaurant to enjoy popovers and tea overlooking Jordan Pond. In Bar Harbor, you’ll find the casual Side Street Cafe (serves sandwiches, macaroni, tacos, and salads) and lobster pounds. But if you’re a picnicking enthusiast, local grocery stores such as Hannaford offer a variety of picnic supplies.
Seychelles (East Africa) – warm weather beach destination
Tourists prefer traveling to Seychelles from October to November (“shoulder season”). During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, with less strong winds than at other times. Therefore, it’s great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving (the water is clear and the air feels refreshing).
| Country details | Information |
| Average temp | Day: 30°C (86°F) / Night: 26°C (79°F) |
| Currency | Seychellois Rupee (SCR) |
| Language | Seychellois Creole, English, French |
| Dial code | +248 |
| Visa requirements | Visa-free for most nationalities (Digital Travel Authorization is required before arrival) |
| Ideal for | Luxury travelers, couples (honeymoons, romantic getaways), families, beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, divers, snorkelers, sailors |
| Flight cost | Europe: $800+; USA: $1,000+; Australia: $2,000+; Asia: $900+ |
Seychelles’s best places to travel in October
- Vallée de Mai is a nature reserve recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I discovered giant coco de mer palms, many unique plants, and exotic birds.
- Over 6,000 coco-de-mer palms with their enormous fan-shaped fronds are found in the Valee de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island, Seychelles. This largest nut in the plant kingdom can weigh up to 18 kilograms.
- Anse Lazio is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (not an exaggeration). It features soft white sand and clear turquoise water, surrounded by large granite rocks.
- Another lovely beach is Anse Georgette. It is usually less crowded than Anse Lazio, ideal for relaxing.
- You can also take a boat trip to Curieuse Island to see many giant Aldabra tortoises walking around freely.
- Visit the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve. It’s one of the best places to travel in October for nature lovers.
- The highest point on Praslin is the Zimbabwe Viewpoint with panoramas of nearby islands like Cousin Island and La Digue (worth visiting at sunset).
Where to stay
Accommodation choice fits any budget:
- luxury resorts (Four Seasons Resort Seychelles on Mahé, Raffles Seychelles on Praslin, Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island);
- boutique hotels (Carana Beach Hotel (Mahé), Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel (La Digue));
- self-catering apartments & private villas (Lazio Beach Residence (Praslin, near Anse Lazio), The Bay Seychelles Boutique Hotel and Apartments (Mahé), Badamier Self-Catering (La Digue)).
Affordable places to eat
I enjoyed tasty and affordable meals at Creole takeaways, such as Jules Take Away (try fresh fish curry or grilled fish with rice at a good price). At night markets, like the popular Beau Vallon Night Market on Mahé, there are many food stalls selling grilled seafood, curries, and fresh juices. But if you want quick snacks, look for small “Indian” shops that sell samosas and other yummy treats.
Fez (Morocco, North Africa) – cultural & heritage vacation
Fez is known as the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa.” Tourists believe it is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco.
The best season to travel to Fez is in the autumn – September, October, and November. During this time, the very hot summer weather is over, and the temperatures become more comfortable for exploring.
| Country details | Information |
| Average temp | High: 79°F (26°C) / Low: 55°F (13°C) – pleasantly warm |
| Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
| Language | Arabic, Standard Moroccan Berber. French is also widely spoken |
| Dial code | +212 |
| Visa requirements | Many countries are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days (check with the official Moroccan embassy) |
| Ideal for | History buffs, culture seekers, architecture enthusiasts, travelers who prefer a less “touristy” vibe |
| Flight cost | Europe: $100+; USA: $1,000; Australia: $1,500; Asia: $1,000+ |
Best places to travel in October to Fez
- The Medina of Fez (Fes el-Bali) is the center of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has many narrow streets, markets (called souks), and old buildings.
- Fez is famous for its tanneries, especially the Chouara Tannery, where you can observe traditional leather dyeing techniques.
- Bab Bou Jeloud (The Blue Gate) is the entrance to the old city. It is decorated with blue tiles on the outside and green tiles inside. And it is worth visiting from all sides.
- Al-Attarine and Bou Inania Madrasas show Moroccan art with detailed tilework, carved wood, and plaster.
- If you want to relax, Jnan Sbil Gardens have green plants and fountains.
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts is in an old inn (fondouk). The museum features Morocco’s woodcraft traditions with displays of ancient artifacts and crafts.
- Kairaouine Mosque and University is one of the oldest universities in the world. If you are not a Muslim, you may view it from the outside (non-Muslims are usually not allowed inside).
- To take photos of the Marinid Tombs, it is better to visit them at sunset.
Where to stay
Inside the old medina, you’ll find riads like Riad Fes or Dar Seffarine. These are beautiful homes with inner gardens to relax in. If you’re traveling on a budget, there is the Funky Fes hostel that has a fun and lively vibe. Finally, outside the old city, there are modern hotels like Hotel Jnane Palace, which offer comfortable rooms and are easy to reach by car.
Affordable places to eat
For tasty and low-cost food in Fez, check out the busy street food stalls – try local dishes like brochettes (meat on sticks) and a harira soup. Beyond that, look for small, simple “snack” shops where you can buy cheap tagines (a traditional stew) and sandwiches. Popular Café Clock is also a good place with a comfortable atmosphere.
Transylvania (Romania, Europe) – Halloween & spooky destination
Transylvania is undoubtedly one of the best places to travel in October, when the region is full of spooky charm. Many people come to see things related to “Dracula,” especially with Halloween events near Bran Castle. This month is also a time for harvest, which means there are festivals to enjoy.
| Country details | Information |
| Average temp | High: 59.5°F (15.3°C) / Low: 44.9°F (7.2°C) – generally mild and comfortable |
| Currency | Romanian Leu (RON) |
| Language | Romanian (Hungarian and German are also spoken in some areas due to historical influences) |
| Dial code | +40-269 |
| Visa requirements | Countries, including the US, Canada, and EU/EEA, are visa-exempt for up to 90 days (check the official Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
| Ideal for | Folklore enthusiasts (especially “Dracula” legends), nature lovers, hikers, architecture admirers (medieval towns, fortified churches, castles) |
| Flight cost | USA: $700+; Australia: $1,200+; Africa: $1,000+; Asia: $900+ |
Transylvania’s best places to travel in October
- Foremost, Transylvania is well-known for its castles. A must-see is Bran Castle, often called “Dracula’s Castle,” which has a mysterious atmosphere, especially at night.
- You should also check out Peleș Castle, which is a stunning neo-Renaissance palace that looks like a fairytale.
- Another interesting tourist attraction is Corvin Castle, one of the largest Gothic buildings in Romania.
- Next, consider traveling to the Saxon towns – Brașov and Sibiu. These are known for their old houses and historic churches, such as the Gothic Black Church.
- Sighișoara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A well-preserved medieval citadel famous for being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler.
- For something unique, visit the underground amusement park and spa at Salina Turda, which is in an old salt mine.
- If you enjoy picturesque drives, the Transfăgărășan Highway is worth your attention. Just remember to check if it is open, as it is usually only open in summer and early autumn.
Where to stay
Decent 5-star options are Hilton Sibiu (in Sibiu) and Radisson Blu Aurum (in Brașov). For a more local experience, book a pensiuni (guesthouse) or a renovated old Saxon house in the countryside. A special place to stay is Conacul Törzburg near Bran Castle to feel an unforgettable historical ambiance.
Affordable eateries
Look for restaurants and cafes that serve “ciorbă” (soup). Many restaurants (e.g., La Ceaun and Crama Sibiul Vechi) offer traditional Romanian food at good prices. You can also find tasty street food and visit local markets for cheap eating options.
October festivals & events – Diwali (South Asia)
October is the month of big feasts across the globe. One of the most popular celebrations is Oktoberfest, and it takes place primarily in September. But there is another favorite celebration called Diwali (Festival of Light) that falls between mid-September and mid-November in the moon calendar.
Diwali is celebrated in many countries, mainly in India but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. However, I will focus on the best places to travel in October in India only (for now).
| Country details | Information |
| Average temp | Day: 36°F to 98°F (-3°C to 37°C) / Night: 73°F to -1°F (23°C to -18°C) (temperatures vary widely across India) |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Language | Hindi, English |
| Dial code | +91 |
| Visa requirements | e-Visas (e-Tourist, e-Business) for eligible nationalities (check the official Indian government immigration website) |
| Ideal for | For those interested in cultural celebrations, spiritual experiences, fireworks, traditional rituals, family gatherings, diverse sweets |
| Flight cost | Europe: $500+; USA: $600+; Australia: $500+; Africa: $200+ |
Diwali is celebrated by locals in India and by Hindus throughout the world. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. Homes and public places are lit with candles and lamps.
What to do during Diwali
- Watch fireworks in Mumbai, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Kolkata, Delhi, or Varanasi. Each location has a festive atmosphere, so you won’t regret choosing any of these cities.
- Diwali is also a great time for shopping. Visit festive bazaars and buy local art, clothing, and decorations.
- Make sure to try traditional sweets and snacks. My suggestion is ladoos, gulab jamun, and barfis.
- Look out for cultural performances such as folk dances, concerts, and plays in Delhi. Their local culture and artwork are highly exotic to Americans and Europeans and noteworthy.
- Special religious ceremonies for the goddesses Lakshmi and Kali are performed in various temples, particularly in Kolkata. If you’re interested, visit temples and participate in the prayers (puja) and observe the rituals. But dress modestly.
Where to stay
For luxury, choose Taj Palace in Delhi, Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, Om Vilas Benares in Varanasi, or Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai. If you want something intimate but not too expensive, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport is a good choice. For something social and within your means, opt for The Hosteller Delhi.
At the same time, stay at Narayana Haveli close to the ghats if you want a spiritual experience. For a heritage-type destination, Hotel Sarang Palace in Jaipur is a good boutique hotel.
Affordable spots to dine
You should try cheap but good-value street food such as chaat (snacks) and dosas (crispy pancakes). Also, look for “thali” restaurants for inexpensive fixed-plate meals. Dhabas (roadside eateries) also offer great value. In either case, choose busy restaurants with locals for the freshest and most authentic taste.
Key tips for the best places to travel in October
- Pack layers: October weather is unpredictable. Thus, pack light sweaters, jackets, and scarves. By doing so, you can adapt to cool mornings or warm afternoons.
- Book in advance: The famous places, especially those with autumnal beauty or festivals like Diwali, get booked quickly. Therefore, book your accommodation and airfare in advance via booking apps.
- Check visa requirements: Always verify visa requirements for your destination. In particular, check the official websites of your travel destination country or the Foreign Affairs/State Department website of your home country for the latest details. Ensure your passport is valid.
- Buy an eSIM: To have mobile internet abroad, use an eSIM by Ohayu. There is a wide choice of data plans for various situations: country-specific plans for a trip to one destination or a multi-country Global eSIM subscription if you travel to several countries in one month. This helps you to get connected to local networks without physical SIM cards and avoid home operator roaming fees.
In conclusion
October is wonderful for all kinds of travelers. Whether you chase autumn leaves, beaches, ancient regions, castles, or festivals, the best places to travel in October await your visit. There are indeed many unique experiences to discover.
So, get your bags ready and prepare for an amazing adventure. Your perfect autumn getaway is waiting for you!
