Planning an October getaway? Whether you want to experience a colourful festival, explore a new destination on the other side of the world, or take a long weekend trip to the perfect town to visit in the fall, these dream travel destinations have something for everyone. Here’s where to travel in October. 

Where to go in October for sun 

If you’re looking to escape the chilly Canadian weather, check out these warm destinations for a sunny October vacation.

Where to go on holiday in October this year

The fall months are approaching, making it the perfect time to take advantage of the shoulder season. These destinations offer warm weather, amazing scenery, and plenty to see and do for an unforgettable trip. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, here’s where to go in October. 

Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, a place where you’ll be transformed, inspired, and constantly surprised—especially when you get lost in the narrow alleyways and find some of the most delicious food along the way.

The weather in Hanoi can be a little unpredictable, which is what makes October such a good time to visit. This is one of the driest (and sunniest) months of the year, and temperatures typically range from 22°C to 29°C. If you’re renting a motorbike to explore the city and the outskirts, you’ll want the weather to be as dry as possible.

Start your trip by paying a visit to Hanoi’s historic French Quarter. Take some time here and park yourself at a nearby rooftop cafe and get your Vietnamese coffee fix. Then check out the Temple of Literature, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, and the impressive Hanoi Opera House. Plan to explore the popular Hồ Tây (West Lake) during golden hour, where you’ll be treated to amazing views of the Chùa Trấn Quốc, an 11-tier pagoda and the city’s oldest Buddhist temple. 

Cool down with a dinner of pho or bun cha, washed down with a Bia Hoi, Hanoi’s famous fresh beer, for less than 50 cents a glass. Try Quán Bia Hơi Nam Còi in the Old Town, a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike. 

If you have some extra time, you can make the trip to the villages up north in Sapa. The month of October means the end of the rainy season and comfortable weather, so you can best experience those breathtaking hikes in the cloud forests of this unique part of Southeast Asia.

Where to stay: For a luxurious stay with a budget-friendly price tag, try the Alisa Hotel & Spa, just a short walk from Hoan Kiem Lake.

There’s never really a bad month to visit Mexico City. But visiting in October takes the cake, because you’ll arrive just in time for the biggest festival of the year: Día de los Muertos.

If you’ve never heard of it, listen up. Día de los Muertos festivities happen over at least four days at the end of October and the beginning of November. A tradition dating back centuries to when the Aztecs ruled the lands of Central Mexico and the surrounding region, Día de los Muertos is when locals honour their deceased ancestors by building colourful altars and decorating their gravestones in cemeteries. It’s a beautiful celebration to witness, which is just one of the reasons why Mexico City is on our list of where to go in October. 

The Centro Histórico will be bustling, but head to Coyoacán, about 20 minutes from the centre, for a more local experience. Wherever you explore for the day, make sure to peek into the restaurants and temples and check out the family altars. Just wander and take it all in, and you’ll have an inspiring trip to this incomparable, world-class city.

The highlight of Día de los Muertos is the big parade, which takes place on the Saturday before the holiday. 

Where to stay: For a beautiful hotel stay in the Coyoacan district offering stunning views, check out Suite Perisur. Hotel prices will go up as demand increases for Día de los Muertos, so book early!

There’s nothing quite like New York in the fall, and that goes for New York’s Adirondack Valley as well. Head here to the Hudson River Valley region in the middle of October when the fall foliage is at peak bloom (a week or so behind Canada) for an unforgettable fall getaway. Book a quick flight to New York City, take the train from Manhattan, and it’s a couple of hours north to the Hudson Valley.

For some of the best views of the fall leaves at peak bloom, take a walk along the Walkway Over the Hudson, a pedestrian bridge that stretches roughly 2km along the Hudson River. If you’re up for some exercise, hike up the Breakneck Ridge Loop in the Hudson Highlands State Park. 

If you visit the Hudson Valley at the end of October, you’ll be just in time for the Halloween celebrations. Be sure to check out Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County, which is less than an hour outside of New York City.

And if you have a day or two to spare after exploring the countryside, why not treat yourself to a little getaway to New York City while you’re at it?

Where to stay: The Hilton Garden Inn Westchester Dobbs Ferry features an indoor pool and friendly staff, making it a good base for exploring the region.

Start planning your October getaway today

Ready to escape the cold for sunshine, lively festivals, and days of exploring? Explore Skyscanner to compare prices on flights, hotels, and car rentals for your October vacation. 

Can’t wait for October? Check out the best places to visit in September for an extra dose of travel inspiration, including tips and flight deals.