October is my sweet spot for trips. Cooler air. Softer light. Fewer crowds. Prices chill out too. I plan around harvests, fall color, and big, fun events. Here’s where I went, what worked, and the tiny things that made me smile. I also pulled together other good travel places in October if you need a deeper list to spark ideas.
Why October hits different
It’s shoulder season (that slow stretch between summer and winter). Lines shrink. Temps relax. I pack a light jacket and a scarf, and I feel set. Simple.
When I need fresh ideas or quick intel on shoulder-season specials, I skim the user-shared itineraries on ValidTravel and usually find a gem in minutes.
Vermont: Maple, color, and a road called Route 100
I did a long weekend in Stowe and Woodstock. I drove Route 100 with the windows cracked. Leaves popped—red, amber, gold. It felt like someone turned up the color knob.
- I stopped at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and ate a warm cider donut. Okay, two.
- Smugglers’ Notch had a little wind. Leaves swirled like confetti.
- I paid around $180 a night for a small inn. Weekdays were cheaper.
- Go mid-October. Try Tuesday to Thursday. Weekends jam up fast.
Tip: Book a car early. Bring layers. Mornings nip. Afternoons feel kind.
Tiny joy: a maple creemee for about five bucks. Sticky smile. No regrets.
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta: Up before dawn, eyes wide
I went to the Balloon Fiesta on a cool October morning. Ever stand in a dark field at 5 a.m.? The burners roar. The sky glows. Then—lift. A hundred balloons rise like bright candy.
- I used the Park & Ride. It saved my nerves and parking drama.
- Hot cocoa in one hand, green chile burrito in the other. Perfection.
- Wear boots. The grass is wet before sunrise.
- The “Mass Ascension” starts early. I got there by 4:30 a.m. Worth it.
I bought a knit hat from a local booth. My ears thanked me all day.
Munich: Oktoberfest feels big, loud, and kind of charming
I went in late September, and stayed through the first week of October. The tents were huge, but the vibe felt warm. I wore a simple dirndl from Angermaier and comfy sneakers. No blisters. Big win.
- I stayed at Motel One Sendlinger Tor. It was clean and close.
- A stein cost around 13 to 15 euros. The pretzel was the size of my face.
- Try a weekday afternoon. It’s calmer, and you can find a seat.
- Ride the Ferris wheel once. See the whole fair swing under you.
Cash still moved faster than cards for me. I tucked bills in a small belt bag and kept my hands free.
Utah’s Mighty Five: Cool air, warm rocks, big skies
I road-tripped Zion, Bryce, and Arches in October. Heat eases off, and trails feel friendly. Nights got crisp, so I tossed on my Uniqlo down jacket and watched the stars come alive.
- Zion shuttles run smooth. Book an Angels Landing permit if you want that trail.
- Bryce at sunrise? Pink cliffs glow like a soft fire.
- Moab had chilly mornings. Coffee steamed in the air. Loved it.
If you’re planning to roam solo, the places I felt safest and happiest are mapped out in this account of my U.S. solo trip.
Bring a headlamp and a wide-brim hat. Sun still bites at noon. Water too—always.
Napa and Sonoma: Harvest smells like jam and hope
I went during crush. You can smell grapes in the air. It’s sweet and a little wild. I biked near Healdsburg, then did a picnic with salami and figs. Simple food just sings out there.
- Tastings ran $25 to $40. I booked ahead for the busy spots.
- Afternoons sat around the 70s. A breeze slid down the vines.
- I wore flats and a sweater. No need to dress up a lot.
Ask if you can see the crush pad. Hearing the fruit thrum is oddly calming.
Hokkaido, Japan: Early leaves and hot springs
Kyoto peaks later, but Hokkaido blushes early. I went to Daisetsuzan National Park in October. The air felt clean and sharp. I rode the ropeway at Asahidake, then soaked in an onsen and ate kabocha tempura. Cozy mood, set.
- Pack socks you love. You’ll pad around ryokans a lot.
- Nights got cold. I slept like a log after the hot bath.
If you want classic red maples, go later to Kyoto. In October it’s calmer, with Jidai Matsuri on the 22nd. I watched the parade once—quietly grand.
Salem, Massachusetts: Halloween town, but go smart
I visited during Haunted Happenings. It’s fun, but weekends buzz like a beehive. I went on a Wednesday. Lines shrank. I toured the Witch House, grabbed a turkey club at Red’s Sandwich Shop, and let myself be a kid for a bit.
- Street costumes? Yes. All day. All ages.
- Book parking early or take the commuter rail.
- If it rains, duck into the Peabody Essex Museum. Good plan B.
Bring patience and a sense of play. It’s campy. That’s the charm.
Quick picks that also worked for me
- Portugal (Lisbon + Porto): Warm days, fewer queues. I ate pastéis from Manteigaria and walked Alfama till sunset.
- Crete, Greece: Sea still swimmable. I stayed in Chania and had grilled octopus by the harbor.
- Mexico City: Late October sets the stage for Day of the Dead. I saw bright papel picado in Coyoacán and marigolds everywhere.
- Cape Town, South Africa: Spring light and whale watching near Hermanus. A friend drove us along the coast; we spotted two in one hour.
- Tahiti: Tropical water is bathtub-warm and crowds are thinner before peak season; get the full scoop on the best time to travel to Tahiti if that’s calling your name.
- St. Lucia: Trade winds keep the heat gentle, and shoulder-season prices can be kind—here’s when I found the best time to travel to St. Lucia to dodge the heaviest rain and incoming cruise ships.
My simple October game plan
Here’s how I keep it easy and sane:
- Fly midweek if I can. Plan one “lazy” day.
- Pack layers: tee, light sweater, thin puffer, scarf.
- Shoes beat style. Always.
- Set a Google Flights alert and watch for drops.
- Reserve cars early in leaf spots. They sell out fast.
Another stealthy trick: when I'm traveling solo and want a quick coffee buddy or inside scoop that never makes it into guidebooks, I swing by this Craigslist-style personals board where locals still post meet-ups, pop-up events, and last-minute tickets—perfect for adding an extra layer of authenticity (and sometimes new friends) to any trip.
For nights when my October road loop slides through California’s Central Valley and I want grown-ups-only company in an otherwise quiet farm town, I pull up the discreet, photo-verified listings on AdultLook Corcoran—the clear bios, rates, and recent reviews help me connect with like-minded locals safely and skip any awkward guesswork.
I also save maps offline and keep snacks handy. A granola bar solves so many tiny travel fights with myself.
One last thing
October travel feels like a deep breath. The air cools, but the world feels warm. Apples, balloons, beer tents, quiet trails—pick your flavor. If you want leaves, go north. If you want festivals, line up dates first. And if you just want calm, choose weekdays, set a loose plan, and let the season carry you a little. You know what? That’s the best part.