The Best Places to Travel in October

Set out on a safari adventure in South Africa for an audacious warm vacation in October. Explore its warming lands before the summer heat (and crowds) begin to trickle in. The warm, dry days beckon wildlife from their hiding spots in search of food and water, making for some of the best game viewing year-round. The flora also comes out of hiding as the wildflowers cover the west coast and Cape Town sees luscious 80˚ F days.

As the largest Greek island, Crete is abundant in beautiful scenery, stunning beaches, and remote villages. Visitors are seduced by the island's distinct character and way of life, especially the plethora of outdoor activities. Warm sunny days extend throughout October so visitors can enjoy hot, sun-baked breaks with less of the crowds.

For one of the best tropical places to visit in October, Mauritius offers white sandy beaches, the crystal-clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, and wonderful luxury properties. With world-class diving, golf, deep-sea fishing, and watersports it is a great spot for anyone wanting to mix relaxation with some action. But that's not all, if you venture inland you will discover verdant tropical rainforests, epic waterfalls, botanical gardens, and steep-rising lush mountains. October days are warmer and drier so it's an ideal time to explore all the island has to offer.

Portugal’s secluded beaches, rolling countryside, and medieval towns have long made it one of our best places to visit in Europe in October. Traveling to Portugal in October brings a whole added allure – the opportunity to take part in the wine harvest in the Douro Valley. Stunning autumnal colors transform the vineyards at this time of year, and the grape picking is in full flow. Visitors can help with the harvest, as well as enjoy tastings and learn about the wine-making process. The perfect accompaniment to Portugal’s world-class wines is its exemplary food scene. Tuck into locally sourced octopus, Iberian pork, and freshly grilled sardines.

Germany comes into its own in October, when Munich's Oktoberfest spills into its final, liveliest days and the Bavarian Alps blaze with autumn color. Traveling to Germany in October also means catching the tail end of the wine harvest along the Rhine and Mosel valleys, where centuries-old vineyards turn gold and crimson against the river. Crisp days and cool evenings make it ideal for exploring fairy-tale towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and hiking through the Black Forest without the summer crowds. With fewer tourists and still-mild temperatures, it's one of the best times to experience the country's castles, cities, and countryside at their most atmospheric.

Turn your favorite glass of Rioja into an experience when visiting northern Spain in October. With temperatures still in the high 70s, Spain is perfect for warm October vacation spots combined with culture and tradition. Take part in grape-stomping and grape-picking as you walk amongst the vines and tour boutique wineries. You’re also delightfully close to Bilbao and San Sebastian, two cultural meccas in northern Spain that offer something wholly different to your typical Barcelona city escape.

India’s summers are famously hot, so October is the best time to visit as the powerful heat starts to wane but still provides that nice toasty break from the autumn chill. Stay in some of the most indulgent luxury hotels we offer at Scott Dunn and get lost in the colorful magic of Rajasthan, intrepid tiger safaris and a private village house out in the countryside. Truly a place that tantalizes all the senses, India is one of the best places to go on vacation in October.

Boasting a more elevated feel than other Indian Ocean retreats like the Maldives and Mauritius, the Seychelles remains delightfully under the radar and the perfect place for couples to go island exploring and lounging on sun-soaked beaches. The Seychelles is one of the best places to vacation in October as it brings calmer seas and drier weather, creating ideal conditions for snorkeling and diving. Explore its exceptional biodiversity as you hop between islands and tour this tropical paradise.

Japan is a land defined by quirky customs and innovative inventions, and nowhere is this more prominent than in the nation’s food scene. Traditional Japanese cuisine has been awarded heritage status by UNESCO and is an art form in itself. From the utter masterpieces of sushi to immaculately prepared kaiseki dinners, it’s important to the Japanese that their food looks as good as it tastes! Travel to Japan in October to combine a culinary tour of the country with the most captivating autumn hues, as Japan’s iconic temples are cloaked in warming displays of red, orange and gold.

Home to a colorful blend of African, Arabic, and European influences, Morocco is one of the best vacations in October, and an intoxicating destination that’s as popular with kids as it is with adults. We can arrange a treasure hunt through the bustling souks, an exhilarating 4x4 safari in the Agafay Desert, and a night spent sleeping in a tent under the stars. We’ll guide you through some of Morocco’s most untouched areas, where you can share tales with the Berber people over a pot of Moroccan tea.

Extending like a frayed ribbon down the west coast of South America, Chile is revered as the world’s longest country and is a land of contrasts. From the lunar-like desert landscapes of the north to the ice-capped wilderness of the south, this spellbinding country showcases some of the world’s most diverse and beautiful scenery. In October, Chile emerges from its cold, frosty winter into the spring sunshine. Visitors can hike the Patagonian trails without getting too hot, while signs of winter can still be seen in the mountains of granite and ice that rise overhead.