Top Destinations to Chase Sun and Adventure in October

Mid-autumn offers an ideal time for travel: with the vacation rush fading, beaches and tourist hubs become pleasantly quiet. Choosing the right destination can elevate your October getaway.

5 Sunny Escapes

1. Mauritius

• Air temperature: 79–90 °F.
• Water temperature: 75–77 °F.
• Visa: not required for stays up to 60 days.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $8.50 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $740.
• Book your tour →

October marks one of the best months to visit Mauritius. The hot season begins with minimal rainfall, especially in the northern and western regions of the island. Enjoy sunbathing on pristine beaches, swimming in the warm Indian Ocean, diving, surfing, and immersing yourself in the island's vibrant natural beauty.

2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

• Air temperature: 79–81 °F.
• Water temperature: 72–77 °F.
• Visa: not required for stays up to 90 days.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $12.80 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $1,460.

The Galápagos Islands offer another fantastic island destination for October. Warm and dry weather prevails, and the unique wildlife is in full splendor. October is peak season for bird and fish activity, yet visitor numbers drop, allowing peaceful snorkeling, diving, and exploration within this largely protected national park.

3. Canary Islands, Spain

• Air temperature: 77–81 °F.
• Water temperature: 73 °F.
• Visa: Schengen visa required.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $12.10 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $310.
• Book your tour →

While the Canaries are a year-round destination, October is ideal for beach lovers: the ocean remains warm for swimming and sunbathing on volcanic black, golden, or white sands depending on the island. Tenerife, with direct flights from New York, is the easiest to reach and busiest. For a quieter retreat, consider Lanzarote’s volcanic national park or Fuerteventura, favored by windsurfers due to steady winds.

4. Istanbul, Turkey

• Air temperature: 68–73 °F.
• Water temperature: 64–66 °F.
• Visa: not required for stays up to 90 days.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $7 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $146 (promo codes available via Aviasales).
• Book your tour →

As the hot and crowded summer fades, Istanbul cools to comfortable temperatures and empties out, perfect for a relaxed exploration of the historic city and surroundings. Art and design enthusiasts can enjoy the Istanbul Design Biennial from September 22 to November 4. Swimming is for the brave, but quiet coastal strolls and sunbathing are still possible on sunny October days.

5. Tel Aviv, Israel

• Air temperature: 81–88 °F.
• Water temperature: 79–81 °F.
• Visa: not required for stays up to 90 days.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $12.50 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $255.
• Book your tour →

October is ideal for visiting Israel: the intense summer heat subsides, and the waters of the Mediterranean, Red, and Dead Seas warm to pleasant temperatures. Tel Aviv is a top choice for combining beach time with vibrant cultural and nightlife scenes. Nearby Jerusalem, about 37 miles away, is less crowded than in winter, making October perfect for exploring its ancient sites.

5 Captivating Cultural Destinations

1. Paris, France

• Air temperature: 57–68 °F.
• Visa: Schengen visa required.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $24 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $150.
• Book your tour →

October in Paris is packed with events. The city hosts the Taste Week, a grand gastronomic festival featuring French food tastings, workshops, and themed days celebrating dishes like choucroute, spices, cider, and fish. The week culminates with the Chestnut Festival, celebrated nationwide. Budget around 12 USD for a snack and 24 USD or more for a full meal. Additionally, the Nuit Blanche festival lights up the city with exhibitions, performances, and light shows, alongside Comic Con events.

2. Perugia, Italy

• Air temperature: 63–72 °F.
• Visa: Schengen visa required.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $20 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $190.

Perugia hosts the renowned Eurochocolate Festival from October 18 to 27, attracting chocolate lovers and artisans worldwide. The event features shows, chocolate sculpture creations, street parties, fairs, and tastings. If you attend, pack comfortable clothes—you’ll want to indulge fully!

3. Dublin, Ireland

• Air temperature: 50–63 °F.
• Water temperature: 55 °F.
• Visa: Irish or UK visa required.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $14 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $100.

Dublin is a compelling European destination in October. Early in the month, the city hosts its annual theater festival, followed by the Bram Stoker Festival celebrating the creator of Dracula. The city embraces a gothic vibe with themed performances, film screenings, and parties—perfect for Halloween enthusiasts. From Dublin, you can visit Belfast in the north for its international art festival or Cork in the south for its traditional jazz festival late in October.

4. Delhi, India

• Air temperature: 86–91 °F.
• Visa: Indian e-visa available online.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $7.50 per night.
• Round-trip flight from New York: starting at $245.
• Book your tour →

Travelers seeking vibrant experiences will find Delhi captivating in late October during the Dashahara festival, which runs approximately 10 days starting October 8 this year. The festival is marked by colorful celebrations, gift exchanges, and stunning rituals. Witnessing the city illuminated with colors, lights, and fireworks is a memorable spectacle anywhere in India during this time.

5. Lake Baikal, Russia

• Air temperature: 32–50 °F.
• Water temperature: 45–52 °F.
• Accommodation cost: starting at $6.50 per night.
• Round-trip flight from Moscow: starting at $255.

October at Lake Baikal offers relatively mild weather and almost no tourists due to the end of the high season. The golden autumn transforms the natural scenery into a breathtaking spectacle. Ideal for photographers, romantics, mushroom pickers, or anyone seeking tranquility away from city life. Accommodation options range from lakeside villages like Listvyanka to the livelier city of Irkutsk, from which you can take nature excursions. Book tours in advance, as some programs wind down after the season.

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