As the warmer days of September transition into the
brisk afternoons of October, leaves begin to change and coat the
sidewalks, menus swap lemonades for pumpkin spice lattes, and tank tops
and sandals are switched out for sweaters and scarves. October is a
beautiful month to travel, when you can—and should—take advantage of the
colors, smells, and sights of harvest season, festival season, and the
chance to spend those last few comfortable days outdoors.
Fall foliage peaks in October, especially in the eastern United States. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is a favorite for road trippers—leaves here turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange and the landscape exudes a golden glow. Acadia National Park, in Maine, is another great destination, where visitors can take hikes into the mountains to spot wildlife, colorful surrounding forests, and distant Bar Harbor.
But there’s more outdoor adventure to be had outside New England, before the winds of winter creep in. Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a mecca for thrill-seekers thanks to nearby Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Southern Alps—ideal for boating, hiking, biking, or even skydiving. Meanwhile, over in the British Isles, rainy Ireland is at its most lush, and visitors can take it all in on a drive down its scenic western coast.
October brings festival season to many of America’s beloved towns. California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys kick into high gear with parties and food gatherings that celebrate the arrival of the harvest. Nashville, another favorite fall destination, is lauded for events honoring its musical roots. Further west, thousands of people gather in New Mexico for Albuquerque’s annual balloon fiesta. Of course, art is a hit year-round. Cities like Taipei and Istanbul are hot new destinations for checking out contemporary art shows and pop-up galleries.
Before the winter holidays commandeer your end-of-year travel plans, consider getting away this October. And don’t miss our recommendations for places to travel in September, August, and July, too.
Fall foliage peaks in October, especially in the eastern United States. Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is a favorite for road trippers—leaves here turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange and the landscape exudes a golden glow. Acadia National Park, in Maine, is another great destination, where visitors can take hikes into the mountains to spot wildlife, colorful surrounding forests, and distant Bar Harbor.
But there’s more outdoor adventure to be had outside New England, before the winds of winter creep in. Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island, is a mecca for thrill-seekers thanks to nearby Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Southern Alps—ideal for boating, hiking, biking, or even skydiving. Meanwhile, over in the British Isles, rainy Ireland is at its most lush, and visitors can take it all in on a drive down its scenic western coast.
October brings festival season to many of America’s beloved towns. California’s Napa and Sonoma Valleys kick into high gear with parties and food gatherings that celebrate the arrival of the harvest. Nashville, another favorite fall destination, is lauded for events honoring its musical roots. Further west, thousands of people gather in New Mexico for Albuquerque’s annual balloon fiesta. Of course, art is a hit year-round. Cities like Taipei and Istanbul are hot new destinations for checking out contemporary art shows and pop-up galleries.
Before the winter holidays commandeer your end-of-year travel plans, consider getting away this October. And don’t miss our recommendations for places to travel in September, August, and July, too.
Taipei, Taiwan
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An industrial metropolis once shrouded in smog, Taipei has emerged
into a global city, with an efficient transportation system and
restaurants, architecture, and an arts scene to rival Singapore’s. This
2016 World Design Capital is taking its designation very seriously: OMA
is putting the finishing touches on the new Taipei Performing Arts
Centre and galleries are showcasing more regional artists. Meanwhile,
the cuisine is considered to be some of the best in Asia. Din Tai Fung
is an institution for its legendary dumplings, while the unique
presentations of traditional Taiwanese hot pot at Lau Jio are a favorite
of director Ang Lee.
Richmond, Virginia
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The
tropical city of Cartagena is warm year-round, and though October is
considered its rainiest month, rarely does it pour all day. This beloved port town
is famous for its Spanish-colonial architecture and local culture, from
Caribbean music and dance to modern art and some of the best ceviche in
Latin America. Head to Bocagrande, where design hotels and beautiful
beaches draw attractive crowds, or take a stroll through El Centro’s
cobbled lanes, lined with buzzy cocktail lounges, or along the
17th-century walls overlooking the sea. If you’ve got time, Cartagena is
the perfect jumping-off point for exploration of this vibrant nation.
Acadia National Park, Maine
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When it comes to seeking out autumn’s best foliage, Acadia National Park, in coastal Maine, is considered one of the best places to go. Bike the carriage roads or hike
its many forested trails, which look out over the Atlantic, Bar Harbor,
as well as the islands’ many inlets. The park is also known for its
abundance of wildlife,
from red fox to seals and the rare bald eagle. Through mid-October,
bird-watching enthusiasts enjoy Hawk Watch season on top of Cadillac
Mountain, where peregrine falcons can be spotted riding the air
currents.
Istanbul, Turkey
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That Nashville was voted 2015’s Destination of the Year by T+L readers speaks to the city’s endless appeal. Music City is beautiful any time of year,
but October might be best to enjoy its cooler temperatures, colorful
leaves, and fall festivals such as the Independent Music Fest, which
spotlights both emerging and established bands and songwriters. Seasonal
events aside, Music City has endless opportunities
to entertain, from restaurants like Husk and Hattie B’s to music meccas
including the Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary Bluebird
Cafe, where Taylor Swift was first discovered.
Lima, Peru
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Peru’s
coastal capital is a study in contrasts, where pre-Columbian heritage
coexist with a contemporary art scene, high-fashion boutiques, and progressive restaurants
churning out some of South America’s most exciting dishes. October
signals the tail end of Peru’s dry season as well as the Lord of the
Miracles annual procession, one of the largest in the Americas. Honoring
the Peruvian image of a black Christ painted in colonial times (which
survived an earthquake in 1746), believers clad in purple process
through the streets as vendors peddle food and candy. Another must: a
Pisco sour and ceviche at any picantería in Miraflores.
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Fall
is the perfect time to visit California wine country, when the summer
crowds have finally dissipated and harvests have just begun. Take stock
of all that’s happening in Sonoma to celebrate the season, from October harvest parties to hikes and pig roasts. Over in Napa, a new scene has emerged,
where wineries and hotels have been reinvented into next-generation
spaces of design. Cases in point: the LEED-certified Odette Estate, with
its glassed-in visitor’s center and living roof; Snøhetta’s new
Modernist touch to Thomas Keller’s venerable French Laundry; and Charlie Palmer’s new Harvest Inn, complete with a restaurant and bar.
Western Ireland
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Festival
season overtakes Ireland’s cities come fall. In October, Belfast hosts
its International Arts Festival; Cork hosts a Guinness Jazz Festival;
and Dublin, the capital, celebrates its annual Theatre Festival.
However, rainfall is also common this time of year—but what better way
to take a tour of Ireland than when it’s at its most green and lush? The
scenic Wild Atlantic Way road traces the western coastline, passing some of Ireland’s most bucolic regions like Connemara and the picture-perfect Dingle peninsula. Just be sure to bring your jacket.
Botswana, Africa
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It doesn’t get more American Southwest than Santa Fe, awash in clay-colored adobe homes, boutiques selling pottery and art, and quirky locals.
The sweet spot to visit is between September and November, when the
temperatures are comfortable, chile harvest season gets underway, and
the festival circuit is at an all-time high. October, especially, packs a
double-whammy: the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival
highlights New Mexican and American films (past guests have included
George R.R. Martin and Gena Rowlands), while, a quick drive south, over
700,000 spectators gather for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta—the largest of its kind.
Queenstown, New Zealand
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Spring has sprung in the Southern Hemisphere, and the ski crowds are wrapping up their season on New Zealand’s South Island.
You’ll still see snow on the mountains that frame this resort town
edging the Southern Alps, but flowers will already be in full bloom,
especially in the Queenstown Gardens. In Queenstown, often referred to
as the adrenaline capital of the world, visitors bungee jump, skydive,
canyon swing, mountain bike, and paraglide. For a more
relaxing experience, spend a week at the Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, where yoga and meditation classes are held against a Lord of the Rings backdrop.
