12 Best Places to Travel in October

If you missed your summer vacation and still have travel on your mind, you're in luck. In places like Hawaii, North Carolina, and Europe, the tourist count is dropping and so are prices. Temperatures might be a bit lower too, but you can still find beaches and ideal weather for being outdoors. Does October mean leaf peeping, Halloween, or Oktoberfest for you? We have places to enjoy those annual events.

Further away, Kenya's great migration culminates in October, and Istanbul celebrates fall with an art festival. Whether you're looking for crisp fall weather or warm sunshine, we have a few ideas for an autumn vacation.

Here are the best places to travel in October 2022.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Located in western Massachusetts about halfway between New York City and Boston, the Berkshires region features farms, lakes, quaint towns, rolling hills, and colorful autumn foliage, usually starting in October. A scenic drive of about three hours from either city takes you to the tranquility of the mountains, and the crisp air is an invitation to be outdoors hiking and leaf peeping, on the water kayaking or fishing, or in town browsing antique shops. Stay in Lenox at the elegant Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa or the Victorian-inspired Apple Tree Inn. The Wheatleigh, a luxurious inn on the National Register of Historic Places, and The Lenox Collection of three inns are additional options.

Danube River Cruise

You can get into the Oktoberfest spirit in Vienna and Dürnstein, Austria and then celebrate with Bavarian folk music, dancing, pretzels, and beer when the cruise reaches its destination in Vilshofen, Germany. The Magna on the Danube cruise boards in Budapest and passes through the beautiful Wachau Valley and Danube Bend with stops in scenic towns along the river. The spacious AmaMagna, twice the width of traditional river ships, accommodates 200 guests with spacious suites, a wellness studio, several restaurant options, and a variety of tours and experiences.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

Summer beach crowds are gone, prices are lower, and the weather is still beautiful in the Outer Banks towns of North Carolina. It's prime time for fishing and feasting on fresh seafood. Visit for Oyster Week October 10-16, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival on October 15, the Duck Jazz Festival, or one of the many other autumn events. Stay in town at the beachfront Sanderling Resort or on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore at the Inn on Pamlico Sound. In the same area, Ocracoke Harbour Inn features views of Silver Lake.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah's landscaped squares, Spanish moss, and warm Southern hospitality make it a beloved city for visitors and residents. The city's historic riverfront is also attracting attention these days. Home to a restored 1912 power plant that is now the focal point of a lively entertainment destination, the area is an example of Savannah's evolution. Restaurants, clubs, boutiques, and cafés now line the riverwalk of the Plant Riverside District. Steps away, The Alida, a modern hotel named for Alida Harper Fowlkes, an early 20th-century Savannah entrepreneur and preservationist, welcomes guests to its comfortable rooms, restaurants, and The Lost Square, its rooftop lounge offering stunning views along with cocktails and light bites.

Marbella, Spain

Located on southern Spain's Costa del Sol, Marbella is warm through October with sunny days and temperatures in the 70s. More than 16 miles of coastline, marinas, hotels, restaurants, and shops attract visitors, especially during summer. Settled during Roman times, Marbella is home to archaeological sites as well as a historic section of town with buildings dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Places to stay range from luxury resorts to casual inns. One of the recent hotel additions is the Club Med Magna Marbella, set at the foot of the Sierra Blanca Mountains overlooking the Mediterranean. The 485-room, four-trident (four-star) family-friendly resort features five pools, a kid-friendly splash area, and Club Med Spa.

Kenya

October sees the end of the dry season in Kenya and also the last months of the great wildebeest migration, the world's largest herd movement of animals, when more than a million animals move across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of grass and water. Zebras as well as a variety of predators join the journey, a thrilling spectacle to see. Set in the Kenyan Bush, Mahali Mzuri, a luxury safari camp, was voted Best Hotel Overall in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in 2021. AndBeyond Bateleur Camp and Mara Bushtops, just outside Masai Mara National Park, are additional luxury options.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Autumn, considered low season, is a lovely time to visit the Jackson Hole area, with brilliant yellow and orange foliage and lower hotel rates. The crisp weather is ideal for hiking and sitting near a fireplace to take away the evening chill. But be sure to step outside at night for some stargazing while clear skies and dry air create perfect conditions. Visit nearby Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and enjoy a stay steps from Town Square at newly renovated Mountain Modern or the luxurious Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel. The Lodge at Jackson Hole, the budget-friendly Virginian Lodge, and Hotel Jackson are additional options. Caldera House, in Teton Village, features two and four-bedroom suites.

Mykonos, Greece

According to many frequent travelers to Greece, October is a great time to visit the island, when the busy summer tourist season is over, the sea is still warm, and there are deals to be had. Weather is usually in the 70s, and you can stroll through the narrow streets of Hora (Mykonos Town), shop, and enjoy the surroundings of the whitewashed buildings. Savor the views, take a boat ride, and be sure to sample some Greek wines. A stay in one of the suites or villas of Cali Mykonos would be lovely, with views of the Aegean, private pools, terraces, and a spa. Set on a hilltop about two miles from Mykonos Town, Kalesma Mykonos features panoramic views from their suites and villas.

Istanbul, Turkey

This fascinating city, divided between Europe and Asia, is located in Turkey's northwest area on the Bosphorus Strait. Known for its cuisine, shopping, and architectural masterpieces, Istanbul offers much to see. The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome of Constantinople, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are just a few places to visit. From October 16-22, Contemporary Istanbul will feature art from around the world and the Istanbul Coffee Festival from October 6-9 will celebrate the country's coffee culture with shows, concerts, and more. Stay in luxury at the stylish Shangri-La Bosphorus in a historic 1930s building or the new Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, both set on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait.

Oahu, Hawaii

It's shoulder season in Hawaii, and you can find hotel deals and lots going on. Honolulu Pride Festival & Parade, with sponsorship by Kaimana Hotel, is set for October 15, with various events throughout the month. The Hawaii Food & Wine Festival takes place during October and November. On October 2, there's the annual Hawaiian Airlines Moloka'i Hoe, the world's most prestigious outrigger canoe race. Visit Oahu's north shore with a stay at Turtle Bay Resort or choose the west coast and Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. On Waikiki Beach, the Alohilani Resort features two restaurants from Iron Chef Morimoto. Stay at the Sheraton Waikiki or The Royal Hawaiian and take a surfing lesson from Waikiki Beachboys. For high tea Hawaii-style, visit the historic beachfront Moana Surfrider.

Athens, Georgia

Located 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens is a University of Georgia college town with a vibrant arts scene and a music culture that gave birth to R.E.M., the B-52s, and others. Live music is big, and October 2 brings Historic Athens Porchfest with performances on more than 100 porches throughout the city. Craft beer fans can get their fill along the Athens Beer Trail, and for hiking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors, there's the Oconee Rivers Greenway. Celebrate Halloween with a costume and parade at the October 29 Wild Rumpus in downtown Athens.

New Jersey Shore

The 127 miles of coastline referred to as the "Jersey Shore" includes about ten towns, beaches, amusement parks, and places to stay. Cape May, a National Historic Landmark, is the country's oldest seaside resort town. Congress Hall has welcomed guests for more than two centuries, and today it offers guest rooms, suites, restaurants, and cocktail lounges. Asbury Park is known for its musical heritage, and it's still the place for live entertainment. Stay at The Asbury Hotel for nightlife and a spot near the beach. In Atlantic City, casinos are one of the attractions, and there's live entertainment, restaurants, the boardwalk, shopping, and a variety of places to stay. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino features restaurants from casual to fine dining, a beach, pool, spa, and fitness center.