Looking for the best places to travel in October can feel overwhelming—how do you find quiet spots with beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and a break from the rainy season?
You’re not alone in wanting a peaceful escape that feels personal and true, especially around mid October when the world begins to shift. As someone who understands the need for calm and meaningful travel, I’ve gathered thoughtful recommendations just for you.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- 10 serene destinations perfect for October travel
- Why October offers the ideal time to visit
- Practical tips to make your trip smooth and rewarding
Take a quiet moment to explore these places—and find your own space away from the noise.
Where Are the Best Places to Travel in October?
Where to travel in October? October is a time when the world begins to slow down. The summer crowds fade, the air cools to comfortable temperatures, and many places offer a quiet, thoughtful space to explore.
If you’ve been wondering where to travel in October, this list highlights the best places to travel in October—destinations that welcome you with open skies, gentle weather, and the chance to enjoy nature and history without rush.
Let’s look at ten locations that make October a great time to visit, each offering a unique blend of calm and beauty. These are among the best places to travel in October, especially if you prefer to avoid crowds and savor quiet moments.
1. New England, USA
In New England, October brings one of the most beautiful displays of fall foliage anywhere in the world. The golden leaves cover forests and small towns alike, creating a peaceful palette of red, yellow, and orange.
The summer crowds have mostly left, so you’ll find yourself among fewer tourists, walking quiet hiking trails or visiting historic sites that tell stories from centuries past.
- The weather is often cool but pleasant, perfect for long walks.
- The coastline and small towns offer a quiet retreat.
- It’s a wonderful time to visit before the colder months begin.
Pro tips: Make sure to explore the Appalachian Trail for a gentle hike with stunning views. Visit Rhode Island’s coast for peaceful beaches and fresh seafood. These spots in New England are truly some of the best places to travel in October.
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2. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast shines quietly in October. The peak season has passed, leaving room for a slow-paced visit with better rates on hotels and less noise. The air is warm but not hot, which makes exploring the charming villages and ancient streets more comfortable.
- You can wander through lemon groves and enjoy local food without the rush.
- The coast offers stunning views of the sea, softened by soft autumn light.
- Historic towns like Amalfi and Positano feel open and welcoming.
Pro tips: Consider a boat trip to see the coastline from the water, a quiet moment far from crowds. Take time to visit Villa Rufolo for its gardens and views that inspire reflection. The Amalfi Coast is often named among the best places to travel in October for its unique blend of history and nature.
3. Atacama Desert, Chile
October marks the beginning of spring in the southern hemisphere, making the Atacama Desert a special place to visit. The desert’s dry, clear air allows for some of the best weather of the year, with cool days and cold nights. This is an ideal time for those who want solitude under vast, open skies.
- The landscape is stark but breathtaking, with salt flats, geysers, and volcanoes.
- It’s one of the driest places on Earth, so rainy season is not a concern here.
- Nighttime offers some of the clearest skies for stargazing.
Pro tips: Visit the Valle de la Luna for surreal landscapes. The salt flats near Salar de Atacama are home to flamingos and unique wildlife, perfect for a quiet photography trip. The Atacama Desert ranks high among the best places to travel in October, especially for those seeking quiet and clear skies.
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
October is a great time to visit Ho Chi Minh City as the rainy season tapers off, leaving behind a clean, fresh atmosphere. The city moves at its own pace, blending busy markets and quiet corners with delicious street food at every turn.
- The weather is warm but generally pleasant.
- You’ll find fewer tourists than in peak months.
- It’s a good time to explore the city’s history and vibrant culture.
Pro tips: Spend a day at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s past, and then retreat to a quieter café along the Saigon River to reflect. Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to travel in October for those who appreciate culture with fewer crowds.
5. San Francisco, USA
October in San Francisco is known for some of the city’s best weather—clear skies and comfortable temperatures make it one of the most pleasant months to visit.
- The usual summer fog is less common.
- Walking along the coast or through neighborhoods feels refreshing.
- The city offers a mix of nature and culture with fewer crowds.
Pro tips: Visit Golden Gate Park for peaceful green spaces and the nearby historic sites at Fisherman’s Wharf. Drive along Big Sur for stunning coastal views just outside the city. San Francisco is often featured on lists of the best places to travel in October.
6. Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island enjoys year-round warmth, but October is especially nice with fewer visitors and calm weather. The sunny days are ideal for exploring both beaches and volcanic landscapes.
- It’s the start of the whale season, with humpback whales arriving offshore.
- The natural hot springs offer quiet spots to relax after a day of hiking.
- You’ll avoid the busy summer high season crowds.
Pro tips: Spend time in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see the Earth’s power firsthand. Visit the Akaka Falls and nearby rainforest trails for peaceful moments surrounded by nature. The Big Island remains one of the best places to travel in October thanks to its diverse natural attractions.
7. New Zealand
In the southern hemisphere, October is spring—a time of new growth and blossoming flowers. New Zealand offers comfortable temperatures and fewer visitors than in the busy summer months.
- The landscapes are lush and ready for photography.
- Quiet hiking trails wind through fjords, forests, and mountains.
- Cities are calm, with friendly locals and good food.
Pro tips: Don’t miss Fiordland National Park, where quiet waters meet steep cliffs. Queenstown offers calm lakes and gentle adventures away from crowds. New Zealand’s spring season makes it one of the best places to travel in October for nature lovers.
8. Big Sur, California
October is a peaceful month on the Big Sur coast. The days are mild, the skies often clear, and fewer tourists mean the trails and beaches feel more private.
- The ocean views are unmatched.
- It’s a wonderful time to walk quietly along cliffs or through redwood forests.
- The weather is neither too hot nor cold.
Pro tips: Drive the famous Highway 1 slowly and stop at Pfeiffer Beach, known for its unique purple sand. Visit the Bixby Creek Bridge for a quiet spot to watch the waves. Big Sur is a quiet refuge often named among the best places to travel in October.
9. Oman, Middle East
Oman is a calm retreat in October when the hot summer has eased into pleasant autumn weather. The country offers a mix of natural beauty and deep history, with far fewer tourists than other Middle Eastern destinations.
- You’ll find quiet deserts, dramatic mountains, and calm seas.
- The climate is ideal for exploring without the intense heat.
- History and culture are rich, with many historic sites to visit.
Pro tips: Explore the Wahiba Sands desert and enjoy the silence of rolling dunes. Visit the ancient Nizwa Fort for a look into Oman’s past. Oman is quietly becoming one of the best places to travel in October for those who want peace and history.
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10. Rhode Island, USA
Rhode Island is a small but lovely destination in October, with fall foliage and quiet coastal charm. It’s a great alternative to busier spots in New England.
- The fewer crowds mean peaceful beaches and calm streets.
- Mild, comfortable temperatures encourage long walks.
- There’s a rich mix of history and nature.
Pro tips: Take a ferry to Block Island for quiet beaches and walking paths. The Newport Mansions offer a glimpse into elegant history in a calm setting. Rhode Island’s peaceful coastal towns rank among the best places to travel in October.
Why October Is the Ideal Time to Travel to These Places
October holds a quiet magic for travelers seeking calm and beauty. The world softens after the busy summer months, offering a chance to enjoy places with gentler weather and fewer distractions. Here’s why October truly feels like the perfect time to visit these destinations:
- Fewer Crowds: The summer rush fades, letting you explore with ease and space to breathe.
- Comfortable Temperatures: Neither too hot nor too cold, October offers weather that invites long walks and peaceful moments outdoors.
- Beautiful Natural Changes: From fall foliage in New England to spring blooms in the Southern Hemisphere, nature shows a subtle but stunning transformation.
- Better Travel Rates: With the peak season behind, you often find better rates on accommodations and flights, easing the travel experience.
- Clear Skies: Many destinations enjoy crisp, clear days that make photography and sightseeing especially rewarding.
- Wildlife Watching: October marks the arrival or departure of important wildlife, like humpback whales in Hawaii or flamingos in the Atacama Desert, adding quiet wonder to your trip.
- Cultural Calm: Historic sites and cities are less crowded, letting you connect more deeply with the atmosphere and stories they hold.
October invites a pace that feels more thoughtful and connected. It is a time when the world opens gently, allowing you to see it more clearly—without hurry, without noise—just a quiet invitation to explore the best places to travel in October at your own rhythm.
Key Takeaways About Best Places to Travel in October
October offers a rare chance to travel with ease and quiet, where comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds create an ideal setting for calm exploration. From the fall foliage in New England to the clear skies of the Atacama Desert, each destination invites you to experience nature and history with a softer, more personal touch.
Whether you prefer peaceful hikes, serene beaches, or quiet cities rich with culture, the best places to travel in October provide a thoughtful balance of beauty and stillness.
We’d love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave a comment below sharing your own thoughts or experiences about traveling in October. Your stories and reflections can add to this quiet conversation, helping others find their own perfect place to explore.