Ah, October. The Goldilocks time to travel, when everything’s just right. Weather, crowds, and prices are all moderate, and the only thing over the top is the schedule of events and festivals.
We’ve scoured the world for the best this month, whether you want to sneak in a bonus burst of leaf-peeping before the season’s end or are craving an escape that’s truly out of this world. Then again, you could pack your running shoes—and plenty of enthusiasm—to see if the world record is again in contention during one of the fastest marathons.
Here are our 11 favorite spots to visit this October. Plus, we have the inside scoop on every location from a smart, trustworthy local expert.
1. Dominica
October is great for: celebrating the Caribbean’s musical heritage
October 24 to 26 is the weekend for the World Creole Festival. Hosted at Windsor Park Stadium in the capital, Roseau, it’s intended to champion music indigenous to this island, which also has influences from both Great Britain and France. The festival caps off Creole Heritage Month and draws more than 10,000 visitors from around the globe to hear music like bouyon, which emerged on the island during the 1980s and has become popular across the entire Caribbean.
Where to stay: fortyounghotel.com
- Book now: Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is an unusual all-inclusive option, as its rates bundle more than F&B; activities like catching lionfish and hikes to Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge are also gratis.
Insider tip
Enjoy grilled lionfish at Keepin It Real, a local café that serves standout Dominican food, says Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort concierge coordinator Viviana Alfred. “And a must-have souvenir is a hand-woven basket crafted by the Indigenous Kalinago people. The traditional techniques have been passed down through generations.”
The Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum in Albuquerque details the area’s history of ballooning.
Photo by Kobby Dagan/Shutterstock
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
October is great for: eye-popping, sky-bopping balloons
This month’s balloon festival in New Mexico’s biggest city, running from October 4 through 12 this year, is the largest of its kind in the world. Highlights of the weeklong celebrations include Mass Ascension at 7 a.m. on the first day, during which all the participating balloons take to the sky together (and then bid farewell at the same time on the final day). There are skydiving displays, nighttime drone light shows, and even a fly-in competition that pits balloon pilots against each other to demonstrate their technical prowess.
Where to stay: Arrive Albuquerque
- Book now: arrivehotels.com/hotels/albuquerque
The 137-room boutique hotel is another outpost of the funky California-based Palisociety and sits on what was once Route 66. Look for the red lowrider that nods to its site, part of the massive external mural by artist Nani Chacon.
Insider tip
Order a blue corn crust pizza at local pie joint Golden Crown Panaderia, says hotel general manager Abraham Juarez, who notes that the place blends “old school charm with off-beat creativity”. He recommends opting for the local favorite slathered with green chilies, pepperoni, and piñones (pine nuts).
Malta is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Photo by Shutterstock
3. Malta
October is great for: a candlelit vigil with a twist
Directly across the harbor from the capital, Valletta, sit the so-called Three Cities, equally historic hubs in this island’s history: Cospicua, Senglea, and Birgu. The latter is the focus of Birgufest, which runs October 10–11. Electric lights are switched off, and instead the winding streets are lit solely by thousands of candles. Churches and museums offer discounted entry, and there are historical re-enactments as a nod to the siege of Malta, which saw the island fend off the Ottomans in 1565.
Where to stay: Palazzo Bettina
- Book now: ibbhotelpalazzobettina.com
The 13-room boutique hotel is housed in a 17th-century palace. Ask for a room with a balcony that overlooks the harbor.
Insider tip
Álvaro Guzmán, who helps manage the hotel, suggests picking up traditional souvenirs before leaving. “Malta’s charm travels well in a suitcase,” he explains, of easy-to-tote pieces like filigree jewelry, where local artisans twist fine silver wire into lace-like designs. Buy some carob syrup, too, and drizzle it over your breakfast yogurt. “Just a spoonful brings back the warmth of Maltese sunshine—sweet, earthy, and a little nostalgic.”
Istanbul is full of traffic on the streets—get yourself from one place to another on a boat for a less-crowded alternative.
Photo by s_oleg/Shutterstock
4. Istanbul, Türkiye
October is great for: high culture in one of the world’s most culture-packed cities
The Istanbul International Arts + Culture Festival returns for three days October 10–12, with a timely theme: What Is Really Real? The program, anchored at the festival’s multi-story townhouse in Arnavutköy but also spread across the city in various key venues, will explore that theme through screenings, workshops, and exhibitions. Past guests have included designer Silvia Venturini Fendi and actor Parker Posey, as well as musician Michael Stipe and writer Gore Vidal.
Where to stay: Peninsula Istanbul
- Book now: peninsula.com
The 177-room property was a splashy arrival when it opened two years ago on the Karaköy side of the Bosphorus, handily close to the Galataport development full of shopping and dining as well as the new home for the Istanbul Modern Museum.
Insider tip
Fancy a cocktail? Check out Fahri Konsolos. Afar contributor Anya von Bremzen describes it as “a den of wildly creative mixology on the Asian shore in the happening district of Moda.” Try the Duthane, which blends raki, mastic, and white mulberry, or the Çīdem, which puts a twist on the Manhattan by adding sour cherry and orange blossom.
Nassau is the colorful capital of the Bahamas.
Photo by alarico/Shutterstock
5. Nassau, Bahamas
October is great for: gorging on gorgeous delicacies from around the world
Come hungry to the major hub of this island nation for the Culinary & Arts Festival which runs from October 22 to 26 this year. It brings talent like Marcus Samuelsson and Daniel Boulud, alongside TV staples like Scott Conant, to cook meals during the five-day fiesta. While you’ll likely be able to sample a variety of cuisines, don’t miss the chance to sample local specialties. Try dishes such as the guava duff, a steamed pudding slathered in a rum sauce, or johnnycake, Bahamian-style without the cornmeal, with a slab or two of salt fish.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Ocean Club
- Book now: fourseasons.com/oceanclub
Opened during the 1960s by American socialite Huntington Hartford, this was intended to be a luxury playground. It remains just as indulgent now, after a recent renovation under the auspices of the Four Seasons, which upgraded and updated the 35-acre complex.
Insider tip
Local designer Theodore Elyett recommends craft cocktail bar and coffee lounge the Dilly Club, with an interior he describes as “a kaleidoscope of prints and patterns.” Take home a wallet or a brightly patterned tote from the resort wear boutique Haus of Assembly by Aidan Anais Barrow, located right in the cruise port.
In Jackson Hole, you can surround yourself with Wyoming’s natural beauty—herds of wildlife, large ranch farms, and hiking trails through the Tetons that provide views over the Jackson Hole valley.
Photo by Charissa Fay
6. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
October is great for: elk-spotting
To avoid the snow-seeking crowds of peak season, head to this Wyoming town during the fall as the aspens and cottonwoods turn a dazzling shade of yellow. When you’re visiting nearby Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone, keep an eye open as the wildlife is lively this month. Eagles and trumpeter swans are migrating, and bull elks thrash trees and loudly bugle, while showcasing their impressive antlers in the hope of snaring a mate.
Where to stay: Snow King Resort
- Book now: snowking.com
This eight-acre, 203-room property sits right at the base of its namesake mountain and a few blocks from the Town Square. Take advantage of the 9,000-square-foot spa, which has a halotherapy salt lounge and a scenic outdoor hot tub.
Insider tip
For dinner, head to the oldest brewpub in the state, Snake River Brewing, says Snow King Resort general manager Anne Buckland, and order fish and chips. “It sounds ironic, since we are landlocked, but it exceeds expectations.” Pair the food with a pale ale.
The Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s foremost races, known for a flat course that allows all entrants to aim for their personal best more easily.
Photo by Fernanda Paradizo/Shutterstock
7. Chicago, Illinois
October is great for: hoping to see another world record broken
On October 12, Chicago’s marathon commandeers major stretches of the city for an urban adventure through almost 30 neighborhoods, whether LGBTQ+ hub Boystown or Pilsen, where Chicano culture has long held sway. Kenyan champ Ruth Chepng’etich set a world record last year at just under 2 hours 10 minutes, a year after countrymate Kelvin Kiptum did the same thing in the men’s race—at only 35 seconds over two hours in 2023. Peak viewing spots include the South Loop, close to the finish line.
Where to stay: The LondonHouse
The views from the rooftop bar of this river-adjacent hotel are among the best in the city. It’s worth splurging on an upgrade to the Vista Rooms, which have floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river.
Insider tip
“Go to Wrigley, and take a picture of the iconic board,” says head concierge Mary C. Skoubis. “And you have to make a stop at Garrett Popcorn and order the Chicago mix called Caramel and Cheese. Just get plenty of napkins.”
Come to Boone for beautiful autumn colors and cascades.
Photo by Shutterstock
8. Boone, North Carolina
October is great for: autumn colors and rebuilding
Peak fall foliage in Boone is expected between October 11 and 14 this year. The forests full of different trees, from oaks and maples to sweetgums, all but guarantee a showstopping view. Key spots to check out include Blue Ridge Parkway and Rocky Knob. And even better, tourism dollars are much-needed in a region that’s rebounding but still reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Where to stay: The 1850 Hotel
- Book now: 1850boone.com
The 20-suite property, opened this spring, is named for the year Boone earned its name. It’s housed in the onetime Councill’s Store right in the heart of downtown.
Insider tip
Spend a sunny afternoon at the newly renovated Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park, says the hotel’s Katee Shelton. “With revamped trails, a brand-new observation deck, improved pump track, and expanded parking, it’s the perfect spot for both beginners and seasoned riders,” she raves.
Renowned for its vast icefields, turquoise glacial lakes, and world-class hiking trails, Jasper National Park is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Canada.
Photo by Lubomir Chudoba/Shutterstock
9. Jasper, Canada
October is great for: squinting to see if there’s anybody out there, really
Jasper National Park in Alberta is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve anywhere in the world. For two weeks from October 17, it celebrates this honor with an extensive festival focused on the marvel of a star-speckled, inky black sky. Edmonton Symphony Orchestra Strings plays a symphony under the stars (bring a blanket!), and there are astrophotography workshops, as well as lectures from space-savvy experts from the likes of NASA and Blue Origin. The Jasper Planetarium, home to the most powerful telescope in the Rockies, also offers guided tours and shows at its theater dome.
Where to stay: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
- Book now: fairmont.com
This grande dame property was originally built in the 1920s as part of the network of European-style railway hotels in Canada, shadowing the train’s expansion across the country. Today, it retains a reassuring grandeur, set on 700 acres on the shores of Lac Beauvert.
Insider tip
Book a Wapakwanis Plant Walk with local Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Matricia Bauer says the hotel’s general manager, Garrett Turta. “It is a fantastic way to connect with Jasper’s landscape and culture, and learn about local plant life, its traditional uses, and Indigenous teachings.”
Grindelwald is one of the most popular ski resort towns in Switzerland.
Photo by Maria Mozgovaja/Shutterstock
10. Grindelwald, Switzerland
October is great for: adorable Alpine traditions
Alpabzug, or the cattle migration, is a superb time to explore this fairy-tale-like corner of Europe. The herds are decked out in crowns of flowers, and the air will be noisy, full of tinkling bells as the cattle trudge down from the higher Alpine pastures to the lower stretches of greenery in and around this town. Weather forecasts determine the exact date so check timings with the local tourism office as the time nears. This event dates back centuries and is an opportunity for locals to play alphorns and yodel as their forebears did.
Where to stay: Hotel Fiescherblick
- Book now: hotel-fiescherblick.ch
Brothers Lars and Matthias Michel operate this property together, next door to the hotel that their family has run for four generations. The 19 rooms are Scandi-minimal and have terrific views of the surrounding mountains from their balconies.
Insider tip
Lars is host and the top sommelier at the property, and he has a list of need-to-try local spots: Onkel Tom’s Hütte pizzeria (go for the caprese to start), Stallbeizli Heuboden (for traditional fondue), and Kringle (get cardamom buns to start the day, or an IPA or soft serve to end it).
Museums in Florence with Renaissance art include masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rafael.
Photo by efired/Getty Images/iStockphoto
11. Florence, Italy
October is great for: contemporary art in a classical setting
Come to Florence this month, and you can immerse yourself in distinctly contemporary culture during the XV Biennale, which runs from October 18 to 26 in the Fortezza da Basso and combines an art show with lectures, events, and children’s interactive workshops. 2025’s theme, “The Sublime Essence of Light and Darkness,” has tasked artists and other creatives to produce work exploring that connection. Expect director Fabrizio Moretti to wrangle boldfaced names on par with those of the past, which have included contributions by El Anatsui, Anish Kapoor, and David Hockney.
Where to stay: Hotel Calimala Florence
- Book now: hotelcalimala.com
This boutique hotel is handily located right on the street that connects the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio. Its zingy, color-popped interiors by designer Alex Meitlis contrast brick walls with plush velvet chairs.
Insider tip
Hotelier Amerigo Franchetti says there’s only one place to find the ultimate Tuscan souvenir. “Pick up a freshly bottled, small-batch olio nuovo—that’s new olive oil—from La Buca delle Fate, a tiny specialty food shop near Piazza della Signoria,” he says.
