21 Cheap Places to Visit in October 2025 (Perfect Weather!)
October 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best months in recent memory to catch great weather, fewer crowds and sharply lower hotel prices. This guide has been fully updated with the latest 3‑star and 4‑star rates from trusted booking sites—so everything you see reflects real October 2025 costs at reliable, quality hotels.
Regional sections are ordered by popularity: The Caribbean & Mexico, U.S., Latin America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Each destination entry varies slightly in length and tone. You’ll find honest, first‑person observations—spotlighting locations I’ve stayed in or frequented—and practical notes on value, vibe and weather. Ready to explore the best cheap October travel options for 2025? Let’s start with the sunniest and most affordable.
This article was updated in July, 2025.
The Caribbean & Mexico
If you’re craving warm weather and palm trees in October, the Caribbean and parts of Mexico are still in the tail end of rainy season—but it’s usually just quick showers, and the beach weather is still on point. Better yet, this is when resort prices are near their lowest all year, especially if you can travel before the end of the month.
All four of the places below are solid choices, and each offers something different—whether you want a relaxing all-inclusive, vibrant nightlife, or even a cultural deep dive in one of the world’s biggest cities.
Cancun, Mexico
- October avg high: 88°F/31°C
- October avg low: 75°F/24°C
- October avg precip: 8.7″/21.8cm
Cancun is still technically in rainy season during October, but don’t let that scare you off—it mostly means quick, warm showers followed by plenty of sunshine. And with summer crowds long gone, this is one of the best times of year to score a great deal on a beachfront resort or all-inclusive.
The long Hotel Zone strip is home to dozens of big beach hotels with postcard-perfect white sand, but one of Cancun’s biggest strengths is how much there is nearby. Playa del Carmen, about an hour south, is a far more walkable and fun town with a more local vibe, and Tulum is just beyond that for those chasing jungle ruins and eco-chic beach clubs.
You’ll find October deals at both big-name resorts and smaller hotels in the city, so whether you’re a beach bum or a budget traveler, this part of Mexico delivers.
>>>New: Guide to choosing where to stay in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Cozumel
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$48 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$59 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$202 per night for two people
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- October avg high: 89°F/32°C
- October avg low: 73°F/23°C
- October avg precip: 1.9″/4.8cm
Punta Cana is one of the best-value beach destinations in the Caribbean – especially in October, when prices are still low and the weather is transitioning out of hurricane season. It’s hot and humid, but most resorts are built for exactly that.
Here’s the thing: if you’re not staying in an all-inclusive resort, there’s really no reason to come. Punta Cana isn’t a city—it’s a purpose-built resort zone where each complex often contains 4 or 5 separate hotels, all under one brand umbrella. That can mean long walks just to get to breakfast, but the upside is a ton of food and drink variety for the price.
If you want a relaxing week with unlimited food and drinks for less than what you’d spend at home, this is your spot. Just don’t expect much local culture unless you venture off the resort grounds.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$46 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$80 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$230 per night for two people
Montego Bay, Jamaica
- October avg high: 88°F/31°C
- October avg low: 76°F/24°C
- October avg precip: 3.3″/8.3cm
Similar to Punta Cana, Montego Bay is the kind of place where most visitors stick to their resort, and honestly, that’s usually the right move. Ocho Rios is the same way: great resorts, but not much to do beyond the gates. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit more independent and walkable, Negril is a better choice. Its famous 7 Mile Beach is stunning and you can actually stroll between hotels, restaurants, and beach bars. The only downside is the persistent beach vendors who will try to sell you something every few minutes, but most travelers get used to politely saying no after a day or two.
As for October, this is still hurricane season, but the odds of a major storm are extremely low and the upside is fantastic deals on even the nicest resorts. The Sandals properties and other premium all-inclusives offer incredible value now, and you’ll find their reviews are generally much better than the budget places.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$118 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$1480 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$297 per night for two people
Mexico City, Mexico
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 50°F/10°C
- October avg precip: 2.6″/6.5cm
I was just in Mexico City recently and made a whole video about how underrated and surprisingly affordable it is. You get world-class food, culture, and history for a fraction of what you’d spend in Europe or even the U.S.—and it’s right next door. The street food alone is a highlight, but even if you stick to nicer sit-down spots, prices are shockingly low by international standards.
The weather in October is comfortably mild, the summer rains are mostly done, and tourism is much lighter than in spring or winter. For travelers who want big-city energy on a modest budget, this is one of the best deals in the world.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$25 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$66 per night for two people
United States
October is one of the best months for travel in the U.S.—weather is still warm in the South, hurricane risk is low, and prices are often cheaper than in summer. While many American cities are cooling down, New Orleans stays lively, affordable, and ideal for a last burst of warmth and fun before winter arrives.
New Orleans, USA
- October avg high: 80°F/27°C
- October avg low: 60°F/16°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
New Orleans is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the U.S., and October is one of the best times to visit. It’s still warm enough to enjoy outdoor strolls through the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River, but not nearly as hot and humid as in summer.
Even if you don’t like to party, the city’s historic architecture, jazz clubs, and stunning cemeteries make it endlessly fascinating. But if you do like to party, it’s arguably more fun—and cheaper—than Las Vegas. The local food is another highlight, with gumbo, po’boys, and beignets all easy to find and surprisingly affordable. It’s one of those rare cities that feels worth visiting no matter your travel style or budget.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$110 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$119 per night for two people
Central & South America
October is shoulder season across much of Latin America, making it a sweet spot for travel deals and thinner crowds. In many cities, the rainy season is winding down or already gone, and temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing or relaxing. With exchange rates still favorable in several countries, this region continues to offer excellent value—especially if you’re craving culture, sunshine, and affordability.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
- October avg high: 73°F/23°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 4.7″/11.8cm
With spring in full swing and inflation finally under some control, Buenos Aires is one of the world’s best travel bargains again. October brings mild temperatures, blooming jacaranda trees, and the return of outdoor café life. What it lacks in traditional checklist attractions, it makes up for with irresistible steak dinners, tango shows, and a stylish, walkable cityscape that feels both European and unmistakably Latin American.
Hotel prices are still shockingly low by international standards, and it’s easy to find great midrange places for well under US$100. That means you can splurge on amazing meals, wine, and activities without worrying too much about the budget. Buenos Aires is the kind of city where you come for the vibe and stay longer than expected.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$41 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$70 per night for two people
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- October avg high: 82°F/28°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
It’s no secret that Rio is one of the most beautiful cities in the world—with its sweeping beaches, lush green mountains, and dramatic skyline—but it comes with some caveats. October is a great time to go: the heat isn’t too intense yet, and it’s just before the peak summer crowds and prices. That said, Rio still has its safety concerns, so you’ll want to stick to popular areas and be cautious with valuables.
Fortunately, hotel rates in October are quite reasonable. Even beach-adjacent 3-star places can be found under US$40, and solid 4-star deals are common as well. Most visitors stay in Copacabana or Ipanema, which are ideal bases for both relaxing and sightseeing. Go in with realistic expectations and a bit of street sense, and Rio will absolutely blow you away.
- 3-star hotels from: US$28 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$60 per night for two people
Europe
October is one of the trickier months for European travel – it’s too chilly for beaches in most places north of the Mediterranean, and too late for summer vibes but too early for Christmas markets. But! For those in the know, this month is actually one of the best times to visit. Crowds have thinned out, hotel rates have dropped, and many major cities are at their most livable, with crisp air and golden leaves adding charm to already-beautiful streets.
From classic favorites like Paris and Rome to more relaxed spots like Split and Lisbon, this is a great time for culture-focused trips, food and wine getaways, or simply exploring without the chaos of summer tourism. Just bring a light jacket and expect some overcast days—what you lose in beach weather, you’ll gain in atmosphere and value.
Barcelona, Spain
- October avg high: 71°F/22°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
October might just be the best month of the year to visit Barcelona. The scorching summer heat and cruise ship mobs have finally faded, but the city is still lively and warm enough for beach walks, outdoor dining, and evening strolls in the Gothic Quarter. It’s one of Europe’s most iconic cities for a reason – every corner seems to offer a photo opportunity or a Gaudí surprise – and it still feels very much alive in autumn.
Hotel prices drop quite a bit in October, especially on weekdays, and you can often score a great deal just outside the city center. I’ve stayed in the Eixample and Gràcia neighborhoods and found them ideal – not too touristy, but close enough to everything by metro or foot. It’s also one of the easier cities in Europe to navigate on your own, with excellent food, late-night energy, and a layout that makes wandering a pleasure. Just beware: once you’ve been to Barcelona, almost everywhere else feels a bit less vibrant.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$113 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$170 per night for two people
Istanbul, Turkey
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 54°F/12°C
- October avg precip: 2.8″/7.0cm
October is one of the best months to visit Istanbul—warm enough to explore comfortably but well past the stifling summer heat and cruise crowds. The city’s mix of Europe and Asia, ancient and modern, chaotic and charming, is unlike anywhere else in the world. There’s so much to see that it can feel overwhelming, but the secret is not to rush. Pick a few neighborhoods, take your time, and enjoy the contrasts—like sipping tea beside the Bosphorus one hour and wandering through a 1,500-year-old cathedral the next.
Istanbul is also still surprisingly affordable. You’ll find charming boutique hotels and excellent 4-star options at prices that are hard to match in most of Europe. And thanks to the weak Turkish Lira, the value for meals, entrance fees, and even souvenirs is better than it’s been in years. I’ve spent many weeks here over the years, and every time I return, it feels both familiar and completely new.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$51 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$56 per night for two people
Athens, Greece
- October avg high: 74°F/23°C
- October avg low: 56°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 2.1″/5.3cm
Athens tends to get written off as a one-day stop on the way to the islands, but that really doesn’t do it justice—especially in October. The weather is still warm, the summer crowds have thinned out, and the city’s ancient landmarks feel even more impressive when you’re not roasting in the sun. The Acropolis is worth every bit of hype, especially if you catch it in the golden hour near sunset, and the surrounding neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki are perfect for wandering and snacking on souvlaki or fresh pastries.
Hotel prices drop a bit in October too, which makes it an even better value, especially for longer stays. If you’ve never been to Greece, Athens is a great way to get your footing before heading to one of the islands – or as a final stop before flying home. It may not be as postcard – pretty as Santorini, but the energy is real, and the history is baked into every street corner.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$76 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$116 per night for two people
Lisbon, Portugal
- October avg high: 72°F/22°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 3.1″/7.8cm
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals, and October might just be the best time to visit. The city stays warm well into autumn, but the peak-season crowds are gone and hotel prices are far more reasonable. You can still ride the iconic Tram 28 without being packed in like sardines, and places like Belém, Alfama, and Bairro Alto feel more local again.
Lisbon doesn’t have the must-see reputation of cities like Rome or Paris, but that’s part of its charm. It’s colorful, hilly, full of music, and wonderfully budget-friendly compared to other Western European cities. Great meals are still cheap, the wine is fantastic, and the day trips – to Sintra or Cascais, for example – are easy and rewarding. Lisbon feels like a place that quietly gets under your skin in all the best ways.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$71 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$96 per night for two people
Antalya, Turkey
- October avg high: 81°F/27°C
- October avg low: 59°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 3.4″/8.5cm
If you’re looking for a proper Mediterranean getaway in October without the Mediterranean price tag, Antalya is a top contender. I actually lived for over a year in Kaş, a few hours down the coast, and this whole stretch is breathtaking – mountains meet turquoise water, and prices are shockingly low compared to anywhere else in Europe. Antalya is the region’s hub and one of Turkey’s best beach destinations, especially for those who want resort amenities and a walkable historic core in the same trip.
Thanks to the weak Turkish lira, even the beachfront hotels and resorts here feel like bargains. October still delivers warm sunshine, but without the oppressive summer heat or high-season crowds. If you’re into all-inclusives, Antalya has you covered; if you’d rather stroll Roman ruins and sip Turkish tea by the sea, it delivers that too. It’s hard to beat for value, variety, and weather this time of year.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$76 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$128 per night for two people
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- October avg high: 79°F/25°C
- October avg low: 68°F/20°C
- October avg precip: 0.7″/1.7cm
If your idea of a perfect October trip is relaxing in the sun without overthinking sightseeing, Tenerife might be just what you’re looking for. The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, it feels more like a chill, subtropical escape than a European capital – because it kind of is. You’ll still be using euros and speaking some Spanish, but everything from the food to the volcanic beaches feels unique.
Tenerife is one of those places I always describe as better than you expect – especially for the price. The weather is nearly perfect in October, and the deals are some of the best in Europe, particularly on longer stays. That said, nightlife and sightseeing can feel limited, especially in resort-heavy areas like Los Cristianos or Playa de las Américas. This is more of a read-a-book-by-the-pool kind of destination, and that’s exactly what many people want in October.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$61 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$118 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$198 per night for two people
Split, Croatia
- October avg high: 68°F/20°C
- October avg low: 57°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 3.0″/7.5cm
Split is one of my favorite cities in Croatia, and for good reason—it’s got real character. While Dubrovnik gets most of the international attention (and cruise ships), Split feels more like a working city that just happens to have a stunning historic core and a palm-lined waterfront. You can still enjoy Roman ruins, beautiful views, and island day trips—but with better value and far fewer crowds in October.
One of the best parts of Split is that it doesn’t empty out in the shoulder season. October still brings mild weather and affordable prices, especially on hotels and ferries to nearby islands like Hvar or Brač. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of old-world charm, relaxed vibes, and Mediterranean food without the Dubrovnik price tag, Split is where it’s at.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$62 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people
Africa
North Africa tends to be overlooked in October travel roundups, but that’s a mistake. Weather-wise, it’s one of the best months to visit – warm, dry, and far more pleasant than the scorching summer highs. October is also ideal for budget travelers, with excellent hotel rates and fewer crowds at key sights. Just be ready for a different pace and travel style than in Europe.
Fez, Morocco
- October avg high: 75°F/24°C
- October avg low: 55°F/13°C
- October avg precip: 2.5″/6.3cm
TFez is one of Morocco’s most fascinating cities, known for its ancient medina that’s part maze, part time machine. It’s less touristy and chaotic than Marrakech, and the weather in October is just about perfect for exploring on foot—warm during the day and cooler at night.
The old city is packed with souks, mosques, and riads tucked behind heavy wooden doors, many of which offer great deals on accommodation. You’ll want to be mentally prepared for some culture shock, especially when navigating the medina or dealing with pushy shopkeepers, but that’s all part of the adventure. If you’ve got a week in Morocco, it’s worth pairing Fez with Marrakech by train to see both sides of the country’s personality.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$57 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$79 per night for two people
Cairo, Egypt
- October avg high: 86°F/30°C
- October avg low: 64°F/18°C
- October avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
Cairo in October is warm, dry, and buzzing with energy – an ideal time to finally see the pyramids without the brutal summer heat. The city can feel overwhelming at first, but the ancient sights are more than worth it. Giza, with the Pyramids and Sphinx, is just across the river and offers better hotels and views than staying downtown.
That said, be prepared: the touts and hustlers near major tourist attractions are some of the most aggressive in the world. Most travelers are glad they came, but equally glad to move on after a few days. Still, seeing the Pyramids in person is unforgettable, and there’s a growing scene of hip cafés and museums that make Cairo more than just a one-stop wonder.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$81 per night for two people
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- October average high: 89°°F/32°°C
- October average low: 74°°F/23°°C
- October avg precip: 0.0″/0.0cm
If you’re looking for a warm beach escape in October without flying all the way to the Caribbean, Sharm el-Sheikh might surprise you. Located on the Red Sea, it has sunny skies, world-class snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of affordable resorts—many of them all-inclusive.
The best part? Some of these all-inclusive resorts start at under US$80 per night including alcohol, which is rare for this region. Just keep in mind that while drinks are included, the local drinking culture is more reserved—so don’t expect to be tossing back margaritas all day like you might at a Club Med. Sharm is ideal for a relaxing, scenic getaway, especially for those who want tropical vibes with a side of cultural contrast.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$68 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$90 per night for two people
- All-inclusive hotels from: US$76 per night for two people
Middle East
The Middle East can be a bit of a mixed bag in October – some places are still sweltering, while others are finally becoming comfortable again. For those looking for an affordable destination with warm weather, history, and fewer crowds, Jordan remains one of the most rewarding picks.
Amman, Jordan
- October avg high: 80°F/27°C
- October avg low: 58°F/14°C
- October avg precip: 0.3″/0.8cm
Amman isn’t always at the top of travelers’ wish lists, but it makes an excellent base for exploring some of the most jaw-dropping ancient sights in the world – including Petra and the Dead Sea. October is one of the best times to visit, with sunny skies and manageable temperatures ideal for sightseeing.
Hotels in the city are still very affordable, especially compared to the prices you’ll pay in more touristy parts of the region. You’ll find good mid-range hotels for well under $100 per night. Amman itself is a busy, modern capital, but it has a friendly energy and enough Roman ruins and local flavor to keep things interesting for a couple of days before heading out to the major sights.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$43 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$96 per night for two people
Asia
October is a tricky month for much of Asia. Many of the famously cheap destinations in Southeast Asia are still wrapping up their rainy seasons, while cities farther north are already cooling down for autumn. Still, there are a handful of excellent options this month – especially if you’re looking for good value, fewer crowds, and a bit of adventure. Just keep an eye on the weather, and you’ll find some amazing travel experiences at incredibly low prices.
Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
- October avg high: 86°F/30°C
- October avg low: 77°F/25°C
- October avg precip: 3.6″/9.0cm
Bali remains one of the world’s great travel bargains, especially in October when the weather is still sunny but the big tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet. Kuta is chaotic and busy, but it’s also where you’ll find cheap hotels, surf lessons, and a lot of nightlife – whether that’s a good thing or not depends on your taste. Personally, I find the traffic in the Kuta-Seminyak area to be nearly unbearable. On my last visit, I rented a pool villa in Seminyak for a month and spent way too much time just trying to get from one place to another.
For a more peaceful experience, I always recommend Ubud for culture and scenery, or Lovina on the north coast if you want that old-school Bali vibe with almost no traffic at all. The island is still recovering from the tourism collapse during the pandemic, so hotel deals are everywhere – including excellent 4-star places for under $30 per night. Add in $5 massages and $3 dinners and it’s easy to see why Bali keeps people coming back again and again.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$15 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$27 per night for two people
Goa, India
- October avg high: 89°F/31°C
- October avg low: 72°F/22°C
- October avg precip: 4.6″/11.5cm
Goa is a fascinating blend of Indian and Portuguese influences, with whitewashed churches, spicy seafood, and—unlike most of India—plenty of beef on the menu. It’s also one of the very few tourist areas in the country that isn’t totally overwhelming. In fact, compared to cities like Delhi or Mumbai, Goa feels downright relaxed.
October is the start of the dry season, so you’ll get warm sunny days and decent hotel availability before the big holiday crowds arrive in November and December. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Goa’s beautiful beaches, historic Old Town, and laid-back vibe. And while the cheapest hotels might be a bit rough, you can still find clean, comfortable rooms with great reviews at very reasonable prices.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$29 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$69 per night for two people
Pokhara, Nepal
- October avg high: 75°F/24°C
- October avg low: 59°F/15°C
- October avg precip: 2.2″/5.5cm
Pokhara highlights
Pokhara is the kind of place where travelers plan to stay for three days and end up staying for three weeks. It’s a laid-back lakeside town surrounded by Himalayan peaks, and it’s also the starting point for treks on the famous Annapurna Circuit. October brings perfect weather – warm days, clear skies, and almost no rain – which makes it peak season for outdoor activities.
Even with the high-season demand, hotel prices are still incredibly low, especially compared to trekking tour costs, which can add up quickly. On my last visit, the vibe was so relaxed and affordable that I considered staying much longer. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can get amazing views, cheap food, and peaceful surroundings without needing to splurge.
Hotel prices in October
- 3-star hotels from: US$25 per night for two people
- 4-star hotels from: US$38 per night for two people
Is your timing flexible?
October is one of the better months to travel, but it’s still in the heavy rainy season in much of Asia and the Caribbean. If you can push your trip another month, you’ll have more interesting options. Check our list of cheap places to go in November with great weather.
Everyone commented so I guess I will too. I live in st.Louis, work for an airline and have been given tickets to anyplace American airlines flys!! My girlfriend and I have Oct 22-29 off to travel. Live adventure, activity,no crowds and cant decide where to go. We cant get to New Zealand. Still thinking about Australia, rome, Barcelona. Where would you go if the sky were the limit!! Thanks
R. Husak,
I think your suggestions of Australia, Rome, or Barcelona are all very good ones. I think late October is a great time to go to southern Europe because it’s still decent weather and the crowds are thin so hotel prices are pretty low as well. If you haven’t been to either I think Rome is more interesting than Barcelona, and you could even do Rome for 3 days then a train to Florence for 3 days and then a train to Venice for one day before flying out of Venice or taking a train back to the Rome airport.
Obviously it’s spring in the southern hemisphere, but Sydney and Melbourne have pretty good weather then. You might also consider Buenos Aires and/or Rio de Janerio. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
thanks for great suggestion.it really help me to shortlist places.what are your best suggestions for other than asia with good budget for 7 days trip. please suggest.
Aditya,
What part of the world are you interested in? For a trip of only 7 days you probably wouldn’t want to fly halfway around the world because that takes a full day in each direction. I’m happy to help if you give me more clues as to what you want. -Roger
hi roger..i am planning to travel for a enjoying trip.7 days trip with wife and without any thing else like work n all.i will travel from india.any suggestion in reasonable price. asian country or anything else
Aditya,
October is a tricky month in Asia, as you know, because so many places have heavy rains. The best of the cheaper places are on the list above, but I also have a newer list of the best places to go in Asia in October that has 15 options. I put all of my best recommendations and the reasons why October is a good month on that list and I think it will help you narrow it down a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger,
I will be traveling Las Vegas for my bday the last weekend in October, but would love to add a tropical destination with great beaches from Vegas. I would love your recommendation for a location.
Robin,
If you want something fairly close to Las Vegas I would go either with Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta. By the end of October both of those should be done with their rainy season so you’ll get good weather but still with off-season prices. And the flight should be fairly cheap as well. -Roger
Hi roger my fiance and I have been looking at honeymoon destinations. We are getting married at the end of October 2018 and looking to travel at the end of Oct 28 thru the beginning of November. We have looked into the Dominican republic and Tahiti. Any great recommendations for 2 very overworked newlyweds looking to relax but still want some great excursions. Just dont want our honeymoon ruined by too much rainfall since we are traveling in October to November.
Roxy,
October is a tricky month for sunshine holidays, as you’ve noticed. Many of the most popular islands and tropical destinations have the potential for heavy rain in that month, so booking is a bit of a gamble. Personally, I lived in Miami a couple years ago and I would book to those places on short notice as long as the weather was looking decent, but for a honeymoon you don’t have that luxury.
The good news is that October isn’t particularly rainy in Tahiti and French Polynesia, so that could be a great choice. The rainfall in the South Pacific tends to come in quick bursts almost all year round, so it’s rare that it’s rainy all day or for days at a time. Often you’ll get a shower overnight, and also often you’ll get a 15 minute cloud burst in the late afternoon. And I actually prefer Moorea to Tahiti, and it’s a short ferry ride or super short flight from Tahiti. Moorea is a more beautiful island and it feels more like paradise. Bora Bora is a little farther and it’s also a wonderful place, although a bit more expensive. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hey Roger,
My wife and I would like to travel to Switzerland at the end of October for our honeymoon. We will have about 10-12 days at our destination and will probably be flying into Geneva before taking a train to a more remote location that still has cafes and some attractions, perhaps a castle or two to tour. Do you have any recommendations for us? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Jeffrey,
First off it’s probably worth at least scanning my main article on where to go in Switzerland. The country isn’t really known for castles in the way that many of its neighbors are. Switzerland is mostly about the amazing Alpine scenery and its lakes including Lucerne and Geneva. The cities aren’t as filled with sights as most of the neighboring countries either. I’m happy to help more, and hopefully that article will help you at least get started with a plan. -Roger
Hi Roger,
I’m from Holland and looking for a (female) solo backpack destination where I can spend my 2,5 week holiday in October. I love to travel around, spend some time in the sun and if possible learn how to surf! I was thinking about Bali, but with the vulcano that might errupt today or tomorrow I’m looking for a backup plan. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
Chantalle,
This is a tough one. As you’ve probably discovered, most of southern Asia is in peak rainy season in October. Most of the year the rainstorms only last 30 minutes or so, but in October you can get rain for full days at times. The same is true in most of Central America as well.
Your Bali plan would be ideal if not for the possible volcano eruption. They are saying that the danger zone is only a small part of the center of the island, but still I think I’d avoid it too because if they have an eruption then many bus routes and such could be closed for some time. The best part of the island in my opinion is around Lovina, which is north of the volcano, and that might get cut off because the main road goes just west of the peak.
You just don’t have a lot of good sunshine holiday choices in October for backpacking. You could try Brazil or Argentina or both of them. Aside from those, I think your best choices are the ones on the list in the article above. Sorry I couldn’t help more. -Roger
Hi Roger
I’m based out of Southern Germany. I was wondering if you had any ideas for where to travel solo for two weeks in mid October. I was hoping to get away from the crowds and big city hustle. On my list were Tanzania, Jamaica etc, I’d like to explore and get to know locals. Perhaps finish off with a couple of days in an all inclusive resort. I’d appreciate any advice.
Daphne,
I haven’t made it to Tanzania yet, but I have done lots of research as I helped run a website (with an expert) on Kilimanjaro. It sounds like a fairly challenging place for a solo traveler, but I don’t think it’s too dangerous if you stick mainly to the popular tourist cities and avoid spending time in Nairobi on the way. But I really can’t help you with much confidence on that one.
As for Jamaica, I really wouldn’t recommend it for a solo traveler. The problem is that it’s one of those countries where the shopkeepers and roaming vendors will hassle you mercilessly, trying to guilt you into a purchase. There are other places like that and maybe you’ve visited one before. Especially as a solo traveler, it’s hard to avoid them and it can be disheartening. Everyone speaks English though, and that at least makes it easy to talk to people if you don’t know Spanish.
The place nearby that I would recommend instead would be Playa del Carmen, Mexico. It’s a lovely town just a bit south of Cancun. It’s relaxed and very touristy, but in a fun way. There are great sights nearby such as Tulum and Chichen Itza, and there are many good-value all-inclusive resorts just outside of town. Because they are such a popular tourist destination, English is widely spoken so it’s pretty easy to get around and chat with people. You should be able to get a fairly cheap flight into Cancun, and then it’s just a one-hour shuttle ride to Playa del Carmen.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help on Tanzania, and I’m happy to answer other questions if you have them. -Roger
Hello Roger,
Great information! My hubby and I are in CT, planning a short (5 day) vacation for the third week of October for our 25th wedding anniversary. I am torn between Aruba, St. Martin or maybe even the gulf coast of Florida. We want a relaxing beach vacation. I prefer not to be on a plane for too long since we don’t have a full week, but if Aruba is that much better weather-wise for that time, then I would do the longer plane trip. Your input would be appreciated. Many thanks!
Loraine,
This is a tricky topic, and made even trickier by the fact that Hurricane Irma is currently making its way through the Caribbean. My understanding is that big storms hit Aruba only every 100 years or so, which makes sense when you look at the map and follow the storm patterns. They typically start way out in the Atlantic and then move away from the equator. And in the case of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, a storm would have to enter the Caribbean and then turn back south towards the equator, and that is very uncommon.
The one thing you can say about Florida is that it’s very easy to evacuate with all the major highways, and you always have around a week’s notice as the storm gets closer (or farther away). Even with all of that, tourists seem to be safe everywhere, and there is always a very tiny chance that you might have to be evacuated. Personally, I’d probably take my chances with St. Maarten as long as it gets through Irma okay, but other people are less willing to risk even a tiny chance at being inconvenienced. I’m not sure if this even helps you. Regardless, I would wait until Irma moves through before I’d lock anything in. This one looks serious and the scene might look different after it’s gone. -Roger
Hi Roger, what destinations might you suggest in early October for a woman (me) and her two boys (8 & 10) that is not excessively far from No. California? We love beaches and would enjoy somewhere safe and easy to get around in, with lots of interesting cultural things to see and do. We have about 7-10 days total for this trip, interested in international but may be open to US as well. Thank you!
Akwai,
My first thought is Puerto Vallarta, which is still untouched by the problems that some other regions of Mexico has. October is after their rainy season so you’ll have great weather (maybe with a quick shower or two), and they’ve got great beaches. There are some day trips you can do from there up and down the coast and a few things inland a bit, but most people stay in the main Puerto Vallarta area. One very nice thing about PV is that at its heart is an actual historic town with interesting architecture and local shops, unlike more purpose-built resort areas such as Cancun or Los Cabos. And there are nice hotel districts on both sides of the town center.
October is a challenge for beaches near California because all of Central America is in their rainy season then. The weather in Hawaii will be pretty much perfect, and there are plenty of non-stop flights from Northern California. It’s not cheap, although October is one of the cheaper months. And you can get a decent deal on a condo rental there and save on all the restaurant meals and such. There are “cultural” things in Hawaii relating to the traditional Hawaiian population, although they are quite different from what you may have in mind. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger