My top places to visit in October …
Happy October everyone. Autumn is well and truly with us now, spooky season is on its way, the leaves are starting to change colour and we’ve had our fair share of rain. Well, maybe not depending on where you’re reading this from! October is a great month to get away for a city break. Or how about visiting somewhere where you can enjoy the changing colours of Autumn? With a half-term holiday in October, it’s also a great time for a late family holiday without having to worry about taking your children out of school. If you’re looking for some inspiration for a holiday, here’s my top 5 picks for places to visit in October:
Rome
Number one on my top list of places to visit in October is Rome. What a lot of people don’t realise is that Italian cities tend to stay busy in September. People have realised how hot and busy the summer months are in Rome. However, October is when things really start to calm down. This means it’s going to be easier to get into attractions such as the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. There’ll be much shorter queues, more accommodation available and generally just a more peaceful feel on the streets. There are also plenty of festivals and events happening in October. These include the Rome Film Fest and the RomaEuropa Festival which is perfect for art and music enthusiasts.
The weather in October is generally very mild. Temperatures range from 18C to 25C during the day, perfect for exploring. Prices in October are much more budget-friendly. Rome is much more cost-effective in October with deals to be had on flights and hotels. It’s also wine harvest month, so the perfect time to visit Italy’s vineyards and take part in some wine tours. Great if you’re a fan of Italian wines.
If you’re still looking for that Autumn experience, then visit some of Rome’s parks and gardens. Villa Borghese and Villa Doria Pamphili start to showcase their autumn colours in October.
The Lake District
If you want a UK getaway this October, you can’t go wrong with the Lake District at this time of year. It’s absolutely one of my top places to visit in October. Again, the summer crowds have gone and it’s much more peaceful. You can enjoy walks outdoors, crunching through leaves, and seeing the vibrant colours of Autumn. The hillsides come alive with the colours of red, orange and gold, making it perfect for photo ops.
If you get caught in a rain shower (quite likely in October) there are plenty of cosy little pubs to pop into. You can enjoy a drink and get cosy (often in front of a roaring fire). I would recommend checking the weather forecast before your trip. Make sure you have enough layers and waterproof jackets with you if rain is forecast. It can get very wet in the Lake District, but it’s still beautiful!
If you’re travelling as a family, there are still plenty of things to see and do. Boat cruises are still running, the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway is open until the end of October (check dates before travelling). If the weather is a bit damp, there are plenty of indoor attractions. The Beatrix Potter Museum in Bowness on Windermere, is great for kids, or just anybody who grew up loving her stories. There’s also the Lakeland Motor Museum in Ulverston which my son loved, or Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage in Grasmere. Make sure to stop off for some genuine Grasmere Gingerbread!
New England
New England is the unofficial capital of all things Autumn (in the US that is). If you want Autumn colour, less rain and a bit more adventure, New England is a fantastic option. The region known as New England is made up of 6 states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Boston is New England’s largest city, making it perfect for an autumn break. Or combine a trip to Boston with a visit to somewhere more rural and relaxing. Try the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the countryside of Vermont, or the Bash Bish Falls State Park in Massachusetts.
Many towns and cities in New England host harvest festivals during the month of October. These festivals celebrate the harvest month. They also combine activities such as apple picking, pumpkin carving and hayrides, making them events for the whole family. If spooky season is your thing, then there are tons of haunted attractions, tours and events during October. You could even visit the site of the Salem Witch Trials or take one of the guided tours. October is also a great time to try some seasonal treats such as apple cider, pumpkin spice everything and fresh apple pies. It’s also a great time to try some of New England’s seafood – which is also great year-round.
Cyprus
If you’re not an autumn fan and the sunshine is more your thing, consider Cyprus for an October holiday. If you’ve ever been to Cyprus in the summer, then you know it can get hot with a capital H!!! October is considered one of the best times to visit Cyprus in terms of weather. Days are still long and warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 22C to 28C. This is perfect for a beach or pool day. The water isn’t quite as warm as the summer, but still pleasant for swimming and water sports. It’s also a great time for snorkelling and diving due to good water visibility.
If you’re a fan of your wine… October is grape harvest season. There are plenty of wine-related activities you can take part in including vineyard tours, and wine-tasting events. Cyprus is known for its good wine. It’s definitely worth visiting during harvest season if wine is your tipple of choice! If history is your thing, then there will be plenty in Cyprus to keep you happy. The milder weather makes exploring outdoor ruins and attractions much more pleasant. Many restaurants and tavernas are much quieter, making it a perfect time to try some traditional dishes such as souvlaki and halloumi cheese. Cyprus in October offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. You can explore the island at your own pace, and enjoy a quieter, more authentic experience.
Dubai
If you’re chasing hotter weather, then Dubai is definitely a good choice. Summer in Dubai is when the city hibernates, and everyone hides indoors relying on the AC to stay cool. In October, temperatures have dropped from the crazy heat of the summer. Daily temperatures are at an average of high 20s to low 30s. October is a quieter month to visit Dubai. You get to avoid the hot summer temperatures but also miss the crowds that come in during January and February. Desert Safaris are popular year-round; however, the cooler weather makes them a much more comfortable experience. It’s the perfect time to enjoy more of Dubai’s outdoor activities without having to take refuge in an air-conditioned mall!
Dubai is amazing for families. The more I’ve researched it for people, the more I realise how much there is to do! October is a fantastic time to visit some of Dubai’s attractions such as Legoland Dubai, Motiongate and Ferrari World. The Dubai International Film Festival also takes place in October, so attracts film enthusiasts from across the world. The weather also makes it the perfect time to spend time on Dubai’s beautiful beaches, relaxing, swimming or trying out water sports. It’s also a great time to try out some of the waterparks in Dubai, they have some of the most out-there theming and crazy slides! That’s why it’s one of my top places to visit in October.
Round-up
So, there you have it, my top 5 places to visit in October. Prices in October are generally a bit lower in many places as it is out of season. There are many more deals available on flights and hotels. It’s also much easier to get tickets to visit different attractions and lines are shorter. It’s also easier to get a table in restaurants at shorter notice.
I will say some of these destinations have a lot going for them at other times of the year too depending on what you’re looking for from a break. I actually found it really hard to stop at five destinations this month. Of course, there are plenty more destinations which are great to visit in October. I’d be here all day trying to write about all of them though!
Another quick option to throw in there. Berlin is an amazing city year-round but hosts the amazing-looking Festival of Light in October. If Berlin is on your radar, it’s definitely worth checking out the festival. Berlin is going to feature in a future month guide don’t worry!
If you’re inspired to book an October break, fill in my quote request form here. Or drop me a message on my Facebook page here. There is still plenty of availability left for the October half-term this year. Or get ahead of yourself and get booked up for next October. Michelle x
