Places to Visit in October

Did you know October is one of the most colourful months worldwide? The reason is you will find beautiful red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves in Europe and North America, while yellow, purple, blue, white, and pink coloured wildflower blooms in South Africa and Australia. It is called the shoulder season because it bridges the peak and the off-season.

And geographically, it is the only month when you can experience both spring (in the Southern Hemisphere) and autumn (in the Northern Hemisphere) at the same time.

If you are planning a trip in the month of October, read this guide for the best places and the most visited tourist attractions. But, remember, before you embark on your international trip, purchase an international travel insurance policy from Bajaj General Insurance for a secure journey.

Why October Is a Great Month for International Travel?

If you want to plan an international trip, October is a great month due to:

• Pleasant Weather: The weather is pleasant in most parts of different countries in the month of October. In Europe, it is cool but not cold, while in Southeast Asia, it is warm but the monsoon fury has subsided. This means you can explore tourist places in different countries that you visit.
• Fewer Crowds: The peak tourist season in most countries starts from December or May. October is not the peak season, so you can enjoy your trip with less tourists around. You can freely click photos and avoid long queues at popular spots.
• Scenic Beauty: October is the season for autumn colours in Europe, North America, and Japan. Trees turn shades of red, orange, and gold and it creates beautiful landscapes.
• Festivals and Events: Many countries celebrate unique festivals in October, so you can enjoy the local culture and learn more about their festivals.
• Better Travel Deals: Since October is a shoulder season in most places, you can get good deals on accommodation and tickets. Also, flight tickets and hotel booking prices are cheaper.

Places to Visit in October

Explore the best places to visit in October and the must visit tourist attractions in these countries:

Japan

October in Japan is magical because the country is full of bright red, orange, and golden leaves. The autumn foliage transforms all places in Japan into picture-perfect scenery and the weather is cool and comfortable.

The must visit places are Kyoto where you will find historic temples and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Also Mount Fuji is amazing from different viewpoints before the snow season starts.

You can try seasonal street food like roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and autumn desserts.

Greece

Greece is perfect in October because the weather is warm but not too hot. The most famous places in Greece are the capital city, Athens, and the Acropolis, where you can see ancient ruins, Santorini and Mykonos islands to enjoy natural water and calm sea, and UNESCO World Heritage site at Meteora, where you will be mesmerised due to the presence of monasteries in a region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks.

South Africa

October is spring in South Africa. The weather is mild, flowers bloom everywhere, and animals are very active. Animal lovers can see the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos at the Kruger National Park. You can join guided safaris in jeeps and see animals in their natural habitat. Namaqualand, in Northern South Africa, is covered in colourful wildflowers in October, and Cape Town has beautiful Table Mountain, which you can climb or take a cable car to enjoy panoramic views. There are also vineyards which you can visit that offer wine tasting.

Italy

In October, in Italy, it is the harvest season, so you can taste fresh wine and participate in grape festivals. The tourist attractions are Rome’s Colosseum, Vatican, and Venice. During this period, smaller towns host local food festivals where you can try truffles, mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, and other seasonal treats.

Australia

The must visit places in Australia are Sydney which has beautiful beaches like Bondi and Manly, Sydney Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. You can experience the beauty of nature at the Great Barrier Reef, where you can see colourful fish and corals when you go for snorkelling or diving. The Spring Racing Carnival is held in Melbourne during this period, where horse racing and cultural festivities are held.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, during this period, it is spring. The landscape is beautiful because flowers bloom, hills are green, and rivers are full. For fans of the movie “The Lord of the Rings”, Hobbiton in Matamata is a must-visit place.

You can visit the Fiordland National Park for trekking, boat rides, and breathtaking fjords, and try bungee jumping, skydiving, and river rafting. Places like Christchurch’s Botanic Gardens are full of blossoms.

Thailand

October is a good time to visit Thailand as the rainy season starts to ease. You can visit beaches at Phuket and Krabi for enjoying snorkelling, islands, and boat trips. In late October, festivals like Loy Krathong are held where you can see floating lanterns and rivers lit up beautifully.

Vietnam

In Vietnam, in October, the weather is dry and sunny. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam is famous for Old Quarter, where you will find local market and lot of street food. You can also enjoy nature’s beauty at Halong Bay, which is a natural wonder near Hanoi filled with emerald-green water and has thousands of limestone cliffs.

Conclusion

October is a great time to visit various international places. Each country has different attractions like beaches, nature, adventures, and nightlife. Many cultural festivals and events are also organised in various countries.

But before you pack your bags, remember to buy travel insurance online from Bajaj General Insurance because emergencies do not strike with a warning. An international travel insurance policy will protect you from medical issues, passport loss, and trip cancellations.

FAQs

1. Is October a good month for international travel?

Yes, October is good because the weather is pleasant, there are fewer crowds, and travel costs are lower.

2. Which countries are best to visit in October?

Japan, Greece, South Africa, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Vietnam are some of the best.

3. Why is October called a shoulder season?

It is between the busy tourist season and the off-season, so you get good deals.

4. What festivals happen in October around the world?

You can see Oktoberfest in Germany, grape harvest festivals in Europe, and Loy Krathong in Thailand.

5. Do I need travel insurance for an October trip?

Yes, travel insurance is important. It protects you from medical emergencies, loss of passport, or trip delays.

6. Is October good for budget travel?

Yes, flights and hotels are usually cheaper than peak season.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.