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Woman in a pink kimono crossing a red arched bridge surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage in a Japanese garden — serene fall scene in Japan.
Wanderlust · 4 min read · 24 September 2026

Where to go in October: our top picks for an autumnal adventure

The best of summer isn't always in summer. These eight destinations prove October is one of the best months to travel.

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

Our top eight destinations for October travel include sun-chasing in Cyprus, wildlife safaris in Nepal, rising stars like Grenoble and Jerez, and the iconic autumn colours of Kyoto. Whether you want warmth, culture, or something a little different, there's something here for every kind of traveller.


October gets a bad reputation. The summer tan fades, the kids are back at school, and suddenly everyone acts like travel season is over. It isn't. In fact, October is one of the best months to travel – crowds thin out, prices often drop, and some destinations are simply at their best. Here are our top picks for where to go this autumn.

Cyprus

Cyprus ranks 36th Ancient stone ruins and a Corinthian column overlooking a vivid turquoise sea, rugged coastal cliffs, and a bright blue sky with clouds – Cyprus.

Still chasing summer? Cyprus is your answer. October brings warm, sunny days without the scorching heat of peak season – it's the sweet spot for beach lovers and culture seekers alike.

There's a practical bonus too. Cyprus sits outside the Schengen Zone, which means it won't be subject to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) queues hitting many other European destinations. That's one less thing to worry about at the border.

Grenoble | France

France ranks 20th Colourful hillside buildings beneath cable cars, with historic architecture, bare trees, and snow-capped mountains in the distance – Grenoble, France.

Grenoble is one of our fastest-growing destinations – bookings from Holiday Extras customers are up 200% compared to last year. So what's the draw?

Tucked into the French Alps, Grenoble is a city that rewards the curious. It's got world-class museums, brilliant food, and mountain scenery on its doorstep. October is a beautiful time to visit – the alpine air is crisp, the summer crowds have gone, and the surrounding peaks start to dust with the first snows of the season.

Nepal

Nepal ranks 91st Sunlit mountain village surrounded by lush green terraced fields and forested hills, with misty valleys and dramatic rays of sunlight – Nepal.

October is festival season in Nepal. Dashain – the country's biggest and most celebrated festival – fills the streets with colour, music, and community. It's a remarkable time to experience Nepali culture at its most vibrant.

Head to the Terai region and you'll find some of Asia's finest wildlife safaris. Rhinos, tigers, and elephants all call this lowland jungle home.

After recent flooding, the vast majority of Nepal is safe and very much open to visitors. Tourism means a great deal to local communities right now, and your trip makes a real difference. Keep an eye on the latest FCDO travel advice, and go with confidence.

Ljubljana | Slovenia

Slovenia ranks 23rd Scenic Ljubljana cityscape with the Ljubljanica River, historic buildings, a stone bridge, leafy trees, and a pink church beneath a blue sky.

Ljubljana is quietly having a moment. It's one of our top-rising destinations this year, as more travellers look beyond the obvious and start exploring Europe's lesser-known gems.

Slovenia's capital is compact, walkable, and utterly charming. Think a castle perched above a river, a buzzing café culture, and easy access to Lake Bled and the Slovenian countryside – all dressed in their finest autumn colours come October.

Goa | India

India ranks 78th Tropical beach with turquoise water, palm trees, and colorful huts in Goa, India, with a wooden fishing boat near the shore — relaxing coastal paradise.

October is, quite simply, one of the best times to visit Goa. The monsoon season wraps up, leaving the landscape lush and green. The beaches are clean, the air is warm but not punishing, and the tourist crowds haven't fully arrived yet.

It's the sweet spot between the wet season and the busy winter rush – and if you time it right, you'll feel like you've got the place almost to yourself.

Kyoto | Japan

Japan ranks 24th Visitors walking up stone steps to the vibrant red gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by greenery and traditional statues.

If you've ever seen a photo of Kyoto in autumn and thought 'I need to go there' – October is your window. The city's famous maple trees begin their transformation, turning temple gardens into something that looks almost too beautiful to be real.

Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Philosopher's Path – they're all spectacular in autumn. The weather is mild, the light is golden, and the atmosphere is electric. Japan in October is genuinely special.

Jerez | Spain

Spain ranks 18th Historic cathedral with a large domed roof and bell tower rising above whitewashed buildings under a clear blue sky in southern Spain.

October is one of the finest months to explore Andalusia, and Jerez de la Frontera is the ideal base. The fierce summer heat has eased, the harvest season is in full swing, and the city's famous sherry bodegas are busier than ever.

Jerez is also one of our top-rising destinations for 2026, as more travellers look beyond the classic Spanish hotspots and seek out the real Andalusia. Flamenco, fine horses, and exceptional food – Jerez has it all.

Bari | Italy

Italy ranks 31st Historic coastal town built on limestone cliffs overlooking calm blue sea at sunset, with whitewashed buildings and glowing waterfront lights.

Europe's second cities are having a serious moment, and Bari is leading the charge in Italy. While Rome and Florence get all the headlines, Puglia's capital is quietly winning over travellers who want the real Italy – without the queues.

Bari is another of our top-rising destinations for 2026. The old town – Bari Vecchia – is a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes, fresh seafood, and nonnas rolling pasta in doorways. October brings pleasant temperatures and a relaxed, local atmosphere that the peak summer months simply can't offer.


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