Where to Go in October

A trip to the Belize Barrier Reef in October brings you face-to-face with the wonders of the deep blue. Plunge into the Belize Blue Hole or fly high above for spectacular views of the aquatic treasure. Get a closer look at the world’s second-largest coral reef system by snorkelling or scuba diving. Swim with incredible sea creatures like sea turtles, nurse sharks and colourful fish. Head to the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve to swim with whale sharks.  

Feel the cool breeze by sailing around the reef system or practice your fishing skills. If all that sounds too exhausting, cruise to Half Moon Caye, a crescent-shaped island with immaculate beaches and diverse ecosystems, to simply lounge back and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

For adventurers, Kathmandu provides the ultimate playground for heart-racing fun in the outdoors. The pleasant weather in October sees temperatures in the low 20s (°C), providing countless opportunities to explore Nepal’s magical scenery. Head to the mighty Himalayas for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition. The Dhaulagiri Circuit and Limi Valley treks are incredible journeys for seasoned hikers. For an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion, paddle out to the Sun Kosi or Karnali River. To truly appreciate the majestic, mountainous landscape, you could get a bird’s-eye view over Kathmandu by booking a high-flying paragliding trip. 

Get to know the cultural side of Kathmandu in October by witnessing Tihar, the festival of lights, when bright candles and lanterns light up the sky. Nepal's biggest and most auspicious festival, Dashain, also takes place in October, when locals celebrate the triumph of good over evil with feasts and parties.

In October, Munich attracts hundreds of thousands of revellers to its world-famous Oktoberfest. The festival actually starts in late September and ends on the first Sunday in October. Kick-off the festivities at massive beer tents and fill your mug to the brim with the finest Bavarian beer. Chow down on traditional Bavarian foods like würstl (sausages), schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle) and brazen (pretzels) to go with your beer. Head to the Oide Wiesn to see crowds in traditional outfits – and even wear one yourself – and dance along to the oompah bands entertaining the crowds.

If you need to take it easy on the beer, take a break at the English Garden and watch the surfers in the river. You can also head to Mariahilfplatz for the year’s third Auer Dult, a centuries-old market where you can browse for antiques, artwork and household items.

Nature enthusiasts will be living the dream during October in Vermont with crisp autumn air and vibrant, colourful forests. Hitch a ride on Amtrak’s Vermonter to marvel at the state’s striking mountains and autumn foliage. Take an intimate drive through cosy towns, over covered bridges, and to the mountaintops of the Green Mountain State. Be prepared for unplanned stops to taste delicious seasonal snacks, such as juicy apples, roasted pumpkins and sweet maple syrup in a variety of ways.

End your days listening to the sounds of nature while warming up by the fire inside a rural cottage. If you want to give your legs a stretch, complete your October holiday in Vermont by trekking part of the Long Trail, which stretches for hundreds of miles across the state.

The Côte d'Azur in October begins to settle down for the coming winter, meaning you get to explore this swanky stretch of coastline at your leisure. The temperature dips from the warm summer days so you're unlikely to do much sunbathing. Even so, it's fantastic for sightseeing without summer’s usual throngs of tourists.

Head to Nice, capital of the French Riviera, and walk down the Promenade des Anglais to enjoy the enchanting sounds of the sea. Hike to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the colourful Old Town and the port. Watch the annual Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez for the most competitive sailboat race of the year. For spectacular views of the Mediterranean, stop at the hilltop village of Èze and its exotic cactus garden. Complete your fabulous October in Côte d'Azur by shopping for delicious treats at the Provençal markets of Antibes.