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Where to go on holiday in October
Come October, autumn has well and truly arrived in the UK. If you’re looking to escape the dark mornings and moody skies, where’s best to travel? You might want to go whale watching in New Zealand or see the paddy fields of Vietnam.
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Spain
If you’re travelling to Spain in October, don’t forget your walking shoes. This time of year is ideal for exploring on foot, with cooler sunny days making the rugged mountain trails of Andalusia, Gran Canaria, and the Costa Blanca a more achievable challenge with some wonderful views as your reward. Alternatively, head to one of Spain’s enticing cities; from Madrid and Seville to Valencia and Granada, there’s comfortable city sightseeing and a less touristy atmosphere this month.
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Portugal
There’s plenty to love about Portugal in October. The weather is warm but without the heat of summer. This makes birdwatching and walking along the beaches of the Algarve or around the historic architecture of Porto and Lisbon more enjoyable. You’ll also find fewer crowds and an authentic local atmosphere, particularly within the port wine cellars as they welcome the grape harvest. Or why not cruise the Douro Valley to see the vineyards themselves?
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Madeira
Although summer has ended, Madeira in October still finds plenty of warm, blue-sky days. The sea is also a comfortable temperature for swimming and beaches are often empty. Also, if you’re a fan of flowers, this Portuguese island’s volcanic soil and subtropical climate ensures there are plenty of blooms to enjoy both on walking trails and in the botanical gardens in and around the island capital, Funchal. For one of the best views, head up Pico da Torre.
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Italy
Italy in October offers a cooler contrast to the summer, especially if you want to visit the south. Culture vultures will love making the most of the Greco-Roman sites in Sicily or enjoying romantic strolls around the quieter streets of Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Or there’s plenty to tempt further north. The Tuscan countryside blazes in a canvas of autumnal colour while it’s cooler for sightseeing or people-watching in the piazzas in Rome and Venice.
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Greece
Anyone interested in ancient history should visit Greece in October, when you can enjoy the incomparable sites of Athens, the Peloponnese and the Greek islands without the crowds but every day can still be completed with a swim in the sea. It’s a great month to head off on an island-hopping cruise through the Aegean, or relax with an island escape on Crete, Rhodes, Leros and Symi, enjoying quiet beaches and peaceful afternoons in local tavernas.
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Cyprus
There’s plenty to be said for visiting Cyprus in October – fewer tourists, affordable flights, and milder temperatures for starters. Also, this is peak olive harvesting season with celebratory festivals making a countryside stroll even more rewarding. And, if you’re a keen cyclist or walker, this time of year is perfect for tackling the winding roads and forest trails in and around the Troodos Mountains, after the soaring temperatures of summer but before the winter snows arrive.
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River Nile, Egypt
Grey UK skies seem a world away on a cruise on the River Nile in October, when it’s still gloriously warm and sunny but without the punishing heat of the summer. From ancient Alexandria, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to the equally iconic Pyramids of Giza, you can journey through Egyptian history, visiting the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the temples along the Nile along the way.
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India's Golden Triangle
No trip to India is complete without seeing the fabled sights of the Golden Triangle, and October is one of the best months to explore. With the monsoon over and temperatures pleasantly warm, the weather is ideal for walking around the Taj Mahal in Agra or the forts and pink-hued palaces of Jaipur and for searching for Bengal tigers at Ranthambore. It may be festival time this month too, with Diwali celebrations often starting in October.
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New Zealand
New Zealand may have some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, but it isn’t just about looks. There's also a chance to learn about Māori culture, wildlife to watch out for and world-class wines to sample. In October, spring is in full swing, with pleasant temperatures, and vast landscapes in bloom. It's also migration season, so you’ll have a greater chance of seeing whales, as well as discovering the highlights of New Zealand’s islands.
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Vietnam
From the mighty Mekong Delta in the south to spectacular Halong Bay in the north, Vietnam serves up a land of mesmerising natural beauty. Ho Chi Minh City offers a vivid introduction to the country’s fascinating history, with its ornate temples and pagodas, elegant French colonial architecture and museums. Weather-wise, October is one of the best months to visit. You’ll avoid the high humidity and monsoon rains and you’ll also be able to see the country at its greenest.
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New England, USA
Nothing beats a trip to New England in October to appreciate the region’s love of all things autumnal. This is when the woodland canopies are at their most colourful, with leaves erupting in a blaze of golds and crimsons, while a warm mug of apple cider provides the perfect end to a good day’s walking. Head to the coast to spot whales off Massachusetts, make the most of Maine’s cosy mountain towns or revel in the glorious scenery of the White Mountains.
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Borneo
October sees the end of the dry season in Borneo, so you can enjoy some of the best weather to discover the fabulous wildlife without as many crowds. From the famous orangutans to the world’s smallest bear, the sloth bear, as well as proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and more along the Kinabatangan River, it’s an unforgettable destination. Explore the Kinabalu National Park, home to more than a thousand species of orchid, and enjoy some beach time by the South China Sea too.
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Mauritius
Snow-white beaches shaded by palm trees, impossibly clear turquoise waters lapping at the shore: Mauritius is the stuff of dreams. And temperatures are much more bearable on this southern Indian Ocean isle during October, with pleasantly sunny highs of around 27C and lower humidity. Discover Creole heritage, colourful villages, nature reserves and tea plantations on a tour of Mauritius, as well as plenty of chance to embrace the laid-back lifestyle by the coast.
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Seychelles
One of the best months to visit the Seychelles, October sees a break between the trade winds which blow for much of the year, excellent visibility for snorkelling and the chance to see hawksbill turtles lay their eggs. Temperatures hover in the high 20Cs and the wettest weather has yet to arrive, beyond a few welcome cooling showers. Discover the wonderful white sand beaches which the islands are famous for, enjoy a luxury island hop, spot giant tortoises, or simply relax.
Europe
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