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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 temperatures ensuring the rugged mountain trails of Andalusia, Gran Canaria, and the Costa Blanca offer achievable challenges and great views. Alternatively, head to Madrid, Seville, or Valencia for comfortable city sightseeing and a less touristy atmosphere.
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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 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.
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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 botanical gardens.
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Italy
Italy in October offers a cooler contrast to the summer. The Tuscan countryside creates a canvas of autumnal colour while coffee shops and piazzas in Rome and Venice invite authentic scenes of local life. 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.
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Greece
Anyone interested in ancient history should visit Greece in October. This is when the sites of Athens and the Peloponnese can be enjoyed without the crowds and every day can be completed with a swim in the sea. Also, if you’re searching for an island escape, this is the best time of year to enjoy 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 adding to the enjoyment of countryside strolls. And, if you’re a keen cyclist, this time of year is perfect for tackling the winding roads and forest trails in and around the Troodos Mountains.
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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 Māori culture to learn about, wildlife to watch out for and world-class wines to sample. In October, spring is in full swing, with the weather pleasant, and vast landscapes in bloom. It's also migrating season, so you’ll have a greater chance of seeing whales, too.
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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 and a warm mug of apple cider provides the perfect end to a good day’s walking. Head to the coast for whales off Massachusetts or make the most of Maine’s cosy mountain towns.
Europe
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