As much as we love lounging on the beach in summer and exploring snowy wonderlands in winter, the best places to travel in October tap into something special—and we’re not just talking about the fewer tourists and lower prices that come along with shoulder season. There’s a fresh crispness in the air this time of year, adding an invigorating pep to places like New England, Colorado, and the Bavarian Alps. On the flip side, some of our beachy faves are beckoning travelers to an extended-summer experience with fresh resorts and long-anticipated cultural openings.
Whether you choose to embrace the chill or chase the tailwinds of summer across the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean, the middle month of autumn all but guarantees a memorable vacation. From Asheville to Athens, here are the 12 best places to travel in October.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.
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