Best Places to Travel in October 2026

Malta

Malta remains warm in October, making it a good choice if you’re seeking Mediterranean sunshine in the shoulder season. Average daytime temperatures reach 25°C, with sea temperatures around 23°C — you can still relax on the beach and enjoy outdoor activities. October also brings a major event to the island — the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled for October 24 at the Malta Fairs & Conventions Centre in Ta' Qali.

Another iconic festival, Notte Bianca 2026, takes place on October 3 in Valletta and features live music, theater, art installations, and other cultural events. Head to Birgu on October 9–10 for BirguFest 2026 and see its historic streets illuminated by thousands of candles. October is also a great time to explore Malta’s historic cities, coastal towns, and cultural sites without the intense summer heat and crowds. A combination of cultural events and pleasant weather makes Malta one of the best places to travel in October 2026 in Europe.

Slovenia

Slovenia has much more to offer than many travelers realize. Ljubljana hosts the 2026 European Road Championships from October 2–7, bringing together around 800 cyclists from more than 40 countries. The championships will bring a lively atmosphere to the capital and surrounding areas, but there is much more to see beyond the races.

October is a beautiful time to explore Slovenia as fall colors slowly take over the country. The Julian Alps begin to display their fall colors, Lake Bled is quieter after the summer rush, and lower-elevation trails can offer pleasant hiking conditions. If you seek a blend of outdoor scenery, charming towns, and a major sporting event, Slovenia is worth putting on your October travel list.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

October is a busy month in Amsterdam, especially when the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) transforms the city into a major hub for electronic music. In 2026, ADE is scheduled for October 21–25, bringing over 1,200 events to 300+ venues across the city. The Amsterdam Music Festival 2026 is one of the main highlights, featuring David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Afrojack, ARTBAT, and more. But the event is about more than festivals — DJ performances, club nights, exhibitions, masterclasses, business conferences, and workshops take place across the city.

Not a fan of nightlife? Amsterdam is still worth visiting in October. The cooler weather makes walking around the city more comfortable, while the canals, parks, and changing leaves give the city a different look from summer. Museums and cultural sites are also worth exploring — Amsterdam is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, the Oude Kerk, and other iconic landmarks.

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque in October is all about the sky. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2026 takes place from October 3 to 11. The event is popular for its mass ascensions, when hundreds of colorful hot-air balloons rise over the city shortly after sunrise. The sound of the burners, the early-morning light, and colorful balloons filling the sky create an unforgettable scene and lifelong memories.

The city also hosts the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. The outdoor marketplace features works from more than 200 artists, along with live music, food, and entertainment, on October 2–4 and 9–11. You can also visit ABQ Bruja Fest 2026, a spiritual marketplace featuring vendors and entertainment, on October 10–11. A wide variety of events, fascinating historic sites, and mild weather make Albuquerque one of the best places to travel in October 2026 in the USA.

New England

October is the peak time to experience fall in New England. Northern areas and higher elevations usually change color earlier, while southern and coastal areas turn golden later in the month. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are all popular choices for perfect fall scenery. Stowe, the White Mountains, and the Mohawk Trail are popular routes for enjoying fall foliage. A road trip across the region is also a great option.

If you want to combine fall colors with Halloween, Salem is an ideal option. The city's Haunted Happenings festival runs throughout October and includes walking tours, parades, performances, and plenty of spooky atmosphere tied to Salem's history. The Official Salem Witches' Halloween Ball 2026 takes place on October 31 and offers nighttime celebrations around witchcraft traditions for guests aged 21 and over.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is a great fit for those looking for delicious food, wine, countryside views, and laid-back travel. The grape harvest, known as vendemmia, often begins in September and can run through early October, depending on the location, grape variety, and weather. If your trip falls during the harvest period, consider booking wine tastings and tours in Chianti or Montalcino.

In fall, restaurants serve seasonal ingredients such as mushrooms and truffles. You can explore historic towns such as San Gimignano, Siena, and Florence. Head to Certaldo for a food and wine festival — Boccaccesca 2026 offers artisanal stalls, demonstrations, fine wine, and more on October 8–11. Another great option is Sagra della Lepre e del Cinghiale 2026. The festival takes place on October 2–4 and 10–11 in Selvatelle, featuring traditional Tuscan dishes made with hare and wild boar. Wine tours, historic towns, and seasonal festivals make Tuscany one of the best places to travel in October 2026 for couples.

Orlando, Florida

Orlando is a great choice for entertainment. October brings cooler temperatures than peak summer, but the weather is still pleasant, with average daily highs reaching 29°C (84°F). October falls near the end of the Atlantic hurricane season, although occasional tropical cyclones might still occur. This is still the best time to visit the city because of the comfortable weather and festive atmosphere.

The Halloween season takes over the city's major theme parks, featuring special events, decorations, and activities. At Magic Kingdom, Halloween celebrations include trick-or-treating, themed entertainment, and costumed events. For those who enjoy extra-spooky activities, Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights is the best choice. Make sure to visit the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival for its food kiosks, live concerts, and family activities.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a very walkable city, and October is a perfect time to explore popular landmarks and cultural sites. The city's parks and canals take on a distinctly fall atmosphere, while museums, cafes, and other indoor attractions give families plenty to do if the weather turns cold or wet. Warm layers and waterproof clothing might come in handy if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors.

In October, Tivoli Gardens transforms into a spooky park for Halloween, with pumpkin displays, seasonal decorations, rides, and activities suitable for both children and adults. On October 9, hundreds of museums, libraries, churches, and other cultural institutions open their doors for Culture Night. With both indoor and outdoor activities, Copenhagen is one of the best places to travel in October 2026 for families.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca is known for its delicious food and cultural experiences. October falls after the rainy season and is known for mild weather, with average daily highs of 25°C (77°F). The city bursts with orange marigold blossoms, creating a spectacular floral display. Oaxaca’s markets overflow with copal incense, candles, handicrafts, sugarcane, chocolate, and more.

Late October is an exciting time to visit Oaxaca as the city prepares for Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. The main celebrations take place from October 31 to November 2, but the preparations begin earlier. You can see marigolds, altars, traditional decorations, food stalls, and ofrendas appearing around the city. Visitors can also try seasonal foods such as pan de muerto, a traditional sweet bread associated with the celebration.

Travel with INFOBUS to the Best October Destinations 2026

Planning a trip in October 2026? INFOBUS has you covered — find, compare, and book tickets in minutes. The platform offers flights, buses, and trains from trusted carriers worldwide, including Wizz Air, Ryanair, American Airlines, SWISS, Greyhound Lines, FlixBus, Trenitalia, Eurostar, Turkish Airlines, and more. Whether you head to Orlando or plan your vacation in Copenhagen, search for routes online.