Where To Go In October
As the nights draw in and the days get cooler, we have one of two choices: we can accept our fate for the next few months and stay indoors, or we can scour the world to find a great getaway. If you’re tempted to escape, we’ve picked out the best choices for an October break. If you’re looking for a cultural experience, beach break or active holiday, a perfect shoulder season holiday is ready and waiting.
Varanasi, India
There’s no better place to see Diwali, the Hindu ‘festival of lights’, than in Varansai, one of the holiest destinations in the country. Situated along the sacred River Ganges, the city becomes a busy focal point – you’ll find the cobbled streets are heaving with pilgrims, there’s wafts of incense taint the air, and devotees chant under their breath as they hurry through the area. On the banks of the Ganges, you can watch them light thousands of flickering oil lamps, set them off into the flowing river, and illuminate it impressively.
This year, Diwali takes place on 21st October, when many of the schools are on half-term. You’ll need to book accommodation in advance, but it’s the perfect time to see this cultural wonder, especially as the weather is around 30C: hot, but not at its peak.
Lanzarote, Spain
We hate to mention it, but October is the month where clocks go back, giving us another hour in bed, but also earlier evenings. So if we’re hankering for one last blast of sun before battening down the hatchets for winter, Lanzaorte is a safe bet. At 22C to 30C, we’ll still be able to enjoy sunny days and keep jackets at home, putting off that autumnal feel for a few more weeks. If you’re looking for more to do than beaches and pools, there’s the unique Lanzarote Visual Music Festival (8th-18th October), which makes the most of this Canary Island’s stunning landscapes by performing avant garde music set to its beautiful backdrop.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
No one can predict Mother Nature, but after hurricane season, it’s business as usual by the end of October on the west coast. That’s why Puerto Vallarta, on the Pacific coast, is an excellent holiday option with great deals to be had. Head just before Halloween to get settled and in the right time zone before Day of the Dead.
The destination is strong on Mexico’s expected offerings of gorgeous sandy beaches, long history, and exquisite cuisine (the freshness and quality of the ingredients means nowhere can do Mexican food quite the same). At this time, you can also partake in a huge Day of the Dead Festival. As proof of how big it goes, Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead Festival has featured the tallest Calavera Catrina (the famous skeleton lady in a plumed hat), standing at over 75 feet tall. All around the festival, you’ll see families out to honour their ancestors in cemeteries, with Mariachi music everywhere, and street vendors out in full force to make an occasion of the day. Time to grab a guitar and join in?
Dubai, UAE
Just like Europe, October is ‘shoulder season’ in the glitzy destination of Dubai. Unlike Europe, this is arguably the best time to go, as the sweltering summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures. If you’re able to avoid half-term, you could grab a bargain too. Known as Las Vegas without the casinos, it’s a place to go big or go home. Visitors can marvel at the world’s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), the world’s largest shopping mall (The Dubai Mall), the world’s largest flower garden (Dubai Miracle Garden), the deepest swimming pool (Deep Dive Dubai), or the largest man-made island (Palm Jumeirah). As far as destinations go, it’s one that goes the extra mile – if you will.
Loire Valley, France
With cooler temperatures, it’s a much more pleasant time to get active outdoors in mainland Europe, and the Loire Valley is a top spot for cycling enthusiasts. That’s largely due to the 800km dedicated cycle route that follows the banks of the Loire River, offering an array of scenes within a safe and unbroken route.
You could choose to veer off path and go chateau-hopping instead. The Loire Valley contains over 300 chateaus, many of which are within cycling distance of each other. Stops can also be punctuated with wine routes – the region is world famous for its white wines like Sancerre and Muscadet. Many cellars are dug within rock faces and caves that can only be accessed on a bike, providing another reason to choose Loire Valley for a cycling trip.
Wherever you plan to head on your break from the norm make sure to protect your travels with one of Switched On’s feature packed travel insurance policies. Find out more here.