Where to Travel in October

October is a good time to travel because the crowds have dispersed, and the weather in many popular destinations is pleasant. In addition to this, airlines and hotels are trying to induce people to travel by lowering their rates.

1. Florida
According to “National Geographic Traveler,” northwest Florida is a great place for an October vacation. This area is known as the Florida Panhandle, and cities like Destin and Fort Walton offer ideal weather, pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. The water is still warm, and the October day-time high temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit which makes it ideal for swimming, golfing, fishing or just sitting on the beach reading a book. Dining out on fresh, local seafood is also popular with the tourists, and the Broiled Skillet dish, a combination of grouper, shrimp, scallops and crabmeat, is a big draw.

2. Dublin, Ireland
During October, Dublin, the capital of Ireland, experiences temperatures in the range of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool weather makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and there is much to see because Dublin has an extensive array of parks, nature reserves and public gardens. The city streets are not as crowded in October as they are in the summer, and so you can more easily get where you want to go. During the first half of October, the Ulster Bank Dublin Theater Festival sponsors a variety of film screenings and stage productions, and if you like to shop, the boutiques on Grafton Street make it easy to spend your money.

3. New Hampshire
During the first two weeks of October, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are ablaze with the colors of fall foliage. If you want to get spectacular views of the foliage, the White Mountain Trail is the road you want to use. The 100-mile road runs through the White Mountain National Forest, and as you drive over it, you will see farmhouses, mountain peaks, covered bridges and picturesque rivers. The White Mountain Trail has been designated a National Scenic Byway by the the U.S. Department of Transportation because of its natural beauty and cultural and historic significance. The Mount Washington Auto Road, which takes you to the top of the tallest peak in New England, is accesible via the White Mountain Trail.

4. Sydney, Australia
According to Fodors.com, Sydney offers excellent value for vacation travellers in early October. Round-trip airfare is a significant expense, but the hotels in Sydney are reasonably priced in October. In addition, October is spring time in Sydney, and the temperatures range from 56 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. You might want to check out The Rocks, Sydney’s oldest neighborhood which has great historical importance. Another popular tourist spot is the world famous Sydney Opera House located on Sydney Harbor. The Opera House is home to the Australian Ballet and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.

Whether your travels take you to points in the United States or to places abroad, October is one of the best times of the year to take your trip. If you are at a point in your life where October travel is possible, you would be wise to stay at home during the summer, and pack your bags come October.