October is perhaps one of the most popular months for adventurous travellers to pack their bags and on a holiday. Find out where you should travel in October on your next adventure.
US South West
October is a wonderful month to travel in the US South West. The aspen are starting to turn yellow, often making for fantastic scenes set against the red rock. And it is easy to visit the best national parks between Yosemite and Yellowstone on a two-week holiday. Hike your heart out and choose your own trails in each park visited: Yosemite, Zion, Grand Canyon's North Rim, Arches and Yellowstone. In addition, enjoy a Navajo guided backroads tour in Monument Valley, witness the surreal landscapes of Death Valley and be guided through Salt Lake City by a local Mormon guide. Hiking the USA - Yosemite to Yellowstone
The Inca Empire
While Central America in the midst of hurricane season, October is a great month to hit the Andes: Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. The summer crowds have gone home, there is little chance of rain and temperatures are lovely. On a three week exploration of all the highlights of Peru you could visit Lima, sail to the Ballestas Islands, see the Nazca Lines, explore Arequipa and the Colca Canyon, sail on Lake Titicaca, discover Cuzco and the Sacred Valley in depth or hike the Inca Trail, delve into Machu Picchu and come close to wildlife in the Amazon rainforest. Peru in Depth
South Georgia
Floating somewhat forelorn in the midst of the southern ocean, South Georgia has been named the Serengeti of the Atlantic. Late October and November are mating season in South Georgia. Elephant seal bulls fight over their harems and are fiercely protective of their domain. It is very common to see two of these enormous lumbering beasts to go at it in a tremendous fight. And while most of these fights end up with the looser skulking away, sometimes blood does flow and the weaker male gets killed. It is nature as you rarely see even in documentaries. Why fall is the perfect time for an adventure cruise in South Georgia
Into Africa
Across the Atlantic, the dry season is coming to an end in southern and east Africa. In the dry landscapes game concentrates around the few waterholes that still carry water. And as leaves have fallen off the trees this is a great time to see animals. Find out about great places to go on safari.
Middle East
With hot summers and cool to cold winters, spring and fall are the best times to travel to the Middle East. Western civilization began its long history here, in the Fertile Crescent that stretches from the Nile Valley through Syria and Iraq to the highlands of Iran. You cannot help but feel insignificant when ancient pyramids, temples, mosques and churches gaze down upon you. Best of all are the people - their hospitality seems to know no bounds. Be prepared to be welcomed into people's home and hearts. Egypt and Jordan Explorer - A Premium Adventure
Morocco
The scorching heat of summer is over, making the Imperial cities and Sahara once again a pleasure to visit. Soak up the bustling, exotic atmosphere in ancient souqs; join a camel trek into the Sahara; sleep under expansive star-studded skies; witness traditional lifestyles in kasbahs; walk to hamlets high up in the mountains; get lost in winding alleys. All that and more awaits you in Morocco. Morocco in Depth - A Premium Adventure
Turkey
Before winter sets in, fall is the perfect time to visit Turkey, the crossroads of culture and history. You experience it in the bazaars of Istanbul, the city founded by the Romans, cultivated by the Byzantines, conquered by the Ottomans and made cosmopolitan in the modern era. You feel it in the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the Armenian churches in the east and the medieval fortresses along the south coast. You taste it in the olive oil–lathered Aegean vegetables and the spicy Anatolian kebabs. Turkey truly is the place where East meets West - come and explore it with us. Turkey Adventure
Europe
With school holidays over, crowds have significantly thinned out and while temperatures are down, it is a wonderful time to visit most of the continent. In fact, there are so many places to consider I wrote a separate article on it: Great places in Europe to visit in fall.
India
After the summer rains have ended, India once again is available for travel. The moment you set eyes on the Taj Mahal, you know you are seeing an edifice unlike any other. India is like that - it stirs the soul, it challenges your conceptions, it changes you. It is a spectacular mix of people, traditions and landscapes, from Himalayan peaks to the hills, backwaters and beaches of the south, from the sacred Ganges to the deserts of Rajasthan. Temples, shrines and fortresses are everywhere, reminders of an ancient history and spirituality. One thing is for sure: you will remember your journey through this fascinating country long after you've left its shores. Explore Rajasthan
Into the Himalaya
North of the steamy expanses of India, Nepal and Bhutan are a nirvana for hikers, trekkers and lovers of mountains and authentic culture. Some of the world's best and most iconic trails are found here, along with temple-studded valleys and centuries-old stupas. Even wildlife makes an appearance in Nepal's south, where you can search for rhinos and tigers on foot, by canoe or by jeep. Hike the Annapurna-Dhaulagiri or Explore Bhutan
South East Asia
Lush rice paddies, tropical forests and ancient villages; hazy mountains with cascading waterfalls; craggy limestone cliffs rising from the land and the sea; gleaming temples and golden Buddhas; jungle-covered islands anchored in azure waters; miles of sandy beaches; bustling cities and markets packed with people and produce. Add to that Angkor Wat, the famous temple complex in Cambodia, delicious food and the forgotten rivers and villages of Laos and you have a region that will take you several trips to get to know.
Japan
Spring and fall are the best time to discover Japan, that study in contrasts between traditional and modern. Large bustling cities like Tokyo are only a short journey from traditional villages. Pop culture exists next to the grace of a geisha, bullet trains next to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden. There is temple-rich Kyoto, beautified by cherry blossoms and fall colours; there are walks in the Japanese Alps and on pilgrim trails, followed by a long soak in a classic Japanese bath; there are stays at ryokans (traditional inns); and there is the food, made of the freshest of ingredients. This is Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun. Trails of Japan
