October Madness: Best Places to Visit for a Winter Getaway

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If you missed your summer vacation but still want to travel, you’re in luck. Tourist numbers and rates are falling in locations like Hawaii, North Carolina, and Europe. Temperatures may be a little lower as well, but there are still beaches and perfect conditions for being outside. Do you go leaf peeping, Halloween, or Oktoberfest in October? We have areas where we may enjoy those yearly festivities.

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Away from Nairobi, the big exodus concludes in October, as Istanbul celebrates autumn with an art festival. We offer a few choices for an autumn trip, whether you like crisp fall weather or sunny sunlight.

The following are the finest destinations to visit in October 2022.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

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The Berkshires area, located in western Massachusetts approximately midway between New York City and Boston, is known for its farms, lakes, charming villages, rolling hills, and spectacular fall foliage, which typically begins in October. A gorgeous three-hour trip from either city brings you to the serenity of the mountains, where the crisp air invites you to spend time outside hiking and leaf peeping, on the river kayaking or fishing, or in town perusing antique stores. In Lenox, stay at the opulent Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa or the Victorian-style Apple Tree Inn. Additional possibilities include The Wheatleigh, a magnificent inn on the National Register of Historic Places, and The Lenox Collection of three inns.

Danube River Cruise

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You can get into the Oktoberfest spirit in Vienna and Dürnstein, Austria and then celebrate with Bavarian folk music, dancing, pretzels, and beer when the cruise reaches its destination in Vilshofen, Germany. The Magna on the Danube cruise boards in Budapest and passes through the beautiful Wachau Valley and Danube Bend with stops in scenic towns along the river. The spacious AmaMagna, twice the width of traditional river ships, accommodates 200 guests with spacious suites, a wellness studio, several restaurant options, and a variety of tours and experiences.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

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Summer beach crowds are gone, rates are reduced, and the weather is still spectacular in North Carolina’s Outer Banks communities. It’s a great time to go fishing and eat fresh seafood. Oyster Week, October 10-16, the Outer Banks Seafood Festival on October 15, the Duck Jazz Festival, or one of the many other fall events are all worth a visit. Stay in town at the beachside Sanderling Resort or at the Inn on Pamlico Sound on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The Ocracoke Harbour Inn in the same region has views of Silver Lake.

Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah’s landscaped squares, Spanish moss, and warm Southern hospitality make it a beloved city for visitors and residents. The city’s historic riverfront is also attracting attention these days. Home to a restored 1912 power plant that is now the focal point of a lively entertainment destination, the area is an example of Savannah’s evolution. Restaurants, clubs, boutiques, and cafés now line the riverwalk of the Plant Riverside District. Steps away, The Alida, a modern hotel named for Alida Harper Fowlkes, an early 20th-century Savannah entrepreneur and preservationist, welcomes guests to its comfortable rooms, restaurants, and The Lost Square, its rooftop lounge offering stunning views along with cocktails and light bites.

Marbella, Spain

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Marbella, located on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain, is pleasant into October, with sunny days and temperatures in the 70s. During the summer, more than 16 miles of coastline, marinas, hotels, restaurants, and shopping attract tourists. Marbella, which was founded during Roman times, has archaeological sites as well as a historic district with structures dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Accommodations vary from upscale resorts to simple inns. The Club Med Magna Marbella, located at the foot of the Sierra Blanca Mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean, is one of the most recent additions. The 485-room, four-trident (four-star) resort has five pools, a kid-friendly splash area, and Club Med Spa.

Kenya

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The dry season in Kenya ends in October, as do the last months of the great wildebeest migration, the world’s greatest herd movement of animals, when over a million animals travel through the Serengeti-Mara environment in search of pasture and water. Zebras and other carnivores join the expedition, making for an exciting show. Mahali Mzuri, a luxury safari lodge in Kenya’s bush, was named Best Hotel Overall in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2021. There are other luxury choices outside of Masai Mara National Park, such as Bateleur Camp and Mara Bushtops.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Autumn is a beautiful time to explore the Jackson Hole region, with spectacular yellow and orange foliage and reduced hotel prices. The cool weather is great for trekking and relaxing by a fire to keep the nighttime cold at bay. However, make time to go outdoors at night for some stargazing while the clear sky and dry air offer ideal circumstances. Visit adjacent Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and stay at the recently restored Mountain Modern or the magnificent Cloudveil, an Autograph Collection Hotel, just steps from Town Square. Other possibilities include the Lodge at Jackson Hole, the Virginian Lodge, and Hotel Jackson. Caldera House offers two and four-bedroom suites in Teton Village.

Mykonos, Greece

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Many regular visitors to Greece agree that October is an excellent time to visit the island since the hectic summer tourist season is ended, the water is still warm, and there are discounts to be gained. The weather is normally in the 70s, and you may walk around the tiny alleys of Hora (Mykonos Town), shop, and admire the whitewashed houses. Enjoy the scenery, enjoy a boat trip, and don’t forget to try some Greek wines. A stay in one of Cali Mykonos’ suites or villas with views of the Aegean, private pools, terraces, and a spa would be ideal. Kalesma Mykonos is located on a mountaintop approximately two miles from Mykonos Town and offers panoramic views from its rooms and villas.

Istanbul, Turkey

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This intriguing city, split between Europe and Asia, is situated on the Bosphorus Strait in northwest Turkey. Istanbul is well-known for its food, shopping, and architectural marvels. The Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Constantinople Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace are just a few of the locations to see. Contemporary Istanbul will display art from throughout the globe from October 16-22, while the Istanbul Coffee Festival will honor the country’s coffee culture with performances, concerts, and more from October 6-9. Stay in style at the chic Shangri-La Bosphorus, housed in a classic 1930s structure, or the modern Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, both of which are located on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait.

Oahu, Hawaii

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It’s shoulder season in Hawaii, which means there are hotel specials and much going on. The Honolulu Pride Festival & Parade, sponsored by Kaimana Hotel, is scheduled for October 15, with numerous activities taking place throughout the month. During the months of October and November, the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival is held. The annual Hawaiian Airlines Moloka’i Hoe, the world’s most renowned outrigger canoe race, takes place on October 2. Stay at Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s north shore, or at Four Seasons Resort Oahu near Ko Olina on the west coast. The Alohilani Resort on Waikiki Beach has two restaurants by Iron Chef Morimoto. Stay at the Sheraton Waikiki or The Royal Hawaiian and learn to surf with Waikiki Beachboys. Visit the iconic oceanfront Moana Surfrider for Hawaiian-style high tea.

Athens, Georgia

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Athens, Georgia, is a University of Georgia campus town with a strong cultural scene and a music culture that gave rise to R.E.M., the B-52s, and others. Live music is popular, and the Historic Athens Porchfest takes place on October 2nd, with performances on more than 100 porches across the city. The Athens Beer Trail is ideal for craft beer enthusiasts, while the Oconee Rivers Greenway is ideal for hiking, bicycling, and enjoying the outdoors. Celebrate Halloween with a costume parade and costume contest at the Wild Rumpus on October 29 in downtown Athens.

New Jersey Shore

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The “Jersey Shore” is a 127-mile stretch of coastline that comprises 10 towns, beaches, amusement parks, and lodging options. Cape May is the country’s oldest beachfront vacation town and a National Historic Landmark. Congress Hall has been welcoming visitors for almost two centuries and now includes guest rooms, suites, restaurants, and cocktail bars. Asbury Park is famed for its musical legacy, and it is still a hot spot for live music. Stay at The Asbury Hotel for nightlife and a beachfront location. Casinos are one of the attractions of Atlantic City, which also has live entertainment, restaurants, the boardwalk, shopping, and a choice of locations to stay. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has a beach, pool, spa, and fitness center, as well as restaurants ranging from casual to gourmet cuisine.