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Travel in October

October is the month to enjoy the autumn scenery in New England and Japan, take bracing walks in Northumberland, and celebrate beer at the Oktoberfest in Munich. Or set off on the adventure of a lifetime to the Central Asian ‘Stans, where the weather is good for exploration this month. Spot rare birds in Romania, take a city stroll in zesty Zurich, or head for the sun, plus some holiday bargains, in Laos or Mexico with their fascinating mix of ancient architecture and stunning natural environments.

Munich

Munich is more than Oktoberfest – which usually runs from the last week of September through to the first week of October – but it’s certainly a good time to visit and sample the region’s specialities. Otherwise, tour the city’s impressive architecture or head out to the surrounding countryside of Bavaria. Use our maps and guides to find your way.
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Northumberland

This October, wrap up for brisk walks along Northumberland’s sweeping coastline or in its National Park with its dramatic hills and sheltered valleys. Visit the famous castles before they close down for the season at the end of October or head ever northwards and reach Hadrian’s Wall – the final frontier of England
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Central Asia

Now is the ideal time to visit the countries of Central Asia – the harsh heat of the summer has gone, but the cold, cold winter is yet to sweep in. Enjoy the abundance of fresh fruit at the markets from the autumn harvest.Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan all offer diverse experiences of inner Asia – from spectacular mountain trekking, and vast wildernesses to fascinating historical architecture and friendly populations.
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New England

New England, the beautiful northern region of the USA, is well-known for its brilliant autumns that are a fantastic time for romantic drives through mountains blanketed with gold, orange and red foliage. Explore pretty villages with their steepled churches; find the home of Mark Twain; browse antique shops, and admire vineyards. Get back to the hustle and bustle in Providence - the capital city - or Boston – the birthplace of the American Revolution.
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Zurich

There’s more to Zurich than banks… see Mark Chagall’s sumptuous stained-glass windows in the Fraumunster church; admire the baroque town hall built on arches over the east bank of the Limmat; wander round the superb 19th- and 20th-century art collection in the fine Kunsthaus; enjoy lakeside strolls, and indulge in dynamic nightlife. Sample some fine dining in the city's profuse choice of eateries– from Hilfl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Europe, to Blinde Kuh, where diners eat in complete darkness…
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Japan

Autumn is a good time to visit Tokyo – after its humid summer, Japan is in its coolest, most beautiful season. Go snap-happy with the red and burnt-orange leaves of the maple trees in the city’s parks and temple gardens. This is also the season for many Japanese festivals related to the agricultural calendar. For the best viewings of The Chrysanthemum Festival in mid- to late-October, head to Shinjuku Imperial Garden, Meiji-jingu and Asakusa-jinja shrines and Yushima Tenjin and Daien-ji temples.
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Cyprus

According to Greek mythology, the goddess of beauty Aphrodite was born in Cyprus, raising from the waves crashing against Petra tou Romiou. And maybe that’s why summer lasts and lasts there, with warm temperatures and sunny days continuing well into October. Plus as the climate gets milder, you can enjoy hiking in the Troodos mountains and wandering around traditional villages. This month also sees a couple of appealing festivals – the Cyprus International Film Festival held in the capital, Lefkosia (20-25 October); and the Kyrenia Olive Festival in the North with folkloric dancing and theatre performances (10-17 October).
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Montréal

October is one of the months when Montréal's best and most exciting festivals and cultural events take place. Pop Montreal, a leading indie music festival that showcases hundreds of bands, runs into the beginning of the month. The Festival du Nouveau Cinema takes place in late October. Montréal's fall foliage is at its peak now – enjoy it as you wander the different districts of the city, from some drinks in the buzzing bistros of the Quartier Latin to a cycle ride along the Canal de Lachine.
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Fiji

Visit during the Fijian winter – from May to October – when the country has more pleasant weather with low rainfall and humidity plus mild temperatures. Also in late October or early November (5 November 2010) each year is Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, held in honour of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, making a fun, if manic time to be in Fiji. Experience more of the culture by visiting a traditional village, watching a meke (dance enacting stories), witnessing fire-walking and eating a feast cooked in a pit oven.
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Laos

Discover this forgotten land of Southeast Asia with its royal palaces, tribal villages, lush jungles and of course, the Mekong River. Tube or raft down the river, paddle through no less than 4000 islands, go caving and elephant trekking, and marvel at the Plain of Jars. Wander round the Unesco-listed little city of Luang Prabang or the capital, Vientiane, with its preserved colonial architecture and infusion of French foods and wine. You’ll soon discover that Laos isn’t just for backpackers.
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Mexico

Now is the time to visit this captivating country with its ancient Maya and Aztec ruins, stunning beaches beside azure Caribbean waters, and dense jungles just waiting to be explored. Wonder at the canyons, ravines, rock towers and multiple ecosystems of the spectacular Copper Canyon on a three-day hike. Or climb the dormant volcano of Pico de Orizaba –Mexico’s highest peak, testing your endurance and revealing breathtaking views.
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Romania