As fall approaches, it’s time to find the best places to visit in October for your next getaway.

School has started and leaves are beginning to change all across America. Cooler temperatures begin to creep in. Sweaters and scarfs come out of hiding. The pumpkin patches are ripe for the picking and so are those pumpkin spice lattes. It’s an exciting time of year leading into the snowy winter. However, it’s also a great time to get away or take a fall camping trip. October is the shoulder season between summer and winter, making it a less touristy month to travel. So, we’ve put together the best places to visit in October to avoid the crowds. Whether you’re looking for something in the States or abroad, there are plenty of spectacular destinations awaiting. From stunning beaches to cultural spots, they’re all here. So, whether you want a crisp fall destination or one last warm reprieve, scroll through these spots to choose what will be your perfect autumn getaway.

1. Chicago, Illinois

Set on Lake Michigan, this large American city is a spectacular destination in the fall. You’ll beat the summer heat that can be draining in most cities without having to put up with a Chicago winter. You’ll get to experience Millenium Park as the colors begin to change. Of course, you’ll have to take a picture with the infamous bean, simply because you’re there. While you’re nearby, you can skate or rock climb at the ribbon in Maggie Daley Park if you need a little outdoor adventure.

Before settling down for the evening, take yourself out to one of Chicago’s best bars. For the upscale travelers out there, make sure to check out the Art Institute of Chicago, among the myriad of other art museums. In addition, Chicago’s Broadway scene is spectacular and a little more accessible than New York. So, take yourself out to a show. Of course, there will always be the skyscrapers to scale and waterway cruises if that entices you. Whatever of these items draw you into the Windy City, we are assured it is one of the best places to visit in October.

2. Egypt

While it may sound a little frightening to travel to the Middle East right now, the news often makes it sound much more daunting than in reality. This, paired with it not being summer, makes Egypt one of the best places to visit in October to get away from the crowds. Of course, there will be some people at the Great Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, but not nearly as many as if you had traveled a few years ago.

With the slower tourist travel, you can enjoy a serene boat float along the Nile in a felucca, an Egyptian sailboat. Spend a full day exploring the pristinely preserved ancient carvings at the Great Temple at Abu Simbel. Afterwards, you can relax with some spectacular food from a market in Cairo. There are a myriad of temples to visit, including the burial place of Ramses IV. With all of these things to do, you might be worried about a budget. But, October will be a cheaper month to visit on top of the already deflated pricing. So, for an eclectic trip on our list of the best places to visit in October, try Egypt.

3. North Adams, Massachusetts 

If you’re looking for a northeastern getaway, North Adams, Massachusetts is a wonderful town to escape to in the fall. It will be the peak color changing season in this part of the country. So, this is easily one of the best places to visit in October. On top of getting your hands dirty at the Maple Syrup harvest, North Adams has plenty to do. It is home to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as the MASS MoCA. Having been opened in 1999, this large museum houses exhibits that are too big to really fit in other places. So, it’s a once in a lifetime destination with unique exhibits. It’s also a great spot to bring kids, as the Kidspace Art Bar lets them get there hands dirty making their own modern art.

This town is also home to the only natural white marble bridge in the country, which is perfect for your afternoon stroll. If you’re hoping to get out on a road trip during your visit, you’re in luck. North Adams is on one end of the stunning sixty-nine mile Mohawk Trail. It wanders through the New England countryside giving you great picnic spots, cute roadside stops, and spectacular views of the Hoosac Mountain Range. All in all, North Adams is the essential small New England town you’ll want to spend your cozy fall mornings in.

4. Bali, Indonesia 

This might be a unique fall destination, but we stand behind it being one of the best places to visit in October. With the volcanic mountains, picturesque beaches, iconic rice paddies, and vast coral reefs to explore, you can have quite the adventure in Bali. While you’re welcome to spend your days at one of the many beach resorts, make sure to get out an explore everything this island has to offer. While there are surfing and scuba diving galore, make sure to experience the culture too. There are a plethora of native dances and ceremonies you can attend to experience the liveliness and spirit that the Bali culture embodies.

Additionally, if you need to get out into nature, you can go white water rafting on the Ayung River or cliff jumping at one of the many waterfalls in the forest. Finally, there is a multitude of Balinese temples to explore all across the island. All in all, Bali boasts such a wide variety of activities, it is a refreshing destination to keep you active and enjoying the bustling culture and beach before winter sets in. So, keep Bali at the top of your list of the best places to visit in October.

5. Seville, Spain

While Seville is the warmest city in western Europe, it means that it will be one of the best places to visit in October once the temperatures cool off. This Spanish city is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, there is an abundance of gorgeous architecture, waterways, and cultural destinations. Of course, it also has some of the best tapas around as well. So, make sure to see the Central Cathedral which is the largest Gothic cathedral in the whole world. On top of that, spend an afternoon strolling the Alcázar’s palace and gardens, which took over one hundred years to build and perfect. They’ve also recently gotten attention after making a cameo in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

Finally, the third famous site to see is Plaza de España where you can get your local Sevillian on and enjoy a bit to eat. If you’re looking for some unique things to do in the city, head to the bullfighting museum. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try your feet at Flamenco dancing in the evening. Whatever it is you want to do, a romantic or cultural getaway to Seville is easily one of our favorite items on this list of the best places to visit in October.

6. Hawaii

As the summer begins to wind down, Hawaii’s beaches begin to clear up. But, October is the final month of warmth here and is well worth a trip if you’re hoping to get some beach time in before the rains. So, for those of us still mourning the loss of beach trips in the summer, consider Hawaii as one of the best places to visit in October for you. If you’re wanting the easy, beach resort vacation where you don’t have a care in the world, head to Oahu. The vast amounts of resort room, golden beaches, and spectacular shopping will have you enjoying your getaway in no time.

But, if you want to use this vacation to truly get away from the crowds, check out Lanai. It is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii and is home to a vast amount of secret, hidden treasures. While you can still have the resort experience here, there is also plenty to do. Go for a horseback ride or four wheeling in the secluded spots. You can explore the native ohia lehua tree forests and unique sandy and rocky banks of the island. Of course, you can lazily spend your days on Hulopoe Beach counting sea turtles and dolphins if that is more your style. Either way, October is the best month to enjoy the warmth of Hawaii before the winter and rains roll in.

7. Adelaide, Australia 

Adelaide is the capital of Southern Australia and is often an overlooked destination when you think about the Land Down Under. This makes it one of the best places to visit in October to beat the crowds and the heat. The city itself has the usual things you could expect. It has great museums, well-curated gardens among the government buildings, and cute shopping around just about every corner. But, our best recommendation if you make it here is to go to the Adelaide Hills. Just a twenty minute drive from the city center, you’ll be swept away by the beauty. You can cuddle with koalas at the Cleland Wildlife Park in Crafers and Gorge Wildlife Park in Cudlee Creek.

If you’re hoping for a European vibe, head to Hahndorf. It is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, and it’s only thirty minutes from Adelaide. You can get tasty German baked goods and treats while enjoying the quaint town. The hills are also Australia's wine country, so you can sip your days away on top of the mountains, taking in the green rolling hills. Pair that wine with the freshly picked fruit from the neighboring orchards and we can’t think of a better place to be. Remember that October will be spring in Adelaide, so the hills will be brimming with fresh flowers as the world comes back to life. So, if you’re needing a taste of glory in the fall, Adelaide Hills should be at the top of your list of the best places to visit in October.

We’re all hoping for one more getaway before winter sets in. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best places to visit in October.

Some of us want to get our final beach days in before winter settles in for a few months. If that’s you, then Hawaii, Bali, or the shores of Australia might have caught your eye as some of the best places to visit in October. But, if you’re hoping for a cultural weekend filled with museums and art, Chicago, Seville, or even North Adams will suit you. Of course, many of us revolve our fall trips around the colors that are changing all around us. If so, North Adams or anywhere else in the Northeast will suit you well. Chicago wouldn’t be a bad choice either if you’d also like to see some spectacular theatre. Whichever of these best places to visit in October was most enticing, we hope you can get there this year. If not, perhaps consider planning ahead to have the trip of a lifetime next fall.

Related Article: The Top Best Places To Travel In September