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While summer’s tail might wag in September, for idyllic late summer sunshine, October signals the onset of autumn, proper, and for many people, this is the best time to travel and see the colours of the world.
From Morocco to Vietnam, the leaves redden into the finest of displays, the rolling hillsides of Sapa to the slopes of the Atlas Mountains. Farther afield, autumn is signalled in tropical climes by changes in the trade winds that transform paradise islands, calming rolling seas into playful waves perfect for families to snorkel among colourful reefs, turning arid deserts into flowering meadows, and filling waterholes with the life-giving properties of water that attract wildlife to visit, perfect for game viewing.
At this time of year, many parts of the world will experience a decrease in visitor numbers as children begin new school terms, while the thermometer remains healthily in the warm zone, leaving once bustling beaches, refreshingly transformed in to private strips of sandy castaway bliss.
Best holiday destinations to visit in October
Hawaii
According to statistics, October is one of the least-visited months in the Hawaiian calendar – especially with children returning to school – so those amazing beaches, including Kaʻanapali Beach in Maui to Waikiki Beach in Oahu, might be a little bit more private when you arrive. Seasonally, this is the last warm month before the rains appear and it is also the best time of year to shop for deals because of low visitor numbers. Fitness enthusiasts will be drawn to watch the prestigious Ironman Triathlon World Championships held annually since 1978. If you’re thinking of staying active with walks through the tropical landscapes of Kauai, then the slightly cooler weather will make trekking more comfortable. Keep an eye out for city attractions however and enjoy the party atmosphere when you visit the Honolulu Gay Pride Festival on 20 October. Weather-wise, rainfall is seasonally low while daytime temperatures rise to +30°C. Use this as the perfect time to visit the Big Island and the Volcanoes National Park and observe the fiery glow before sunrise, but ensure you take warm garments as it can get a little chilly at altitude.
Las Vegas
October is an ideal month for a trip to Las Vegas. Crowds thin out, temperatures are pleasant – 25°C during the daytime – and skies are blue and cloudless, so you can expect plenty of summer enjoyment without the sweltering heat or frenetic throngs of visitors. Use this as the perfect time to watch the spectacular Bellagio Fountains or take a gondola ride along the Venetian’s Grand Canal. Head out to the Grand Canyon and marvel at this natural spectacle while the shimmering heat isn’t at its highest. October is also the start of hockey season, so sports fans can indulge in the excitement of the game. The USA is the home of Halloween, and Las Vegas is a place where everything has to be bigger and better. Prepare to be afraid and amazed in equal measures, with haunted houses, ghostly tours, lavish ghoul-themed events and parties aplenty.
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