Where to travel in October

Where else to vacation in October?

As a shoulder month, October is ideal for planning that extra special getaway. So here are a few more handpicked destinations you might want to visit this fall.

If summer heat left you longing for respite, then a trip to Tromsø is a breath of fresh air. Known as one of the top places to see the northern lights, Tromsø attracts lots of tourist traffic during the winter months and, with it, a hike in prices. So, if it’s aurora borealis you’re after, you’ll catch plenty of spectral displays in the night sky in October when temperatures are perfect for that cozy new sweater. Or you can see the northern lights depicted in the intricate design of the Arctic Cathedral’s stained glass windows.

October also brings the annual Insomnia Festival (October 14-17, 2026) to the city, an electronic music party featuring artists from all over the world. Afterward, head to Pust, a floating sauna on the harbor where you can take a dip in the frigid Norwegian Sea. Make sure to explore the city’s plethora of fascinating museums, including Perspektivet, the Polar Museum, and the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum. To truly experience Tromsø’s breathtaking beauty, see the city via a fjord cruise or hop on a Fjellheisen cable car for a bird’s-eye view. Grab a drink and reindeer hotdogs at Raketten Bar & Pølse, Norway’s smallest bar. Finally, wander around Tromsø’s historic city center, where you’ll find many charming shops, cafes, and restaurants in traditional red wooden houses.

Choose the waterfront Clarion Hotel The Edge, and you’ll enjoy delicious cocktails and spectacular scenery from the sky bar. But, if a rooftop jacuzzi that looks out to Tromsdalstinden mountain and the Arctic Cathedral is more your thing, then a few nights at the Home Hotel Aurora is a better choice.

The best part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 3-11, 2026), the largest in the world, is that you don’t have to brave the crowds to see the mass of colorful balloons take flight across the vast skies of New Mexico’s Rio Grande Valley. But if you want to get up close and personal at the event, you can take part in a slew of fun activities on the festival grounds, including chainsaw carving, hot air balloon rides, drone light shows, fireworks, live musical performances, and nighttime glowing balloon flights.

Balloon festival aside, spend time in Old Town Albuquerque, home to a collection of pueblo-style architecture, museums, countless shops, restaurants, and galleries. Make a stop at the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center serving a menu that spans the area’s rich culinary history. Then, head Downtown to track down vibrant murals by local artists. Stick around for a taste of local nightlife along Downtown’s Central Avenue. Or make your way to the neon-lit neighborhood of Nob Hill. From the Sandia Mountains to the Rio Grande River, Albuquerque likewise offers visitors plenty of outdoor adventure activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Stay at the lovely Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town, or bed down close to the main events at Balloon Fiesta Park in SpringHill Suites, which will put you within a couple miles of the festivities.

An archipelago of more than 300 islands, Fiji is as close to paradise as it gets. From majestic mountain peaks with cascading waterfalls to pristine white sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, each island holds its own unique charm. And if you want to enjoy a little bit of everything that these islands have to offer, then Viti Levu, the largest and most populous island in Fiji, is an excellent place to start.

The island’s diverse landscape means that one day you can go whitewater rafting on Navua River or zip lining through lush rainforests, and the next exploring Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park or hiking in the Colo-i-Suva Forest Park. Viti Levu is renowned for its world-class diving and snorkeling sites, and it’s up to you if you want to swim among colorful reefs in Natadola Bay or dive with tiger sharks in Beqa Lagoon. Visit Navala’s traditional bure villages to learn Fijian age-old customs and rituals. Then, head to Suva Municipal Market to sample local specialties, such as kokoda (fresh seafood marinated in coconut milk) and Indian-inspired curries.

Stay at the 5-star, family-friendly Radisson Blu Resort Fiji Denarau Island, a sprawling luxury resort set on 10 acres of tropical gardens with waterfalls and private beach access. Or if you want to stay in the heart of Fiji’s Coral Coast without breaking the bank, book a room at Bedarra Beach Inn, which features a spa, restaurant, and beach access.

Final thoughts: Where to go on vacation in October

Whether you're chasing sun rays in tropical Fiji, marveling at the vibrant skies of New Mexico, or cozying up under the dancing northern lights in Norway, October offers the perfect window for travel. But if you’re hoping for some fall adventures sooner, check out these last-minute deals to a variety of exciting destinations.