15 Best Places to Travel to in October 2022 in the USA and Beyond - Good Housekeeping

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Summer vacations are always fun, but taking a trip from June through August can often be overwhelming with intense heat, large crowds and expensive airfare. That's why when it comes to booking your next trip with your partner, friends or family, choose to travel in October. Not only are airplane tickets and hotels significantly cheaper, but a trip in October also acts as the perfect way to recharge and help you power through those last two months of the year.

If you're wondering where to travel in October, you've come to the right spot. Whether you're looking for a tropical beach with warm weather to help you forget about the looming chilly temps back home or you're hoping to find a cheap (but really cool!) destination in Europe, there are so many different places to explore. So, what are you waiting for? Now is the perfect time to plan that last-minute getaway (hey, treat yourself!). It's time to start packing!

Nassau, Bahamas

Nassau is home to gorgeous blue waters, cotton candy sunsets and a variety of tropical resorts, giving tourists a large variety of lodging. Make sure to check out local culinary tours and straw markets as well as the rum distilleries. And for those who want to enjoy a more laid-back kid-free trip, the Sandals Royal Bahamian is an adults-only resort with 10 restaurants, eight bars, seven pools AND a private island.

Charleston, South Carolina

New York, New York

There's nothing quite like New York in the fall. Enjoy some truly stunning fall foliage in Central Park while walking, biking or boating. Its 800+ acres also has a zoo, where you can get tickets as cheap as $20. Central Park also boasts eight different restaurants and cafes in addition to the snack carts scattered throughout the park. If you want more of a true-city experience, check out one of the city's 145 museums. See a Broadway show (Wednesday matinees often have the cheapest tickets), experience new cuisines, go shopping, catch a concert and so much more. Bonus: A trip in October also lets you beat the summer crowds and long lines at big attractions, like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty.

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Florence, Italy

Take advantage of the off-season, and say "ciao!" to Italy. The weather is still warm, while hotels and local attractions are more affordable (and manageable). If you're a whiz at budgeting, you might even be able to find hotel lodging and vacation rentals for as low as $94 per night. October is the perfect time for sightseers to enjoy long walks exploring one-of-a-kind architecture, like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore Piazza Duomo (pictured here). Honeymooners can have a romantic meal for two with tasty bites from the famous San Lorenzo Market. Meanwhile, festival-goers will love exploring the many food and art festivals going on around the city.

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Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

If you're the kind of person who prefers to spend your vacation primarily in a bathing suit, then you'll want to book a quick flight to Puerto Viejo. October is the month to get the cheapest flights to Costa Rica. Puerto Viejo has everything you could want on vacation — water sports, hiking, zip lining, snorkeling, nightlife, shopping and even animal sanctuaries you can visit. It's the perfect pick whether you're going with your family, girlfriends or partner. The only thing you'll have to worry about is what cocktail you'll be sipping on the beach come happy hour.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

If you love fresh air, nature and wildlife, a trip to Yellowstone sounds like the ideal vacay. Not only do hotels in the area start at $90 a night ($15 if you're camping), but the impending winter means that wildlife is on full display. Bears, wolves, moose, elk, bison, otters and fox can be seen in almost every area of the park. Hike, walk, or fish and spend your time taking photos to show your friends and family when you get back home. Certain camp grounds start to close in October (or earlier) so make sure you check ahead of time to confirm your sleeping arrangements.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Edinburgh, Scotland

As the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has a rustic European beauty that stuns locals and tourists alike. Known for the Edinburgh International Festival and The Fringe, the latter being the world's largest annual international arts festival, Edinburgh boasts good weather, smaller crowds and longer daylight hours in October. It's a great time to explore medieval architecture, the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh Castle, and Inchcolm Abbey while enjoying a sip or two of whiskey between the excursions thanks to the Scotch Whiskey Experience. Lodging can cost as little as $14, with the most expensive part of your trip likely being airfare. Fun fact: Edinburgh is often known for having a "nutty, toasty" smell that wafts through the streets due to all the local breweries and distilleries.

St. Augustine, Florida

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The gorgeous views and beautiful fall foliage make the Grand Canyon a great vacation in the outdoors before the winter temperatures hit. Since the crowds decrease dramatically after Labor Day, you and the family can go hiking and spend a night or more camping, rafting or simply enjoying a scenic drive. Flights can cost as little as $281 round trip and lodging can cost as little as $15 if you're planning on camping inside the park.

Lake Tahoe, California

Newport, Rhode Island

Oranjestad, Aruba

The stunning orange sunrises and sunsets in Oranjestad are enough of a reason to vacation in Aruba. Try activities with the kids like cliff jumping, UTV island tours, submarine expeditions, visits to the local animal sanctuary, snorkeling, fishing and so much more. There are also plenty of exciting adult-friendly activities like nightlife barhopping tours and dinner-and-drink sunset sails.

Lisbon, Portugal

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is calling for those who want stunning ocean views, fewer crowds and cheap airfare. Smaller airlines often offer roundtrip tickets for as little as $108 per person. Stay at a hotel or cut costs by renting an Airbnb, some for only $100 a night. With wineries, museums, hiking trails, beaches and boat tours, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, the island makes a romantic getaway for those on their honeymoon with its intimate coastal restaurants, sunset sails, hot springs and Virginia's Cave Villas Oia.

Annie O'Sullivan Assistant Editor As a member of the Special Projects Team, Annie works with the GH Tested program writing up product reviews and roundups and helps plan and run annual expos and events like the GH Parenting Summit, Xmas in July Expo, Cleaning Summit, Winter Essentials Expo, and more.