Pumpkin spice and everything nice. These are the Best Cities to Travel to in October. Whether for the Columbus Day long weekend or a spontaneous getaway — we’ve done our research across North America to pass along our favorite destinations to save big this month. Where to Travel in October? Have a read over our three ideal destinations that will make you fall for the month of October!
Your Cancun Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 87°F ~ Low 74°F
We’re thinking of heading south of the border this October and you’re invited.
Cancun is a favorite beach destination for Americans and Canadians alike and deals get all the sweeter come October when hotel prices are at their lowest. Whereas the average hotel room goes for $227 in March during Spring Break, look forward to savings of 31% in October with rates closer to $170 per night.
Need some convincing? We already have the tang of a piña colada on our tongues at these all-inclusive paradises.
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun ★★★★★
Photos via trivago
The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is an all-in resort with a party heart and an inexhaustible list of rocking entertainment options to match.
Iberostar Cancun ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Iberostar Cancun has seven pools and direct access to Playa Delfines, one of the city’s most beautiful beaches, this is one for water lovers.
The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun ★★★★
Photos via trivago
The little ones are going to love the Kids Club at the Westin Resort & Spa Cancun while parents can find their zen at the spa or the traditional Mayan sweat lodge.
What to do in Cancun?
Though wet at times, Cancun’s October temps are still within what most of us would consider the “summer range,” perfect for a lazy day at the beach. As the month comes to a close, preparations start to get underway for Mexico’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations.
Celebrate the Day of the Dead
[caption id="attachment_43851" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Photo courtesy of the Xcaret Park Facebook page[/caption]
October 31 – November 2. Locals commemorate those who have passed during the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) with altars and depictions of the dapper skeleton of Calavera Catrina. Be sure to partake in the festivities at the Festival of Life and Death Traditions hosted by Xcaret.
Time travel through the Yucatán
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Photo by Christian Córdova CC BY[/caption]
Go back in time, about 800 years or so, to the age of the Mayans by visiting the awe-inspiring monuments at Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Looking to go off the beaten path? Pay a visit to Coba, the ornate pyramid at Ek Balam or check out Muyil situated in Sian Kaan Reserve.
How Much to Budget for Cancun
Aside from the flight into the Yucatán Peninsula (and any side trips you’ll want to take), you can expect to spend roughly $506 over 48 hours as a couple in Cancun.
Cappuccino: $2.00
Taxi from the airport: $25 per vehicle
Shared Van: $12 per person
One night in a 3-star Hotel – October: $81.46
Archeological day trip to Chichén Itzá, Tulum or Coba: $90 per person
Find October Deals in Cancun!
Your Calgary Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 55°F ~ Low 25°F
Known for being the gateway to the Rockies, Calgary beckons with vibrant food and music scenes and a fondness for winter sports (after all, the city hosted the world during the 1988 Olympic Games).
Temperatures may be dropping in Alberta’s largest city, but so are the hotel prices. In the month of October, a standard guestroom in Calgary will run you $132 on average, leaving plenty of pocket change to spend on a night out. (How about a night of improv at the Loose Moose Theatre or Dinner and a Movie at Heritage Park?) And let’s not forget, for American visitors, the greenback is currently trading at C$1.22 meaning that your buck goes even further in the Great White North. For Canadian visitors, treat yourself to some shopping in the only province without its own sales tax.
Searching for Calgary’s newest hotels? These modern picks are some of our favorites.
Hotel Arts ★★★
Photos via trivago
Hotel Arts is for the discerning budget traveler. There’s no going wrong with this centrally-located, designer boutique hotel.
Kensington Riverside Inn ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Kensington Riverside Inn is a Relais & Chateaux property, so make sure to place your dinner reservations at Chef’s Table — one of the city’s most celebrated restaurants when you reserve your room.
St. Germain Calgary ★★★★
Photos via trivago
As Le Germain’s Calgary outpost, expect the trademark refined touches from St. Germain Calgary from check-in to check-out.
What to do in Calgary?
Notorious for unpredictable weather (and Chinooks coasting off the Rockies), October is firmly one of the last months of the year for visitors looking to avoid extreme weather in Calgary. Our advice: pack layers.
Barrel down Skyline Luge
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo courtesy of the Skyline Luge Calgary Facebook page[/caption]
Race down the world’s longest luge cart track (1.1 miles long) in the shadow of Canada’s fastest zipline (which, in case you were wondering, can send you sailing at speeds of up to 87 mph). Plan to go early on in the month, though, because the Skyline Luge closes up for the season after Canadian Thanksgiving.
Tune into the National Music Centre
Photo courtesy of the National Music Centre Facebook page
Housed within the city’s newest entertainment fixture, Studio Bell, hum your way through Canada’s music history from the Tragically Hip to Leonard Cohen.
How Much to Budget in Calgary
Aside from transportation into Calgary, you can expect to spend roughly $514 over 48 hours as a couple in Calgary, the Stampede City.
Cappuccino: $3.23
Taxi from the airport: $34 (C$45)
One night in a 3-star Hotel: $117.68
Three rides on the Skyline Luge Track: $17 (C$23)
Find October Deals in Calgary!
Your Fort Lauderdale Getaway
Weather Forecast: High 87°F ~ Low 65°F
Stumped for where to travel in October? Travel passport-free to our third pick for this month — sunny Fort Lauderdale, where palm trees, boating, shopping and sports await.
Sun-seeking budget travelers can find the cheapest stays in Fort Lauderdale from June to October with the average hotel room going for $139 per night this month.
Here are some of the top-rated stays according to trivago users visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach ★★★★
Photos via trivago
From a morning jog on the beach to a deep tissue massage, the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach is the place to relax and recharge.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort ★★★★
Photos via trivago
Indulge in the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort‘s 25,000 sqft. Sunrise Pool Terrace in a private cabana or with a cocktail at BalQony overlooking the ocean.
Staybridge Suites Fort Lauderdale – Plantation ★★★★
What to do in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale is still plenty warm in October with highs touching near 90-degrees throughout the month and lows just in the 70s. Spotty showers start to come mid-way through the month, so check your dates and consider bringing an umbrella. (Then again, at those temps, the rain might be welcomed relief.)
Now on to the fun, this is what we’re looking forward to seeing and doing in Fort Lauderdale this month.
Escape to Bonnet House
[caption id="attachment_43883" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Photo courtesy of the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens [/caption]
The definition of an urban oasis, the Bonnet House estate preserves 35 acres of mangrove wetlands and a maritime forest home to squirrel monkeys, gopher tortoises, swans, and manatees.
Stroll down Las Olas
[caption id="attachment_43884" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
Photo by Steve Snodgrass CC BY[/caption]
October 21 – 22. Artists and their admirers flood Las Olas Boulevard for one weekend this October. Don’t miss exhibitors at this year’s Las Olas Arts Festival from the Fort Lauderdale area and from out-of-state. Who knows, you might even find a masterpiece to bring back home with you.
How Much to Budget in Fort Lauderdale
Aside from transportation into “The Venice of America,” you can expect to spend roughly $773 over 48 hours as a couple in Fort Lauderdale.
Cappuccino: $3.78
Taxi from the airport: $24
One night in a 3-star Hotel: $199.94
Rent the Musical at the Au-Rene Theater (Balcony): $40
Find Oct Deals in Ft. Lauderdale
Learn more in our Travel Advice Calendars
If you can’t make it to our “Where to Travel in October” destinations this month, try them out later this year with the help of our Travel Advice Calendar or subscribe to our “Where to Travel” mailer to be the first to learn of our destination picks.