The best places to go in October: Our top travel picks for a solo holiday
October, while resplendent in its autumn colours, is also the month when things get noticeably darker and colder in the Northern Hemisphere. So, consider escaping to the sultry climes of Southeast Asia, the beaches of Indonesia or flying as far south as possible in Europe to chase the final rays of summer.
Italy and Spain in particular brim with food festivals at this time of year, celebrating everything from white truffles to Iberian ham. But with the season’s shifting, let’s not waste any more time: here are the best destinations for a solo holiday in October…
Laos
Average temperature: 25°C / 77°F
Why you should visit now:
Rainy season has come to an end, ushering in dry, sunny days to Laos, especially towards the end of October. The Mekong River runs like a lifeline through its centre, making boat trips one of the best ways to see the compact country. Drift past emerald-carpeted foothills and remote fishing communities, before learning to cook traditional Laos dishes (try refreshing khao poon, cold vermicelli noodles, served with raw vegetables and a coconut milk sauce).
Expert tip:
Pronouncing Laotian words isn’t easy, but it’s worth making an effort. “Hello” is sabaidee, while khob chai means “thank you”.
Jordan
Average temperature: 23°C / 73°F
Why you should visit now:
Jordan will likely experience its first drops of rainfall for months in October, meaning desert blooms suddenly spring to life, giving an injection of colour to the arid landscape. Keen hikers should head to the Dana Biosphere Reserve: a wild, mountainous landscape, punctuated by rugged peaks and cavernous gorges. You’ll spot centuries-old tribal villages and, if you’re lucky, endangered species like the Arabian wolf. Come nightfall, the sky reveals a glittering tapestry of constellations, thanks to the lack of light pollution.
Expert tip:
Don’t leave Jordan with ordering a limonana, a refreshing drink made from whizzed-up spearmint, lemons, sugar and tonnes of ice.
Italy
Average temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Why you should visit now:
Food is always a good reason to visit Italy, especially in October when mushrooms, truffles and chestnuts come into season. Piedmont hosts the infamous International White Truffle Fair in Alba this month, where you can sample thick strands of taglioni, tangled in a buttery truffle sauce. But, of course, few regions can match Tuscany for rustic splendour in autumn. Truffles here are in abundance, plates are piled high and glasses are pleasingly full, as Tuscans reap the rewards of the harvest.
Expert tip:
To eat spaghetti like a real Italian, twist only with your fork. No knife or spoon needed.
South Africa
Average temperature: 19°C / 66°F
Why you should visit now:
As the dry season draws to a close, wildlife spotting in South Africa’s Kruger National Park heats up. Watch rhinos and buffalos gather around the parched watering holes, especially early in the month. Alternatively, learn how to track big game on foot during a sunrise bush hike. Over in Cape Town, humpback whales are glimpsed at this time of year, cruising the coastline with their calves towards Mossel Bay.
Expert tip:
Head to Hout Bay for the freshest seafood. The Lookout restaurant serves up local mussels and crayfish, drenched in garlic butter.
Spain
Average temperature: 20°C / 68°F
Why you should visit now:
Summer crowds have subsided, but temperatures are still balmy across southern Spain in October. Just over an hour from Seville, the town of Aracena springs into action this month for Feria del Jamón (Ham Fair). After all, the region is home to Iberian ham; sample wafer-thin slivers while watching the strangely compelling ham-slicing contest. Meanwhile, south of Cádiz, consistent waves will start rolling into El Palmar de Vejer, a lesser-known surf spot.
Expert tip:
Aracena sits in the heart of a large national park, lined with hiking trails. Set off from Castaño del Robledo, passing chestnut trees and panoramic views along the route.
Bali
Average temperature: 27°C / 81°F
Why you should visit now:
The tail-end of the April-to-October dry season on Indonesia’s most-visited island means crowds start to ease off in Bali this month. Head to the protected marine reserves of Menjangan and West Bali National Park for diving and underwater drama. Or seek out the sandy shores of Sanur for a session at the Rip Curl School of Surf.
Expert tip:
Don’t want to go totally solo? Flash Pack’s group tour in Bali also takes in time on Legian Beach, the Gili Islands, a hike up Mount Batur and dinner in the rural farming village of Subak Guliang, with tables set in a star-lit rice paddy.
Peru
Average temperature: 20°C / 68°F
Why you should visit now:
Peru’s dry season, from May to October, is the best time to explore the Andes, with clear skies and little rainfall. If you’re planning on trekking to Machu Picchu as a solo traveller, you’ll need to book your tickets well in advance, as often the Inca trail gets full quickly. Group tours to Peru can be a great way to navigate the bureaucracy and ensure you’re tackling the altitude with expert guides and a like-minded crew of fellow hikers to cheer you on. After all, llamas can’t be relied on for everything…
Expert tip:
Peruvian food is having a moment. Just outside of Cusco, Mill is one of the city’s top restaurants, sourcing ingredients from the surrounding ecosystem and overlooking the Incan ruins of Moray.
Ready to take off on your next adventure? Join Flash Pack today to discover group solo holidays with like-minded people in their 30s & 40s.
To find out where to go in November, read our expert travel tips, ideas and inspiration.
