If you’re tempted to run away from the UK’s shorter days and colder weather, a long haul holiday is the perfect escape route. Falling in a sweet spot between seasons, you’ll find fiery ‘fall’ foliage in much of the Northern Hemisphere, and balmy sunshine in much of the Southern Hemisphere.
No matter what kind of getaway you’re after, there’s a destination that fits the bill. The wildlife-rich destinations of Kangaroo Island and Kaikoura are rejuvenated with renewed Spring life, whilst California embraces Autumn festivities and the Canadian Rockies are decorated in dramatic colours. Namibia’s landscapes are at their most striking, whilst Luang Prabang comes alive with local celebrations and Mauritius promises a laid-back escape with plenty of October sun.
Discover our favourite long-haul destinations for October, with some handy travel tips too.
October Holiday Destinations:
| Namibia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5546 Miles |
| Journey Time | 13 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +2 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Lufthansa, Ethiopian Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Kulala Desert Lodge, Mushara Outpost Etosha, Strand Hotel Swakopmund |
| Visit Namibia |
Vast salt flats, dotted with petrified forest and framed by rich orange sand dunes. This striking image perfectly captures Namibia’s dramatic beauty, as the country boasts wildly diverse but completely mesmerising landscapes. With deserts, dunes and a dramatic coastline, exploring Namibia is like stepping into another world.
Namibia is often overlooked as a safari destination, but Etosha National Park certainly rivals Africa’s best reserves. Etosha is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ safari animals: with elephants bathing in waterholes, lions roaming the vast plains, leopards finding refuge amongst the sparse trees and shrubs, and an incredible population of rare black rhinos. As October falls within the dry season, vegetation is sparse and animals gather around waterholes, making for some incredible sightings. In October, daytime temperatures often reach mid 30°Cs, but game drives take place in the early morning or the evening, when temperatures are comfortable and wildlife is more active.
Etosha can be roughly translated to ‘Great White Place’, an apt title as the park’s landscape is made up of a salt pan so large that it can be viewed from space. The resident wildlife have adapted to this extreme environment, resulting in distinctive local populations of elephants, lions and rhinos.
October also makes a great time to visit the Namib Desert, as you can explore without the extreme heat. One of the most famous places in Namibia are the towering Sossusvlei Dunes. Visiting at sunrise makes for magical views, as the first light dawns over the vast dunes and hot air balloons draft gracefully above. The Deadvlei area is a similarly iconic sight, with which translates to ‘dead marsh’. Its vast clay pan is populated with twisted dead black trees, and surrounded by huge red dunes, creating an almost surreal environment. It takes around 45 minutes to walk here from Sossusveli, allowing you to immerse yourself in these spectacular landscapes. This harsh environment has also shaped some unique wildlife, including the striking oryx and graceful springbok.
Continue to explore the Namib Desert, discovering the point where the dunes meet the sea. On a 4×4 tour of Sandwich Harbour, you can immerse yourself in the striking scenery where these two landscapes clash. This dramatic stretch of scenery has earned the title of the Skeleton Coast, thanks to its remote beaches and treacherous seas, that have proved perilous for sailors. Its raw beauty almost feels like the very end of the earth.
With so many epic landscapes to explore, you will undoubtedly need a car to see it all, either opting to self drive, or embarking on a guided tour.
Travel Tip: Although Namibia has its own currency, the Namibian Dollar, South African Rand is widely accepted. This is perfect is you’d like to do twin centre Namibia and South Africa holiday.
| California, USA | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5368 Miles |
| Journey Time | 11 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -8 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, American Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Hotel Caza San Francisco, Montrose at Beverley Hills, Yosemite Valley Lodge |
| Visit California |
Few destinations capture the imagination quite like California. Fringed by golden beaches, dotted with electric cities, and with natural wonders at every turn, there is so much to explore, and October makes the perfect time to visit.
Throughout the month, the weather remains mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures often reaching 26°C in Los Angeles, and with highs of approximately 21°C further North in San Francisco. October is an ideal time to explore these colourful cities, with fewer crowds, comfortable weather and autumnal festivities to get stuck into. California is also an underrated destination for ‘fall’ foliage, with its iconic National Parks blanketed in red and yellow hues.
October invites you to dive into the lively SoCal (Southern California) cities of San Diego and Los Angeles. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy relaxed beach days, whether you’re soaking up the sun at LA’s iconic Santa Monica and Venice beaches, or unwinding on San Diego’s laid-back Coronado Island. There is no doubt that both cities know how to throw a party. Towards the end of the month, San Diego’s Old Town is adorned with colourful skeletons, and you’ll find live music around every corner, as they celebrate their annual Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival. Los Angeles takes Halloween similarly seriously, with themed events at many of their major attractions and impressively decorated neighbourhoods.
The mild weather is perfect for a strolling around San Francisco and discovering its patchwork of characterful neighbourhoods. Step into the 1960s in Haight Ashbury, take in the Mission’s murals, go on a culinary adventure in Chinatown and visit the Fisherman’s Warf markets. In the evening, cruise the bay to watch the sun set over the iconic bridge and the city lights begin to sparkle, or, if you dare, take an exclusive Halloween night tour of Alcatraz.
Venture slightly further north of the city and you’ll reach California’s renowned wine country. October is harvest season, when the vineyards are at their fullest and most beautiful, making it the perfect time for a winery tour. Meet local producers, get a behind-the-scenes look at process and sample some world-class wines.
As well as cities vibrant with festivities, California’s National Parks are decorated with stunning hues of red and gold in October. Discover the some of the world’s tallest trees at Redwood and Sequoia National Parks, and marvel at the towering granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome at Yosemite, all backdropped by a kaleidoscope of ‘fall’ colours.
Joshua Tree National Park is also at its best in October, when the intense summer heat eases into warm comfortable days made for hiking. The season also brings the Dark Sky Festival, a celebration of the park’s world-class stargazing.
Travel Tip: Make sure to layer up for microclimates. California is a vast state, meaning the weather can vary wildly, and evenings can often be cool.
| Luang Prabang, Laos | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5678 Miles |
| Journey Time | 17 Hours (including 1 stop) |
| Local Time | GMT +6 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines |
| What Hotels to Stay? | Homm Souvannaphoum Hotel, Maison Dalabua Hotel |
| Visit Luang Prabang, Laos |
This UNESCO heritage city is situated in the North of Laos, where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Its ornate temples and its unique blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture are framed by a stunning backdrop of jungle-clad mountains.
October falls within Laos’ shoulder season, as the number of visitors gradually begins to increase, without reaching its peak. This month similarly marks the transition from the wet season to try dry season, meaning the weather is perfect for exploring and daytime temperatures fluctuate between 25°C to 30°C.
In the heart of Luang Prabang, you’ll find the striking Royal Palace, now a museum that offers a glimpse into Laos’ royal history. Discover its opulent architecture, and its delicate artwork and artefacts. As it gets dark, the usually serene city really comes to life as the night markets are set up. Stroll along the bustling streets lined with colourful stalls, where artisans sell handwoven textiles, intricate crafts and local delicacies. It’s the perfect place to sample Lao cuisine or pick up a souvenir.
Thanks to the heavy rains of the previous months, the scenery that surrounds the city is lush and green. The climb up to Mount Phousi offers spectacular, sweeping views over the city, the Mekong River and the surrounding hills. And, no visit to Luang Prabang would be complete without a trip to the Kuang Si Waterfall. Flowing at full force in October, soak in the views of the striking turquoise waters.
October is the perfect time to embark on a Mekong River cruise from Luang Prabang, with the waters at their highest. Discover riverside villages, take in the lush green scenery and visit the Pak Ou Caves, which hold a collection of Buddha statues, some over 400 years old.
Luang Prabang is known for its spiritual significance and its strong Buddhist heritage. This is palpable in the city’s dozens of gilded temples. Amongst them you’ll find Wat Xieng Thong, which is believed to be the holiest temple in the city. Discover its sweeping roofs, intricate gold mosaics and detailed wall carvings. In October, the Boun Ok Phansa festival takes place, marking the last day of Buddhist lent. It is celebrated in a stunning spectacle, as candles and lanterns are lit, and decorated boats are floated down the rivers symbolically, to banish bad luck.
The Alms Giving Ceremony (known as Tak Bat or Sai Bat) also takes place daily. Buddhist monks will walk through the city at dawn, as people give them offerings of rice and other foods.
Travel Tip: If you’d like to experience the Sai Bat ceremony, make sure to stay silent and watch from a respectful distance, or you can buy some food from local vendors in advance, and take a seat quietly before making your offering.
| Kangaroo Island, Australia | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 16176 Miles |
| Journey Time | 22 Hours (including 1 stop and a 45 minute ferry) |
| Local Time | GMT +9.5 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Kangaroo Island Seafront, Sea Dragon Lodge |
| Visit Kangaroo Island, Australia |
October is a fantastic time to escape to Kangaroo Island. Just a short ferry ride away from Adelaide, this rugged and wildlife-rich landscape showcases Australia’s striking scenery at its best. Here, nature is the main attraction.
As Australia creeps into Spring, you can expect perfect weather for exploring Kangaroo Island, with average temperatures sitting between 11°C to 19°C, and plenty of sunshine. The days gradually grow longer too, giving you plenty of time to soak in all that the island has to offer.
Along its 540 kilometres of coastline, and further inland, there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer. Paddle through the island’s tranquil waterways on a kayak, take a fat bike tour through winding bush trails, or sandboard down the dunes at Little Sahara.
Thanks to the island’s thousands of years of separation from the mainland, and its relatively late settlement by Europeans, its animal populations have thrived. You’ll find much of Australia’s most iconic wildlife roaming freely. Naturally, there is a huge population of kangaroos, typically coming out to graze in the early morning and late afternoon, alongside curious Tammar wallabies.
In the island’s eucalyptus forests, you’ll spot koalas perched high in the trees, and you can often find bottlenose dolphins playing in the waves offshore. At Seal Bay Conservation Park, discover a magnificent colony of Australian sea lion, waddling along the soft white sands or snoozing in the sun.
One of Kangaroo Island’s most striking landscapes are the wind-blasted boulders of Remarkable Rocks. This geological formation has been crafted over millions of years, as a result of the pounding wind, sea and rain. In October, however, you can witness this feature of Flinders Chase National Park in the sunshine.
Many of the island’s landscapes erupt into colour in October, as a carpet of wildflowers begin to appear. Orange banksia, yellow pea flowers, and red cockies tongue all come into their own.
The Spring also brings an abundance of fresh produce. Sample local honey from the renowned Ligurian bees at Clifford’s Honey Farm, try delicious oysters at eateries like The Odd Plate, or find unique sheep cheeses at the Island Pure Sheep Dairy.
Travel Tip: Although you can visit Kangaroo Island on a day trip from Adelaide, we’d recommend extending your stay, and enjoying an idyllic retreat at Sea Dragon Lodge.
| Vancouver, Canada | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 5000 Miles |
| Journey Time | 10 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT -7 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Canada, British Airways, Delta |
| Which Hotels to Stay Pre & Post Nights? | Blue Horizon Vancouver, Jasper Park Lodge, Hotel Arts Calgary |
| Visit Vancouver, Canada |
Travelling aboard the luxurious Rocky Mountaineer is regarded as on of the greatest rail journeys in the world. With routes navigating the spectacular Canadian Rockies, between Western Canada’s charming mountain towns and vibrant cities, a trip aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is a spectacular way to explore the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.
Stepping aboard, you are immediately greeted with the world-class hospitality that the Rocky Mountaineer is renowned for. As you snake your way through stunning scenery, soak in the views from the spacious glass-dome coach, or head to the outdoor viewing platform to get even closer. Enjoy a menu of regionally-inspired cuisine as you go, and each destination is brought to life by stories from your onboard Host.
Each season offers something special aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, with journeys operating between April and October. Departures at the tail end of the season are usually quieter, elevating your luxurious onboard experience even further. As Autumn descends on the Canadian Rockies, the spectacular colours of ‘fall’ foliage burst into life, so you can take in an ever-changing collage of oranges and yellows.
Throughout the month, you can expect temperatures around 8°C to 18°C in Vancouver, and slightly cooler weather, between 1°C to 15°C, in Jasper and Banff. The crisp Autumn air makes for great visibility as you’re passing through these stunning landscapes, and the rivers and waterfalls are surging dramatically.
In October, you can expect some incredible wildlife sightings, as animals become increasingly active to prepare for the winter. Ospreys and eagles soar high above the train, scouring for prey, and you can often catch sight of elk and moose in the valleys. It is arguably the best month for bear spotting too, as grizzly and black bears forage in before hibernation.
Beyond the Rocky Mountaineer, October is a fantastic time to delve deeper into the Rocky Mountains. Join a wildlife tour in Banff or Jasper to spot even more elk, bears and moose, or discover spectacular starry skies at the Jasper Planetarium. Driving the Icefields Parkway is also remarkable at this time of year, boasting scenery from golden forests to snow-capped peaks.
Travel Tip: Make sure to bring a small day bag that you can carry your essentials in, as larger luggage will travel separately from the train and will be delivered straight to your hotel rooms en route.
| Mauritius | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 6100 Miles |
| Journey Time | 12 Hours |
| Local Time | GMT +4 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Air Mauritius, British Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Constance Belle Mere Plage, Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel |
| Visit Mauritius |
Searching for some elusive October sun? Well Mauritius does not disappoint in this department. Marking the transition between the cooler winter, and the hot, humid summer, October’s weather is idyllic. Daytime temperatures typically between a balmy 25°C and 30°C, and it only dips to 21°C at night. As October falls in the shoulder season, enjoy renowned Mauritian hospitality and stunning resorts that are lively without being crowded.
In October, the weather is perfect for enjoying Mauritius’ azure waters. The gentle breezes are perfect for watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking or sailing, and you can even surf on the East Coast. As there is little rainfall, the visibility is great for snorkelling or diving, so you can discover a myriad of tropical fish and vibrant coral.
This time of year also offers fruitful opportunity for whale and dolphin watching. You can spot pods of dolphins and majestic sperm whales in the surrounding waters all year round, but October makes an excellent time to spot humpback whales and their calves breaching dramatically, as they migrate south after calving in the warm Indian Ocean waters.
The Spring brings beautiful colours across the islands’ landscapes. Vibrant red flame trees and bougainvillaea are in full bloom, and the landscapes are lush and green after the winter months. Experience these stunning landscapes for yourself, hiking in the Black River Gorges National Park, visiting Chamarel Waterfall, or wandering through the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.
The towns and cities are similarly drenched in colour during October, as Diwali celebrations begin. In Mauritius, Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is widely celebrated by people of all faiths, in an immersive spectacle of candles, lanterns and fireworks.
Mauritius blends an eclectic mix of cultures, shaped by its African, Indian, European and Chinese heritage. In the capital of Port Louis, you can wander through lively markets, sampling incredible Creole cuisine injected with Indian and French influences. Make sure to try some famous Mauritian rum too! La Rhumerie de Chamarel is particularly renowned, where you can learn about the history and tradition of the production process, as well as sampling some of their finest creations.
Travel Tip: Mauritius makes a fantastic family holiday destination, particularly in October half term. It offers stunning and safe beaches, a huge range of activities for all ages to get stuck into, and an extremely welcoming culture.
| Kaikoura, New Zealand | |
|---|---|
| Distance from the UK | 11434 Miles |
| Journey Time | 24 Hours (including 1 stop), plus a short domestic flight |
| Local Time | GMT +12 Hours |
| Which Airlines to Fly? | Emirates, Qatar Airways |
| Which Hotels to Stay? | Sudima Kaikoura, The White Morph Hotel |
| Visit Kaikoura, New Zealand |
Nestled on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Kaikoura boasts spectacular scenery and wildlife. This quaint seaside town invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature. It feels rugged and remote, despite being just a stone’s throw away from two of New Zealand’s major cities.
October brings Spring in New Zealand, so Kaikoura boasting pleasantly mild weather, with temperatures typically sitting between 8°C and 16°C. The mornings are crisp and fresh, perfect for coastal walks, whilst the afternoons are warm enough to enjoy the beaches or the many scenic picnic spots.
It is the perfect month to soak in Kaikoura’s dramatic coastal scenery and get outdoors. The snow-capped mountains offer a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters of the Pacific, and spring wildflowers add a pop of colour. Walking is the perfect way to explore, and the popular Peninsula Way is a great place to start. This 11.7 kilometre route skirts the coastline, offering breathtaking views over Seaward Kaikoura Range and the ocean. With trails of varying lengths and well-marked paths to guide you along the rocky shores, the walkway is accessible to all hiking levels.
The springtime also invites you to explore by bike, with a stunning network of mountain biking trails, suitable for all levels of experience. Kayaking along the dramatic coastline offers a different perspective. New Zealand fur seals and dolphins may well join you as you paddle around the Kaikoura Peninsula.
Kaikoura hosts an abundance of marine life, and it is renowned as one of the best destinations for whale watching in the world. Sperm whales are present all year round, but from May to October you’ll also see migrating humpbacks, southern right whales and pilot whales, alongside pods of orcas. On a boat tour, you can bob right alongside these majestic creatures, as well as discovering graceful seabirds like albatross.
Kaikoura offers a delightful culinary scene, with relaxed cafes, artisan markets and an abundance of incredible seafood restaurants. The local specialities include groper, mussels and cod, all caught that morning. Crayfish is actually the town’s namesake, so it would be rude not to try that too.
Travel Tip: The sunrise and sunset offer incredible opportunities for photography, as wildlife is particularly active at this time of day. Watch as they gather along the cliffs and beaches, all backdropped by the striking colours of the sky.
Suggested itineraries for an August holiday.
Queenstown | Oamaru | Christchurch | Kaikoura | Blenheim | Picton | Wellington | Napier | Hawkes Bay | Taupo | Rotorua | Auckland
Luang Prabang | Chiang Mai | Krabi
Melbourne | Great Ocean Road | Kangaroo Island | Adelaide | Barossa Valley
Queenstown | Oamaru | Christchurch | Kaikoura | Blenheim | Picton | Wellington | Napier | Hawkes Bay | Taupo | Rotorua | Auckland
Luang Prabang | Chiang Mai | Krabi
Melbourne | Great Ocean Road | Kangaroo Island | Adelaide | Barossa Valley
Grace joined the Marketing Team at Freedom Destinations after she returned from three months backpacking around Australia. Her long-haul travels have also taken her to Canada, the U.S. and South East Asia so far, but her destination wish list is far from complete!
