Where to go in October
As autumn climes begin to permeate the UK, the world of international travel heats up with seasonal foliage displays, harvest celebrations and electric city breaks. Far-flung shores are showing fresh allure too, as this month British Airways launches new routes to the Thai and Malaysian capitals. Not that you really need any more reason to visit the sun-soaked Asian tropics…
01/08/2024
Rooftop pool at Aman Nai Lert, Bangkok
Stay in a luxe hotel: Bangkok, Thailand
With new British Airways flights to the Thai capital launching on 28 October, now is the time to explore Bangkok’s thrilling ramble of colourful temples and fragrant street food stalls, regal palaces and gleaming skyscrapers. The much-anticipated opening of Aman Nai Lert – a new greenery-wrapped sanctuary – will up the city’s luxury hotel ante this autumn, with a rooftop pool, tip-top spa and glam jazz bar. The official Q3 launch date has yet to be announced, so in the meantime book into Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, both listed in the top ten of The World’s 50 Best Hotels.
Hike through vineyards: Burgundy, France
After the busyness of the September grape harvest, October is the month when Burgundians breathe a collective sigh of relief, kicking back to enjoy the chromatic changing of the vineyard leaves, silky sips of Pinot Noir – and walks along the region’s 6,000km of footpaths. Pull on your boots for a nine-mile round trip from Orches through pretty wine villages of the Côte-d’Or, or enjoy a multi-day, 50-mile pilgrimage along the Way of St James. Recently opened in wine capital Beaune, hotel Maison 1896 – less than two hours’ drive from Lyon airport and with parquet floors and wood-beamed suites – is the perfect base for resting weary feet.
La Giralda bell tower, Seville (also opening image); fine vintages at Unwined Cabana, Kuala Lumpur
Soak up Moorish culture: Seville, Spain
Lazy afternoons grazing on alfresco tapas, sultry evenings of flamenco – southern Spanish city Seville comes into its own in October when daytime temperatures cool to a pleasant 26°C. It’s the ideal season for wandering around the manicured gardens of the Real Alcázar, devouring platters of wafer-thin jamón in Mercado de Triana and scaling the ramps to the top of soaring cathedral tower, La Giralda. And if the beach calls, sand-lined coast isn’t too far away at neighbouring Matalascañas.
Go on a restaurant tour: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
From casual markets blending Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours to high-flying international restaurants, Kuala Lumpur is one food-obsessed city. New British Airways flights to the city launch on 28 October, giving culinary-minded travellers a gateway to the edible action at newly opened haunts such as boutique wine bar Unwined Cabana or tapas spot Barra. For a more unbuttoned eating experience, don’t miss the hawkers on Petaling Street or at Jalan Alor Night Market.
Lake Muskoka in autumn (Getty)
View dazzling autumn leaves: Muskoka, Canada
A two-hour drive from Toronto’s airport, Ontario’s chic ‘cottage country’ – beloved by the Beckhams, Tom Hanks and Justin Bieber – is ablaze with tones in russet, crimson and gold as the forested expanse begins its autumnal leaf turn. Make the most of British Airways’ car hire partnerships and self-drive north through quaint towns coddled in dense wilderness. On a spray of islands across glinting Georgian Bay, Canadians are enjoying the last of the seasonal sun, canoeing, kayaking and boating until Thanksgiving weekend mid-month; join in the fun and book into lakeside activities retreat JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa.
Experience a spooktacular Halloween: Boston, USA
With creepy old graveyards, ‘haunted’ historic hotels and witch capital Salem just a short train ride away, Boston is the perfect place to experience an all-American Halloween. Visit in the days leading up to 31 October to peruse the Haunted Happenings market, peddling everything from tarot cards to ghost sculptures, and take in the elaborate pumpkin displays outside the historic brownstones of Beacon Hill. Other October delights include Red Sox baseball games at atmospheric Fenway Park and hot butter-soaked lobster rolls at Neptune Oyster.
Tombs of the Kings necropolis in Paphos, Cyprus; delectable dish at Italy’s International Alba White Truffle Fair
Savour a short-haul beach break: Cyprus
With icy weather in Europe yet to take hold, now’s the time to savour the final glints of short-haul Mediterranean warmth. Cyprus swelters in summer but, come October, has cooled to delightful daytime highs of 27°C, warm enough to roll out a towel on the south coast sands but also cool enough to hike through the Avakas Gorge or explore epic ancient sites such as Unesco-listed Tombs of the Kings. British Airways launches new flights from 4 November to Larnaca, gateway to the southeast and a 40-minute drive from fascinating culture-rich capital Nicosia.
Feast at seasonal food festivals: Piedmont, Italy
October in Italy means first-rate eating, as harvest bounty floods idyllic hilltop villages and seasonal food festivals get into swing. Fly in for the International Alba White Truffle Fair from 12 October – expect everything from cookery classes to pop-up chef dinners featuring the prized mushroom – or the Cuneo National Chestnut Fair mid-month, celebrating the sweet and meaty nut. October is also harvest time in the lauded Barolo wine region. Book in for a tour and tasting at Marchesi di Barolo, followed by a long, lazy lunch of sage-tinged agnolotti and beef braised in red wine.