For some, autumn is the time to admire the changing colours in nature and enjoy the crisp air, for others it is time to pack your bags and take advantage of the low season to travel to faraway places. Whatever your ideal autumn, here are our ideas on where to go in October.
The ancient rock-cut temples of Petra. ©Anton Petrus/Getty Images
1 Southern Jordan
Why now? To admire human and natural masterpieces.
In October in Jordan, the summer heatwave gives way to autumn temperatures (27°C), and the countryside enjoys occasional showers. Petra, the city carved out of the rock by Nabataeans over 2000 years ago, is unique in the world; crossing the Siq (the gorge also featured in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) to reach the Treasury is an adventurer's dream.
A little further north is the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a vast expanse of limestone heights (up to 1,500 m) and wadis (gullies through which a watercourse once flowed). Millennia of history and wilderness mingle here, among juniper and date palms, pistachio and pomegranate trees, Nubian goats and gazelles. These two sites can be visited in a vehicle, but it is ideal to do so on foot. The 45-kilometre hike from Dana to Petra - the 'Inca Trail of the Middle East' - follows ancient Bedouin tracks that cross the rocky desert connecting the wadis of Dana and the monumental façade of Petra. At night, camp under the stars - stunning!
The journey: Leave Amman, then head south to Madaba, famous for its mosaics, and the Dead Sea, then to Dana. Reach Petra in four days and return to Amman. Calculate about 10 days.
The Urique Canyon, in the Copper Canyon complex, Mexico. ©jejim/Shutterstock
2 Barrancas del Cobre, Mexico
Why now? To explore a canyon rich in history.
Northern Mexico is largely a frontier place, hostile, almost uninhabited, western-style. Its jewel in the crown is the Sierra Tarahumara, with the formidable Barrancas del Cobre canyon range, reached by an unparalleled scenic railway. With 36 bridges and 87 tunnels, the Ferrocarril Chihuahua Pacìfico runs 655 kilometres between Los Mochis on the Pacific coast and Chihuahua.
It takes 13 hours, although the place deserves more time: stop in towns like Creel and Divisadero. Book horseback rides down steep canyon walls to Urique, and visit a 17th-century mining town, Batopilas. Visit the villages of the tarahumara (or rarámuri), expert riders. It is sweltering in summer, freezing in winter; come in October, the rain has freshened the air.
The journey: Go to Chihuahua, get on the train, then go to Baja for the beaches. Or stay a week in the canyon area: hiking, mule tracks and villages.
The temples and old-world atmosphere of Bhutan. ©alex abbott/Lonely Planet
3 Bhutan
Why now? For the blue skies, views and trails of the Himalayas.
This Himalayan Shangri-La is the only country in the world with a Gross Domestic Happiness Index, and many of its inhabitants follow traditional values and a distinct spirituality. Reach this paradise in October, when the air is crisp and everything is enchanting.
The temperatures are pleasant, the air dry, the skies clear, the hikes stimulating: the rare collonero cranes arrive in the Phobjikha Valley and stay there until February. For cultural destinations, don't miss the dzongs (fortresses), many of which (including those in Thimphu and Gangtey) host magnificent tsechu (festivals). Mountain excursions are suitable for all levels, such as a half-day climb to Tiger's Den Monastery, or a seven-day trek in one of the most pristine regions of the Himalayas, the Jhomolhari.
The trip: A seven- to 10-day trip could include Paro, Thimphu and Punakha, and touch on dzongs, sights, hikes and traditional activities (archery, hot stone bathing). If you want to go on a longer excursion, take a few extra days.
The Flinders Ranges seen from above, Australia. ©Southern Lightscapes-Australia/Getty Images
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4 Flinders Ranges, Australia
Why now? To explore the outback before it's too hot.
Wandering through the vast orange-red rocky wrinkles of the Flinders Ranges is like travelling back in time. This mountain range, which starts 200 kilometres north of Adelaide and stretches 400 kilometres into the heart of South Australia, was formed 540 million years ago. The landscape of gorges and escarpments is a perfect compendium of the Australian outback landscape.
It gets scorching hot in summer, so come here in October (late spring here), before the temperatures become intolerable and when you can still admire the beautiful blooms. From Adelaide, drive north to Mount Remarkable National Park; venture on a day hike through streams and ravines or climb Mount Remarkable (960 m). At Quorn, stop to ride the Pichi Richi steam train and then continue on to Wilpena Pound. This rocky amphitheatre is closely associated with Aboriginal culture, as is Arkaroo Rock, with its rock paintings. Further north, pretty towns lurk among the hills. Stop in Blinman and Parachilna for a beer.
The journey: In 10 days you can reach Parachilna from Adelaide via Mount Remarkable and Wilpena Pound.
5 Darjeeling, India
Why now? For the magnificent views and a cup of excellent tea.
In the early 19th century, Darjeeling was home to a sanatorium for members of the British army. Today it is a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the cities of West Bengal, and can be reached by the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway ('Toy Train'), a railway in operation since the late 19th century.
Tourists flock to Darjeeling to enjoy scones in hotels with a colonial atmosphere and to take guided tours of tea plantations before a tasting. But the biggest draw are the views, which encompass much of the Himalayas and Kanchenjunga (the world's third highest mountain). October, cool and crisp, is perfect. Hike along the Singalila Ridge; from the top of Sandakphu you will admire some of the world's most impressive peaks, including Everest.
The journey: Fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra. Visit the Buddhist temples of Rumtek and Pemayangtse, and then Darjeeling. Excursions to the Singalila Ridge begin in Manebhanjan, 50 kilometres from Darjeeling.
The magnificent landscape of Guilin, with the Li River and mountains, Guangxi Province, China. ©aphotostory/Shutterstock
6 Southwest China
Why now? For the ideal climate in two magnificent provinces.
Guangxi and Yunnan are the most poetic soul of China. The terraced rice paddies, deep gorges and snow-capped peaks evoke an ancient country, suspended in time, an atmosphere now forgotten. October, with its pleasant climate and golden leaves, is a perfect time to explore them, moving between the Tibetan plateau and the tropical valleys where different minorities live.
Guilin is the heart of Guangxi's karst region, and spectacular Li River cruises to tranquil Yangshuo depart from here; before setting sail, visit the miao, yao, dong and zhuang villages around Longsheng; in Yunnan you will find a more Southeast Asian atmosphere, especially in the prefecture of Xishuangbanna; if you prefer cobbled streets and small towns go to Lijiang, and from there move on to the Tiger's Leap Gorge and the snow-capped peaks of Zhongdian, officially renamed Shangri-La.
The journey: Visiting both Yunnan and Guangxi takes two to four weeks. Trains (and planes) connect Guilin, Kunming (the capital of Yunnan) and Lijiang.
The characteristic houses of Porto, Portugal. ©Rob van Esch/Shutterstock
7 Porto and the Douro
Why now? To cruise the river in the heady October air.
The UNESCO-protected Douro Valley is Portugal's main wine region and the oldest in the world: the certification of origin of Portuguese products dates back 200 years before those of France. Take a cruise along the Rio Douro and you are guaranteed beautiful views, especially in October when the sun is still warm and the vines turn a warm golden colour.
You will pass barcos rabelos (boats used for transporting wine), villages adorned with picturesque azulejos and many quintas (wine estates) where you can also stop for a wine tasting.
At the mouth of the river and at the foot of a gentle rise lies historic Porto, Portugal's second largest city, founded in Roman times. The labyrinthine old quarter of Ribeira is delightful, as is Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the river, where you can sample the city's namesake wine. The trip: Spend a few days in Porto, before taking a week-long cruise to Vega de Terron, on the Spanish border (2-hour drive from Salamanca).
Worth knowing: The most scenic destinations along the Douro are not exactly on the river; make transport arrangements.
Autumn is the ideal time for a trip to the Langhe in Piedmont. ©ronnybas/Shutterstock
8 Piedmont, Italy
Why now? For the excellent truffles.
Piedmont is a region full of attractions for all tastes: rolling hills, picturesque towns, mountains, lakes and extraordinary cuisine. This is especially true in autumn, when wild mushrooms abound in Piedmont, Nebbiolo grapes are harvested and the sublime white truffles release their aroma. The Piedmontese red meat, Arborio rice and typical cheeses (don't miss Castelmagno) are just as good.
Go to Alba, where medieval towers stand next to Renaissance and Baroque buildings and palaces. There are also excellent restaurants, and in October there is the White Truffle Fair and the Donkey Palio. Venture into the leafy Langhe to hunt for truffles and taste Barbaresco and Barolo.
The journey: Arrive in Turin and visit churches and museums before exploring the region. A rental car is ideal; plan on a week.
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam ©Taweesak Malapum/Shutterstock
9 Vietnam
Why now? To explore Vietnam from top to bottom.
In Vietnam with two monsoons in summer and winter, it is difficult to find the perfect balance of hot, cold, wet and dry. October is the most reasonable month: in the north, from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the weather is quite nice, around Sapa it is warm enough to venture out on excursions, in Saigon and the Mekong Delta the humidity is not excessive. Also, it is low season, so expect empty hotels and low prices; the savings on accommodation invest in local cuisine, especially freshly prepared pho.
The trip: To take advantage of the October weather, fly to Hanoi and venture into the hills of the Sapa region for a trek and a cruise along Halongo Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. Then take a train south to the historic centres of Hue and Hoi An (bring an umbrella) to visit Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta before relaxing on the beach at Phu Quoc.
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. ©JacobH/Getty Images
10 New Mexico, USA
Why now? For the fresh air and hot-air balloons.
New Mexico, also known as the 'Land of Enchantment', is very atmospheric in October; an average of 20°C makes the weather perfect for visiting historic towns. Sites such as the thousand-year-old Taos Pueblo hark back to the state's native roots, while the capital Santa Fe (founded by Spanish missionaries in 1610) combines old brick buildings, Romanesque-style architecture and art galleries.
And then there are the beautiful surroundings, with the Sangre de Cristos mountains to the north and blindingly white dunes to the south. Several scenic roads cross these wonders, and you can stop at a ranch.
The journey: One week is adequate to visit the North. From Albuquerque, follow the Turquoise Trail to Santa Fe; explore the art galleries of Canyon Rd and birdwatch at the Audubon Center. Spend time at the ruins of Bandelier National Monument then head to picturesque Taos for a margarita and a hike (on foot or horseback) to Taos Pueblo. Climb Wheeler Peak, the state's highest peak, and return to Albuquerque following High Rd through pretty Cordova and Chimayo.
Published in September 2018