When Anne of Green Gables famously said, “I’m so glad that I live in a world where there are Octobers,” she must have been thinking about the great travel options available during this sometimes-overlooked month. No longer the busy summer travel season but not yet the expensive winter holiday period, mid-autumn is a great time for a getaway. If you want to take advantage of this travel sweet spot, we have some October travel inspiration to get you started. Cheapflights.ca has crunched the numbers and done our research – looking at average flight costs, popularity and even weather forecasts – to bring you the best options for travellers looking to save money, take advantage of fantastic fall weather or explore a destination they haven’t previously considered. So, read on and start planning that autumn getaway. And then go back to enjoying your summer, knowing you have something to look forward to even when it ends.
For budget travellers: Denver, Colorado, U.S.
With its laid-back vibe, thriving craft beer and foodie scene, abundance of arts and culture and easy access to outdoorsy activities, Denver has a little something for everyone. Average airfare for flights from Canada to Colorado’s capital city are 19 per cent below average for the month of October, but the budget-friendly travel opportunities don’t stop there. Take a tour of the Coors Brewery and sample their product, dive into Denver’s food truck scene, or visit historic sites like the United States Mint or Union Station – all for next to nothing. And, if the mountains start calling, there are dozens of parks and trails within an easy drive of downtown. For more wallet-friendly fun, check out our blog about 15 things to do in Denver for $10 or less.
For weather watchers: Tanzania
If you’re looking for a time of year to indulge your inner adventurous traveller, October is just the month for it, and Tanzania is just the country. The African nation is home to many bucket-list topping destinations including Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, the Zanzibar archipelago and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a UNESCO world heritage site home to over 25,000 large African animals including black rhinos, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and the world’s densest population of lions. For all of these once-in-a-lifetime spots, October is the ideal weather month. The coolest months in Tanzania are generally from May to August, the hottest are between November and February, the busiest months for tourists are from June to September, and the rainiest months are generally from March to May; October falls just outside all of these.
For the best of both: Boston, Massachusetts
With affordable air fares, seasonal charm and mild weather, Boston, Massachusetts, is an easy autumn getaway that packs a good travel punch for Canadians. October in New England ushers in mild temperatures, colourful foliage and the harvest season activities and charm that the region is best known for. And with flight prices averaging under $250 from across Canada — down 9 per cent from the annual average — Boston offers the charm of affordability, too. Stroll through the historic Beacon Hill neighbourhood — famous for its picturesque cobblestone streets and historic townhouses, which are often decorated with pumpkins, autumn flowers and other seasonal decor — before heading to the Boston Public Garden to see the colourful foliage on full display. Rent a bike from Boston’s public bike share program Hubway, which has locations all over the city and costs only $8 for a 24-hour pass. Pick up a bike from the station at the corner of Arlington and Beacon Streets and take a cruise along the nearby Charles River Esplanade for a show of sailboats on the river and foliage along its banks.
For trendsetters: Singapore
Want to be at the head of the trending travel pack for your October trip? Then you should check out Singapore. Flight searches for travel from Canada to Singapore in October are more than 200 per cent higher than the monthly average, indicating its an an up-and-coming destination for Canadian travellers. While in Singapore, check out the fluorescent and mystical Gardens by the Bay, which look like a scene out of a science fiction movie. Sample the country’s national cuisine of chicken rice while eating your way through Singapore’s food courts and visit the colourful Clark Quay, lined with bars and open air restaurants.
For advanced planners: Cancun, Mexico
Thinking about a last minute October trip? Cancun, Mexico, is the choice for you. Look to book your tickets to this beach destination in early October to be sipping cerveza in the sand in late October without shelling out big bucks. In addition to lounging on the beach, visitors to Cancun have a choice of such budget-friendly activities as shopping in the large open-air market Mercado 28, exploring ancient artifacts at the Museo Maya or visiting the Mayan ruins and beaches in popular nearby towns like Tulum, Playa del Carmen or the island of Cozumel. Check out our blog for more on cheap and free offerings in Cancun.
*Just so you know, this data is based on averages from departure points across Canada and is intended as a guideline only. Check the latest up-to-date prices and search for flights at Cheapflights.ca.
Want to find out our picks for months other than October? Check out August and September.
