If the cooler temperatures and shorter days have you thinking about an October escape, we’ve put together a list of 20 of the best places to visit. All of the destinations are outside of the country, but most are easily reachable from major Canadian cities. You’ll also find lower prices and smaller crowds once you arrive. Let the planning begin!

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Dodecanese Islands, Greece
It's hard to go wrong with any Greek destination, but we recommend the Dodecanese Islands. The islands are located in the south of the country where the weather is still hot and sunny. Spend your days on one of the many beaches or explore the ancient sites of Rhodes.
You may also like: What a Toronto woman spent in a day as a tourist in Greece.

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Peru
While we're entering autumn in Canada, it's springtime in Peru. Lonely Planet recommends this time of year for a visit to places like Machu Picchu because there are fewer tourists. The weather is better for hiking and other outdoor activities as well.

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Rome, Italy
Conde Nast Traveller has picked October as the best month of the year to visit Rome. The weather is cooler, but still quite pleasant. There are smaller crowds at popular attractions and the evening light is beautiful.

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Kullu, India
If you're looking to experience an Indian festival, Lonely Planet says Kullu should be on your bucket list. In October the normally sleepy town comes alive with its Dussehra festival, which celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It's loud, colourful and memorable.

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Dominican Republic
The travel website Price of Travel recommends the Dominical Republic for an October getaway. The weather is generally warm and dry, and prices at many resorts drop substantially. Look at the travel discount sites for incredible deals on all-inclusive stays.
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Cork, Ireland
There are still reasonably priced seasonal flights from Canada to Ireland in October, and they often go on sale at this time of year. Lonely Planet says if you like good food and hanging out in pubs, Cork is the place for you. There's a folk festival at the beginning of the month and a jazz festival at the end. Not to mention live music every night of the week in watering holes across the city.

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Split, Croatia
Another Price of Travel pick is Split, Croatia. Why? It's cheap! But there's more than that. The weather is still warm, the crowds have left, and there are lots of historic sites to explore. There are also numerous outdoor cafes and restaurants around the city's squares that help make it an Instagram-worthy travel destination.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands
According to Price of Travel, Tenerife has amazing beach weather in October. There are affordable flights from major cities and at this time of year, prices are a bit lower. You'll still find lots of visitors milling about, but not like high season. If you want a warm beach escape, this is a dandy spot.

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Lake District, UK
If traditional autumn weather is more your thing, then the UK's Lake District is a good choice. Conde Nast Traveller notes that while it does rain a fair amount, the Lake District is a gorgeous place to spend fall. The misty mornings and the changing leaves will leave you speechless.
You might also like: Abandoned sites you won't believe are in Ontario.

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Cyprus
Conde Nast Traveller calls Cyprus the perfect autumn beach destination. Cyprus is in Europe, but so far south that the climate is toasty warm. The island features some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean and spectacular cultural sites to visit.

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Cairo, Egypt
If you're a history buff, then Cairo is a good bet. The weather is much cooler in October, but still very comfortable. Dry, too. Price of Travel notes that hotels are still offering off-season rates. To save even more, skip the hotel dining room and eat out. You can still enjoy one of the world's most beautiful sunsets.

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Seville, Spain
There's nothing quite like Seville. Warm, friendly and those tapas! Whether you like learning about the area's history or hitting the shops, Seville is a great October destination. Conde Nast Traveller singles out the city's food and galleries, too.

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Goa, India
If you're thinking of travelling a little further afield in October, how about India? According to Price of Travel, there isn't a lot of rain in Goa at this time of year, and you'll beat the crowds. Prices are low, and with a little research, you can find decent airfares out of Toronto or Vancouver.
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Jordan
Conde Nast Traveller says that Jordan is one of the most visitor-friendly countries in the Middle East. The country is loaded with historic sites like Petra (seen here), and the weather is quite comfortable at this time of year.
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San Diego, California
If you're seeking an endless summer, San Diego is the place. Warm California days, beautiful beaches and a fantastic food scene are waiting. There's also festivals: Pacific Beachfest, OktoBeerFest and other fests throughout the month to satisfy your fun cravings. Don't forget that you can double your pleasure by hopping over the border to spend the day in Mexico.
See also: The best Canadian trips for solo travellers.

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Mauritius
Located in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius enjoys a nice warm spring as the leaves fall in Canada. This is the perfect time to experience the island's tropical rainforest and exotic wildlife. Conde Nast Traveller says you can visit any time of year, but October is one of the best months.
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Berlin
Berlin makes a fabulous fall destination. The German capital always has something interesting going on and October is no exception. There are not one but two festivals of light! You can wander around the city's many parks and enjoy the autumn colours. The big attractions have smaller crowds and you'll find shoulder season pricing at many hotels.
You may also like: The 10 best places in Canada for a couples’ road trip in 2022.

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Galapagos Islands
According to Conde Nast Traveller, the Galapagos Islands are bucket list worthy year-round, but October is still peak season for birds and fish. There are fewer tourists to contend with, and the water is even warm enough for a swim.
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Vermont
Eastern North America explodes with colour in the fall, and one of the best places for leaf peeping is Vermont. The weather is cool and dry and while the popular attractions in the state can be crowded, if you want to enjoy the leaves in solitude, just take a spin down any country road.

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Vienna, Austria
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