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Best Places to Visit in October

The Cheapest Places to Visit in October

Save money this autumn with this list of the cheapest places to visit in October. We cover real costs and the best spots for your budget.

10 places3 min readUpdated 13 September 2026
10 Cheapest Places to Visit in October for Smart Travelers
The short answer

October is a great month to travel because it sits between major holiday seasons, which helps keep airfare and accommodation costs lower. The best options for saving money include Southeast Asia, East Africa, and parts of South America where the weather remains stable.

Traveling in October requires checking local climate data to avoid monsoon seasons or peak humidity. This list highlights destinations that are both affordable and enjoyable during the tenth month of the year.

1

Affordable cruises in Vietnam

Ha Long Bay·Vietnam
This image was taken by me at Titov Island of Ha Long Bay in July 2019.
Photo: Taewangkorea, CC BY-SA 4.0

Ha Long Bay is famous for its limestone karsts. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a top destination in Vietnam. October provides clear skies and cooler temperatures compared to the summer months. It is one of the better times to book a boat tour before the heavy winter tourism kicks in. Budget travelers can find hostels in nearby Ha Long City for very low prices. Cruises vary, but you can find basic trips that offer good value without paying for luxury add-ons.

Suits
Budget backpackers and nature lovers.
Worth knowing
Expect to pay extra for transport from Hanoi if you do not book a package deal.
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2

Wildlife viewing in Kenya

As twilight descends over the Masai Mara, its savannah is bathed in a warm golden glow, silhouetting all animals and trees.
Photo: Danijel Mihajlovic, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Maasai Mara is a massive reserve known for its lion and leopard populations. It is a major destination for seeing African bush elephants in their natural environment. October is the end of the peak season. You will find slightly lower prices at lodges compared to July and August. The weather is dry and easy for spotting animals. While this place is not cheap due to park entry fees, it is more accessible than private reserves. You must factor in the cost of a 4x4 vehicle and a guide.

Planning Maasai Mara?

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3

Luxury island living

Bora Bora·French Polynesia
Maohi Protestant Church in Anau, Bora Bora
Photo: Sergio Calleja (Life is a trip) from Barcelona, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0

Bora Bora is an island group in French Polynesia. It is known for its lagoon and views of Mount Otemanu. October is the end of the dry season. It is a popular time for travelers, so prices remain quite high. This is one of the more expensive destinations on this list. If you want to visit on a budget, you must avoid the overwater bungalows. Staying in a local guesthouse is the only way to keep costs manageable.

Planning Bora Bora?

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4

Remote Brazilian islands

Baía dos Porcos
Photo: Eduardo Muruci, CC BY-SA 3.0

This archipelago consists of 21 islands off the coast of Brazil. Only the main island is inhabited. October offers some of the best weather for the year. It is a quiet time, which helps keep accommodation prices from spiking. Access is restricted to a set number of visitors per day. You have to pay an environmental preservation tax upon arrival.

Planning Fernando de Noronha?

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5

A caldera filled with wildlife

ngorongoro crater
Photo: Grahampurse, CC BY-SA 4.0

This area is a protected site in northern Tanzania. It is named after the large volcanic caldera located within the park. October is a dry month. The animals congregate around water sources, making them very easy to see. Entry fees for the crater are expensive. You are required to hire a vehicle and driver to enter the crater floor.

Planning Ngorongoro Conservation Area?

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6

The world's largest reef system

"The Great Barrier Reef outlines the coast of Australia in turquoise and blue. The #StoryOfWater." - Kjell Lindgren

Located off the coast of Queensland, this reef stretches over 2,000 kilometers. It is built by tiny coral polyps. October is excellent for diving and snorkeling. The water temperature is warm and visibility is high. Day trips from Cairns or Port Douglas can be costly. If you want to save money, look for group snorkel tours rather than private boat charters.

Planning Great Barrier Reef?

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7

Spice island history

Zanzibar·Tanzania
A juvenile Pantropical spotted dolphin leaps out of the water in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Photo: Sbork, CC BY-SA 3.0

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is known for Stone Town and its spice production. October is warm and dry. It is a comfortable time to explore the beaches before the short rains begin in November. Prices for food and lodging are reasonable. You should budget for local transport and ferry fees if you are moving between islands.

Planning Zanzibar?

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8

The tallest waterfall

Angel Falls·Venezuela
Panoramic view opposite Churun river. Composed of 21 individual pictures. Captured with Canon PowerShot SD600, assembled with Autopano Pro.
Photo: Jlazovskis (talk)), CC BY-SA 3.0

Angel Falls is located in Canaima National Park in Venezuela. It drops 979 meters over the edge of a mountain. October is a good time to visit because the water levels are high. This ensures the falls are active and visible. Getting to the falls is difficult. You will need to book a flight into the park and then a boat trip, which adds up quickly.

Planning Angel Falls?

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9

The vast savanna

A fairly typical example of the scenery in Serengeti National Park in western Tanzania. The plains are wide and full of grass, with trees, mainly acacias, dotted around the landscape.
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0

The Serengeti is a huge park in northern Tanzania. It is famous for the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. October is a dry month. Wildlife is concentrated near the remaining water, making sightings frequent. Park fees are significant. Most visitors spend their entire budget on the daily conservation fees and safari vehicle rentals.

Planning Serengeti National Park?

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10

Walking the ancient fortifications

The Great Wall of China at Jinshanling
Photo: Severin.stalder, CC BY-SA 3.0

The wall is a series of fortifications built to protect ancient Chinese states. It spans thousands of kilometers. October is one of the best months for the weather. It is cool and dry, which makes hiking the steep sections much easier. Popular sections near Beijing are easy to reach by bus. You can save money by taking public transport instead of joining a guided tour.

Planning Great Wall of China?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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Planning ahead is the best way to keep costs low in October. Check transport routes and park fees before you book your flights.

Questions people ask


Is October a bad time for beach holidays?

It depends on the region. October is a great time for the South Pacific and parts of East Africa, but it can be the tail end of the hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

Visa requirements vary by your citizenship. You should always check the official government website of the country you plan to visit at least two months before your trip.

Which of these places is the most expensive?

Bora Bora is consistently the most expensive destination on this list. Even with budget accommodation, the cost of food and local transport is very high.

How can I find cheap flights in October?

Use flight comparison tools to look at the whole month rather than specific dates. Being flexible with your arrival and departure days will usually save you money.

Are the safaris in Tanzania worth the cost?

Most people find them worth the cost because the wildlife viewing is reliable. However, the park entry fees and vehicle costs are high so you should budget accordingly.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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More of this, as we publish it

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