Where to go in October

If you’re looking for a city break to get you through till the Christmas holidays, a trip to Amsterdam is the perfect treat. While the Dutch capital’s peak season is in spring when the tulips bloom, there is a lot to be said for a trip in autumn, when the days are crisp and sunny; and there’s always the possibility of an Indian summer.

If it’s your first time in this charming 17th century city, then there are a few things you’ll just have to do. Rent a bike for a day and just cycle around, visiting a market or a museum like the Stedelijk or the Rijksmuseum, criss-crossing over canals and through Vondelpark, then stopping for a coffee now and again to catch your breath. Of course, the city’s brown cafes will surely tempt many visitors! However you spend your days in Amsterdam, you won’t be able to resist its charming character and laid-back feel, nor the quaint Amsterdam hotels along the canals.

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Amsterdam is an easy city to visit year-round but autumn is a pleasant time, after the tourist crowds of the summer have all gone home. It can get rainy in October, so best pack your brolly and raincoat.

Oh, Bavaria! There’s a lot to love about German’s southern territory but if you’re planning a trip to Munich in October, there’s only one thing on everyone’s mind: beer. Munich, Germany’s second city, is attracting more visitors than ever, especially for its annual Oktoberfest when the city explodes with crowds and eager beer drinkers and revellers. The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate a royal wedding and it has continued as an annual tradition ever since.

It’s an impressive sight: the long trestle tables filled with thousands of people, multi-floored beer tents, 6.5 million litres of beer and more sausages than you’d ever imagine! The show starts with the Brewer’s Parade and once the mayor taps the first barrel, it’s party time. At least they’ve made things simple for the masses; only one beer is served here and it’s a specifically brewed “Octoberfest-Bier” from Lowenbräu. What more can we say about this iconic festival? Bottoms up!

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Autumn is short in Bavaria, starting at the end of September when the daily average temperature drops from 20°C to 14°C. Expect crisp but sunny days during Oktoberfest.

Looking for some half-term inspiration? Egypt covers all the bases when it comes to picking a family holiday destination. Cairo’s museums are filled with treasures to feed any child’s imagination and at trip to see the Great Pyramids of Giza on camelback will surely be an adventure to remember. The Valley of the Kings in Luxor is just the start of Egypt’s ancient trail. The Memorial Temple of Hatshepsut and the Temples of Abu Simbel will enchant and impress.

Cruise along the Nile or head to the Red Sea for some time at a beachside resort in Sharm el Sheikh. Explore coral reefs in Sharm el-Sheikh or laze about the country’s Mediterranean coastline. For something low-key, Dahab is just the place.

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October is shoulder season in Egypt but don’t expect autumn weather. The Mediterranean is still warm this time of the year and the days are still hot, you just won’t have to deal with the crowds that winter brings.

There are a lot of reasons to love Argentina, and even more to love the beautiful city of Buenos Aires. It tops the list for food, tango, shopping and nightlife, all rolled into one city that can’t decide if it’s Latino or European. When hunger strikes, you can find everything from Italian to Thai food there, Peruvian to American but let’s not be coy, it’s a steak that you really want, isn’t it? Argentineans have got the grilling down to a science so hit up a parrilla (steakhouse) anytime hunger strikes.

If you want to win the hearts of the people, you’ll need to learn their national dance: the tango. This seamy strut can be learnt in old-fashioned salons and cafes, on the street and at shows. If you fancy a spot of shopping, there’s no better place than Palermo Viejo for upscale boutiques. Looking for something vintage? San Telmo won’t disappoint.

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In terms of weather, October is the best time to visit this sexy and fun city. The days are endlessly sunny and warm, but not too hot.

Nepal is nicely nestled between the Himalayas and the jungles of the Indian plains, with some exciting sights and cities in between. Kathmandu is at its priciest but it’s worth dishing out to see. For those on the hunt for temples, you won’t be disappointed with trips to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Patan.

Keeping your eyes peeled while visiting a national park could reward you with sightings of tigers, jungle rhinos and elephants. If the mountains beckon, you won’t find better hiking anywhere in the world. The Himalayas will keep you trekking for days with the most stunning scenery around. Without a doubt your biggest challenge when planning a trip to Nepal, will be to fit everything in. Instead, choose a few essential experiences for your first trip and enjoy them to the fullest.

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Autumn is high season for travelling to Nepal. The skies are crystal clear and the warm days make it extremely pleasant for travelling along the trails in the Everest and Annapurna regions.

There is nothing sweeter than the scent of orange blossoms in the south of Spain. Cities like Granada, Cordoba, Seville and Malaga make up this rugged and diverse region we all know and love: Andalusia. Having been at the crossroads of two religions, Christianity and Islam, for centuries, Andalusia has some striking sights for visitors to see. Granada’s Alhambra enchants, while Seville’s cathedral (the biggest in the world) is awe-inspiring. And let’s not forget Cordoba’s Mezquita, the city’s beautiful great mosque.

It’s best to steer clear of the tacky condos that dot the Costa del Sol if you truly want to feel the magic of the region, the region that flamenco calls home. If it’s the beach you’re after though, you might find the national parks around Almeria much more charming than the resorts around Marbella, an easy trip with a rental car from Malaga. What would a trip to Spain be without something to drink? A visit to Andalusia’s “Sherry Triangle” north of Cadiz for a tipple will be just the thing to finish your trip off on the right note.

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October is still delightfully sunny and warm in the south of Spain. The evenings are cool but the weather is typically perfect for sightseeing and enjoying afternoon meals al fresco.