Arguably our favorite month of the year, October can be a perfect time to pack up your sweaters and get out of town. With crisp cool days, but frigid temps not quite yet in sight, it makes for a cozy vacation full of vibrant color and for competitive prices. Also October signals the start of harvest season for many parts of the world, meaning more festivals, foodie activities and street markets during your visit. Here are our favorite trips to take in the month of October.

October Travel Destinations WHIT Luxury Travel Guide.jpg

ASPEN | colorado

SEE If yellow foliage is your thing, Aspen is your place. The vivid colors are set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountain ranges, and peak at different times depending on elevation. Aspen tends to see its most vibrant colors beginning to mid-October, with Hunter Creek Trail offering some of the best leaf-admiring strolls in the area. If you’re looking to get up and out, there are more than enough hiking, biking, and rafting trails to keep you busy during your stay. The area’s Lost Forest, a ropes challenge course is always fun this time of year, as is The Meeting, an annual fall event for the ski industry’s signature film festival.

STAY The Little Nell An après ski Aspen staple, The Little Nell is a one of the most famous resorts in the world, however this quaint spot doesn’t demand attention like some resorts in the area. The unassuming entry opens to a welcoming lobby with cozy lounge area and the nearby bar called The Living Room always buzzing with guests. The Little Nell’s rooms feature minimalist decor but with a certain hygge, contemporary mountain vibe. It books up quickly during ski season, but October is a lovely time to enjoy some of their fall experiences before the crowds swoop in.

BAVARIA | germany

SEE If solitude and serenity is on your ideal agenda, Lake Tegernsee is the perfect home base for your October trip to Bavaria. Located just an hour drive south from Munich, this pristine valley receives visitors from all over the world searching for a mix of sporting and outdoor exploration and indulgence spa experiences. Resting 2,380 feet above sea level, Lake Tegernsee is surrounded by wooded mountains on the fringe of the Bavarian Alps and is funneled by waters from the Mangfall. It’s a popular summer retreat for Germans and is known for its sulfur springs and crisp, clean air. But by October, the lake has emptied to only a select few visitors and feels at its most tranquil. It’s also just an hour and a half from the famed “Sleeping Beauty” castle more properly known as Neuschwanstein Castle, which is a stunning sight surrounded by the vivid colors of fall.

STAY Bachmair Weissach Tegernsee With contemporary flair swirled with classic Bavarian charm, the Bachmair Weissach on Lake Tegernsee is a special property. Boasting as a “perfect symbiosis of tradition and contemporary living” this intimate boutique resort offers a classic stay paired with a customized wellness program just for you and your party. Located directly on the lake, the resort seems to float with an air of “sophistication reminiscent of a yacht club from the 1930s”, relaxed and exclusive. With award-winning restaurants and state-of-the-art spa, it makes for an ideal stay in Bavaria.

BERKSHIRES | massachusetts

SEE This rustic area of Western Massachusetts is the perfect fall destination. With an apple “squeezing” harvest, the Annual Fall Foliage Festival, wineries, farm-to-table restaurants, and plenty of charming villages to explore its great for families looking to make the most of the season. It’s also perfect for our outdoorsy types, with the Appalachian and Mohawk trails close by. If you’re looking to travel at the end of the month closer to Halloween, and you’re looking for some spooky celebrations? A fun day trip out of Berkshires is Salem. The entire town transforms during this time of year, and everyone gets into the spirit and streets are overflowing with decorations.

STAY Tourists Nestled in the idyllic Berkshire hills, this easy-going hotel is overflowing with minimalist style. Think white-washed walls, butter-soft leather chairs and honey-soaked timber furniture. The onsite restaurant features Southern-inspired fare, corn fritters, pork sandwiches and creative cocktails. With its own yoga pavilion and calendar full of nature-focused activities for guests, its almost like a hipster campground for adults (but human kiddos and fur children are welcome).

PARIS | france

SEE Paris in October is how we’d like to think Parisians have the fortune of experiencing their lovely city. Tourist crowds are gone, yes, but it seems to be more authentic as well. Leather gloves cradle mugs of tea, and sparkling heaters line the city’s outdoor patios. Autumn brings bright red and yellow shades to the cities trees, framing their famous white buildings beautifully. This is an ideal time to visit Chateau de Versallies, just an hour train outside the city. Montmatre’s annual Wine Harvest and the Nuit Blanche, an evening celebration of Paris’ cultural contributions to art, both take place in October. If that isn’t your thing, the Salon du Chocolat, Paris’ annual chocolate festival, takes place at the end of the month.

STAY Le Roch Hotel & Spa Located in the 1st arrondissement, an area known for its influence on culture, fashion and a beautiful facade, the Le Roch Hotel is near everything you want it to be, including the Louve and Galeries Lafayette, and we all know how important location is in this city. With just 37 rooms, this classic boutique hotel pairs historic Parisian charm with modern design in luxury effortlessly, and was recently reinvented by prize-winning architect Vincent Bastie. With world-class gastromony, private guest library, salon, gym, and pool, you may be too cozy to wander the streets.

Note: all photos of property have been provided courtesy of the corresponding hotels and are copyright protected.

Want to get away this October (or any month really)? Let us help make your trip absolutely perfect and stress-free. Complete the form below and we’ll be in touch soon.