Where to Go October to December
Where to Go October to December? As we head into autumn/fall in the Northern Hemisphere, summer holidays are behind us and shorter days are fast approaching. Before we know it, we’re speeding towards the last few months of the year! But don’t panic! We definitely believe in ‘squeezing’ in at least one more trip before the year end!
There are numerous places to discover if you find yourself searching for Amazing Destinations in the months October-December.
Here are 6 favourite destinations for this time of year from Oman to Mendoza. Europe also has incredible late year destinations like Porto, Seville, and Venice and for guaranteed sunshine consider Amelia Island, Florida. Enjoy!
Muscat, Oman
Tucked into the eastern corner of the Arabian peninsula you’ll find an often overlooked Middle East travel destination – the country of Oman. With a glorious coastline of over 1800 miles, warm clear waters, star laden desert skies, a safe capital Muscat and stunning Al Hajar mountain scenery, this is a place in the sun that’s perfect for an October-December trip.
Fly into the capital and spend a few nights exploring Old Muscat as well as the newer part of this casual captivating capital. Don’t miss Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its 50 meters (164 feet) tall dome and giant Persian rug. Bargains are to be had at the Muttrah market (souq), one of my favourite shopping spots in the region.
Where is Muscat?
Head inland after a couple of days to dramatic desert landscapes with massive sand dunes. Once you’re in the interior, go sand-dune bashing at Wahiba Sands (we hired a driver! And it’s intense). Or try quad biking! Say yes to an invitation for tea (or stay the night) at an Omani Bedouin camp.
It’s a fabulous experience for all ages and is so relaxing. Next day, drive through wadis and pause at the crystal clear flowing waters of an oasis like Nizwa. Indulge in some tourist activity here: swim, relax, and marvel at how nature can create life in such harsh growing conditions.
Maybe stop off at a local village and immerse a little in local life and daily markets.
Then head back to the coast to one of the many exceptional resorts dotted along the coast. We stayed at the Al Husn Hotel (near Muscat) but there are so many choices. Close to Muscat, you can snorkel at the Daymaniyat Islands.
There’s great fishing around 50km offshore from the village of Shuwaymiah. Go with a guide and you will catch fish, maybe even a Giant Trevally.
Fishing at this time of year is the best as waters are flat, and warm and fish are actively feeding.
Why go to Oman from October to December?
The summer heat is over and the temperature is perfect to enjoy the many activities on offer. November and December are seen as ‘perfect’ weather months in Oman. Whether you are in the capital or exploring the Musandam Fjords or desert sands, you’ll enjoy sunny, warm days.
Oman has an amazing wild dolphin population. Hang out with them in Salalah, the best time being from October to April. Alternatively, If you’re in Oman in early October consider visiting the Ras Al Hadd Turtle Reserve. The local beach Ras Al Jinz is world recognized for nesting of endangered green turtles.
How to get to Oman?
Getting into Oman is easiest via Muscat the capital city. Multiple Middle East airlines connect from the region and the national carrier Oman Air is a reliable direct route from London, UK. From the US, it’s probably best to fly via Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Maybe combine a couple of nights here and then head on to Oman!
Some nationalities don’t need a visa for a short visit. But please check! If needed, you can easily apply for an e-visa. Here’s an Oman visa site to check whether you need one.
It’s possible to make a land crossing into Oman from UAE but not from other bordering countries of Yemen and Saudi Arabia. If you have a little more time, you can drive the 290 miles from Muscat to Dubai (it took us about 4.5 hours).
🎒TPOP Tip: Oman is an islamic country and it is more relaxed than some of it’s neighbours. But when it comes to attire, being a bit more conservative shows respect of your host’s culture.
You will need to cover your head when entering a mosque (women) and wear a ‘below the knee’ skirt and cover shoulders. Trainers or sandals are fine. Obviously when you’re at a beach resort, dress is more relaxed so don’t forget your shorts, summer dresses and swimsuits.
When In Oman Don’t Miss…
-A camel race. An integral part of life and some interaction with camels will help you understand their role in society.
-The pomegranate/fig harvest in October or the olive picking peak from September to December in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar.
-Tasting traditional Omani foods like fire-pit cooked Shuwa (rice and meat), local honey with freshly baked traditional breads. And, get going in the mornings with an Omani coffee “Khawa” which is always served with delicious dates.
Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s second city Porto is around 3 hours drive from Lisbon and has rapidly risen in the ranks of European destinations in recent years. It’s amazing to think it was established by the Celts, ruled by the Romans and was provisionally the capital before establishing its own identity. Get orientated with a Free Porto walking tour.
Porto has emerged as a destination for wine lovers over recent years. So, if you enjoy ‘sampling from the vine, book a tasting and delve into the rich range of Portuguese wines and of course port.
With its mix of old and new, Porto’s setting on the river Douro is hard to beat for an October to December weekend jaunt (from within Europe). It’s perfect to incorporate Porto as part of a longer trip to Portugal as it’s close to Lisbon.
Where is Porto?
Why go to Porto October to December?
The climate in Portugal in October is good especially in the first half of the month with warm days. Towards the end of the month, there could be more showers but rainfall is still low. Even in November, it can be mild with temperatures averaging around 19C/66F.
With grape harvest time in full swing, it’s also a great time to visit the wineries. There are plenty of excellent tasting tours you can book close to Porto.
November sees the Porto marathon so if you’re a runner looking for a long distance challenge there’s still time to enter. They also offer 10K and 6K events on the same day – sounds like a lot of fun and no doubt a great atmosphere in the city.
December brings cooler weather to Portugal but the city transforms itself to showcase Christmas lights, fairs and markets. Stay till the end of the month and you’ll experience New Year fireworks display in downtown area.
Accommodation will be cheaper at this time of year. I previously stayed at Pestana Hotel right on the waterfront. Great location and hotel but lots of other options available so check these out with booking.com or Air B&B.
How to Get to Porto
The city is great value and benefits from competitive non-stop flights across Europe. Direct flights offered by a range of airlines depart from 9 UK airports and most European capitals. Flight times are around 1-3 hours. From the USA, there are direct flights from New York which take around 7 hours or link through one of the European cities and extend your stay.
On arrival, take the Line E (Purple) which runs from the airport into town every 20 or 30 minutes
Alternatively, you could fly to Lisbon (greater range of flights available). Spend a day or two there and travel by train up to Porto. The train journey is around 3 hours with 10+ trains a day to choose from. Fares are cheaper if you book in advance.
When in Porto, Don’t Miss…
-Exploring the city from up high. Firstly, on foot and, if you can, climb the 200 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos for panoramic views of the city and it’s many bridges.
-Experiencing Bolhão Market crammed with local farmer’s produce, flowers, and fish of the day! Over 100 years in operation, make time to enjoy the atmosphere.
-Spending an evening in Ribeira. Admire this colorful part of town from an outdoor terrace of a local restaurant. The views are gorgeous – Don Luis I Bridge and the Vila Nova da Gaia where cellars sparkling with night lights.
-Taking the Gaia cable car. A fun excursion for all ages, the cable car is centrally located and lasts 5 minutes. An Adult ticket is 6€ single / 9€ round trip.
Mendoza, Argentina
Sitting at the foothills of the Andes in northern-central Argentina is the gorgeous city of Mendoza. Whether you drive here (more on that later) or fly in, your first impressions may be that you’ve landed in an arid desert land.
Well, to some extent you are in a desert but a very special one. Mendoza produces around 75% of the country’s wine and enjoys an arid sub-tropical climate.
Way back in history, the Hurapes pioneered early irrigation and were able to grow olives and vines. Over time, the region grew in production, and importance militarily as Chile and Argentina fought over lands.
Sadly, in 1961 a huge earthquake destroyed Mendoza but the silver lining is that when it was reconstructed, wonderful tree lined wide boulevards emerged.
As a result, it is a beautiful city to walk around. Vivi Mendoza offer English speaking tours of Old City, New City and other combinations. Marcelo, our guide, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable with tips from wine tasting to the best ice-cream in town! Avocado flavor is delicious!
Where is Mendoza?
Spend time soaking in the local culture around Plaza Independencia surrounded by a few other secondary plazas, including Plaza Espana, Plaza Chile, Plaza San Martin, and Plaza Italia. Yes, the city loves its plazas and each has a story to tell! This is a green city with over 100,000 trees that are watered through an ancient water canal system!
Go wine tasting! For many of us wine is a main reason to visit Mendoza and its vineyards in Lujan de Cuyo, Maipu and Valle de Eco. There are multiple options. We found Driver In Mendoza on line and pre-booked a fabulous 3- winery tour and lunch with Gustavo Williams via e-mail.
Head to the Andes Mountains
You can’t come to Mendoza and not explore a part of the Andes.
We drove here from Santiago Chile and marveled at the drive over this incredible spine of South America. However, if you fly here, it’s easy to make the drive or take a tour from Mendoza to the Parque Provincial and do some hiking to the base camp of the Anconcuaga (tallest mountain in South America).
Stop off en route at the quirky Andes town of Usapalatta or Potrerillos with its giant dam which draws white water rafters. You can rock climb, horse-ride or just take a picnic and enjoy nature’s beauty!
Also you can visit the stunning UNESCO site of Puente del Inca which is 2720 meters above sea level where Las Cuevas River created a natural bridge and there is also a great handicrafts market. Go early as it can get crowded!
Why go to Mendoza October to December?
October to December is still springtime here (it lasts through November), The subsequent peak of summer brings high numbers of tourists. Days are sunny and getting quite hot but it cools off fast at night.
Remember in December, you will experience the longest day of the year at around 14 hours of daylight. So if you haven’t enjoyed summer solstice in the southern hemisphere, why not add this to your list?
Expect a shower or two during these months but it won’t rain much! Also November is the least humid month and guess what it’s the quietest before the holiday rush from mid December to January.
How to get to Mendoza
Flights from the region fly directly to Mendoza.It’s a short flight (1.5 hrs) from Buenos Aires if you are thinking of including Mendoza with a longer trip of the country. The airport is small and efficient. Pre-book a taxi using an App like Taxi2Airport, Uber or a private company.
Avoid trying to negotiate a taxi on arrival. It’s around 30 mins drive into town. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can drive from Santiago (Chile) over the Andes (took us about 6 hours although border timings can be longer).
Stay at the gorgeous Central Park Hyatt on Plaza Independencia or a luxury wine lodges like Cavas Wine Lodge. Or consider fantastic Air B&B’s in suburbs like Chacras de Coria where we stayed. Many have incredible views of the Andes and some are situated within world class wineries.
The main consideration is if you want to get around you will need a taxi/Uber or to rent a car.
Numerous wine tour companies offer day trips to different wine regions to avoid driving at all.
But, obviously with your own car you’ll have more flexibility.
When in Mendoza, Don’t Miss…
-Biking tour around a vineyard – it’s a perfect way to get a little exercise and enjoy the outdoors before tasting!
-Enjoying an Asado cooking class with a local in their home. Mauricio Camenforte is an amazing host and chef and with a class of 6 maximum, you get to be fully hands-on. The wine flows freely too!
-A trip to Cachueta hot springs around 40 mins out of Mendoza where there’s everything from a lazy river to wave pools although just relaxing while you soak in the views is enough to release any worries.
Seville, Spain
Seville is in Southern Spain in a region known as Andalusia. Sometimes it’s overlooked in favour of other main cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga but it’s a destination that is becoming increasingly popular. I’ve visited all the above and Seville is my favourite Spanish city.
Why? Well it just seems to have a bit of everything – stunning palaces and squares; wonderful restaurants, delightful gardens and a super relaxed atmosphere. The historic centre spills over with attractions, such as the UNESCO Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the Royal Palace of Seville.
Explore the many rooms and admire the tapestries, tiled walls and painted ceilings before wandering around the gardens. Truely breathtaking.
Climb Giralda Tower which at 342 feet high, is one of the most memorable symbols of old Seville. It is beautiful lit up at night. Walking up the ramps is fairly easy and after 34 levels you reach the top.
Another bonus is that Seville is close to Cadiz; only 90 minutes by train so you can easily take a day trip to the beach.
Where is Seville?
Why go to Seville October to December
Last time we went to Seville, we travelled in the middle of October – it was perfect. The climate in Seville at this time of year is typically warm but not overbearing – around 25 C/77F. Our post has ideas for many things to do in Seville.
In the peak of the summer, temperatures rise into the 40s/100+F and even higher. There is so much to see and do in Seville so going when the weather is cooler means you can explore comfortably without feeling you have to stop and find shade.
November also sees good weather with temperatures around 20C/68F and even in December averages are just a bit lower. There is a national holiday on 1st November so some attractions may be closed on this date. Seville also hosts a Christmas market.
How to Get To Seville
Flying time from the UK with direct flights takes under three hours from London. We flew with Ryanair but other carriers offer the route from a range of UK airports. If you are a trans-atlantic traveller, the journey from east coast USA and Canada is around 9 hours.
The airport is only 20 minutes from the city and we used Auto Andalucia Transfer booked via booking.com to take us to our hotel. There are cheaper bus transfer options if you are on a tighter budget. It’s also worth considering other airports close by such as Malaga or Faro either as alternative arrival points or as add-ons to explore.
There are direct flights to Malaga from New York From Malaga, the journey time to Seville is 2 hours by train, or from Faro, 3 and a half hours. You could even combine all 3 cities if time allowed.
When in Seville, Don’t Miss…
-Touring the Palace Gardens. With fountains, ponds, fruit trees, and avenues of greenery, it’s a wonderful area to walk around and there is a welcome coffee shop if you need a break.
-Entering the cathedral of Seville known as “Catedral de Santa María de la Sede” It’s the third largest church in the world, after St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
-Taking a gondola ride around Plaza de Espana is a square that with everything – a huge sweeping semi-circle that uses styles from Art Deco and Spanish Renaissance creating a square of 200 metres in diameter.
-Trying Flamenco dancing – Seville is the home of flamenco so make sure you book a show to capture the mystery of this incredible dance.
Amelia Island, Florida
To the north eastern tip of Florida lies Amelia Island. Drive across the bridge from the mainland and you’ll find yourself near a 13-mile sandy beach and so much more. Steeped in history of multiple ‘alliances’ (see flags below), alive with local nature and with great small hotels and restaurants, it’s a fabulous October to December getaway.
Where is Amelia Island?
Spending 3-4 days here is ideal. Slow down your pace to island living and start by exploring the heart of the town. Head down towards the dock where you can buy a ticket for a coastal boatrip. After sailing around for a couple of hours, head to a waterfront outdoor patio for lunch and check out some of local history.
Start a second morning with a sunrise horse ride or breakfast on the beach before heading off to see the Pippi Longstocking house! Find a local performance to enjoy in the evening.
Continue enjoying the outdoors with a golf game, kayaking trip on Day 3 and to quest that thirst go check out the Oldest Bar in Florida! If you’re around in October, get a ticket for the annual Amelia Island Jazz Festival.
Go hiking or biking amongst the 300 acres of protected lands in Egan’s Creek Greenway where you can enjoy fantastic views. Maybe take a Historic Trolley tour to round out the day and check out any spots you’ve missed before a last night dinner under the stars.
Why go to Amelia Island October to December?
Its simple! Summer holiday-makers are gone, the intense heat of summer is subsiding, but warm days remain! You can enjoy beaches to yourself and walk for miles with a refreshing Atlantic breeze. The historic sights such as Fort Clinch State park remain open and uncrowded and you have more space on the boat cruises that transport to over the ‘border’ past Georgia’s fascinating Cumberland island.
You can golf, horse-ride, paddle board, pack a picnic and just relax as well as enjoy current art and music events at the Amelia Community Theatre. Oh, and make sure to enjoy at least one sunrise on the beach!
How to get to Amelia Island
Jacksonville Airport is around 30 minutes from the island so it’s an easy transfer! Direct flights from over 40 US cities arrive here. For international travelers it’s easy to fly to Orlando and then take a drive over. Its around 170m (285 km).
Ideally, rent a car so that you can drive tour a bit and explore the coastline on and around the island. Once you’re on Amelia Island, it’s quite easy to walk around downtown, so park up and enjoy strolling the criss-cross of small streets!
Another option is to combine a visit to Amelia Island with the ‘nations oldest city’ St Augustine. An hour 20 mins drive will take you from one to the other!
When in Amelia Island Don’t Miss…
-Horse Riding at Sunset on the Beach. Unfortunately ours was cancelled due to bad weather but next time 🙂
– Sailing around the coastal waaters past traditional shrimpers and up to remote Georgian islands.
-Sunrise on the beach and dinner outdoor under the stars
Venice, Italy
Everyone knows Venice is a city on the water. But did you know that it’s actually made up of 118 small islands linked together by over 400 bridges? It also has 148 churches and 3000 streets known as ‘calli’! Now that’s impressive and it makes Venice a city like no other!
A UNSECO site, it’s probably most famous for the square, Piazzo San Marco, and ornately decorated gondolas that transport you around the river. With no cars in Venice, most traffic passes along the Grand Canal. Note: from 2024 tourists must pay a small tax to visit Venice in order to help manage the impacts of years of over-tourism. You will see kiosks in the city and do expect to checks that you have bought your entrance ticket.
Venice holds a rich history. Learn about one of it’s most famous residents the explorer, Marco Polo known for his fascinating account of the Silk Road. The city is also known for its beautiful carnival masks decorated with elaborate designs which were first introduced in the middle ages.
You’ll see these in all the shops along a lot of incredible glassware. Venetians have been producing glass since the 10th century. It’s known as Murano glass because back in 1291, all the glass making workshops were moved to the nearby island of Murano.
Where is Venice?
Get orientated with A free Walking Tour starting at Campo Santo Apostoli, 4455 Strada Nuova. We enjoyed this tour of Northern Venice vs just walking around central sites you’ll easily discover strolling around on your own.
Just like the rest of Italy, eating in Venice is a main part of visiting. Try local osterias (casual restaurants) which are plentiful, good value and offer great wine selections. If you’re in an Air B&B, head to a local market for the freshest of produce and fun interacting with local Venetians. This site has some of the best Venice markets to visit.
And of course, being on the water (or in it in parts!) seafood from the Adriatic features in most menus and markets! If you’re looking for lighter snacks, try cicchetti (think tapas), or the Venice version of fish and chips, served in a paper cone – fritto miso! With endless pastas, and gelato and street cannolis, you’ll never be hungry here!
Why go to Venice October to December?
Europe has many wonderful cities but in the summer months some are hugely overcrowded with tourists. Venice is one of these destinations where overtourism is a real problem. It is said that for every inhabitant there are 21 tourists! Only Dubrovnik has more.
As a city, Venice is made up of narrow bridges and streets, so it doesn’t take much to get busy. Add in a cruise ship docking in the summer (some smaller ones are still allowed to do this) and literally, there is very little personal space – you’re always in a crowd.
So, visit in quieter months like October or November. The weather is pleasant; hotel prices are lower and you can enjoy the many ancient squares, bridges, casual cafes and streets without feeling hemmed in. I’ve visited in mid November and although it was cooler, it was still warm enough to sit outdoors with a light sweater on.
How to get to Venice
There are countless flights into Venice within Europe. If you’re in the UK, there are 19 direct a day from London and several a day from other regional airports. Fares are typically lower at this time of year. It’s a short flight at just over 2 hours. If you’re coming from further afield such as the USA, several cities offer direct flights including New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia. Take a look on Skyscanner for flight options.
Most flights arrive into Marco Polo airport which is only 8km north of the city. There are several options to get into Venice itself. The cheapest is to catch a bus which takes you to a certain point in the city where buses are allowed.
Many people however choose to arrive by water buses and these are great fun and reasonable at 15 euros per journey. Check the Alilaguna timetable for more information. If you want to spoil yourself, book your own private water taxi.
If you’re already in Italy or Europe, use the excellent train connections into Venice. St Mark’s Square is only a half hour walk from the station.
When in Venice Don’t Miss…
-Lingering over a coffee and croissant in St Mark’s Square known as San Marco square to locals. Take time to admire the Basilica, the Clock Tower, and the 324 feet high Bell Tower.
-A tour of the ancient Doge’s Palace the seat of government and the center of city political life dating back to the 14th century.
-Taking a moment at the Bridge of Sighs, considered to be the city’s most romantic.
-A Gondola ride! Expensive, touristy a lot of fun!
-Booking a local ferry to one of the islands – Burano is a fishing village known for its colourful and picturesque houses or go to Murano and learn more about the history of blowing glass.
Amazing Destinations October-December
We hope you enjoyed our ideas on where to go October to December. If you have a trip planned to any of these spots, or elsewhere, let us know. We’re always excited to hear where you’re off to!
And use our other ‘Where to Go’ guides to get lots of ideas for every month of the year from ski-ing to tropical beaches – Where to Go January to March. Or if you’re a spring breaker but looking for somewhere new to head, read our Where to Go April to June. For summer time travels – Where to Go July to September
