11 Cheap and Unexplored Places to Visit in October
The coats have come out, the pumpkin spiced lattes are brewing and this can mean only one thing – it’s officially Autumn. With the change of season and the dip in temperature, there is no better time to explore these 11 unusual holiday spots that won’t break the bank.
Perugia, Italy
Lesser known than its flashy neighbour Tuscany, Perugia is the ideal spot to venture to in October. The weather is mild, the food breathtaking and the city a real feast for the eyes with Etruscan, medieval, Gothic and 18th-century sites to behold.
Tinos, Greece
Sip local wine and enjoy cool sea breezes on non-touristy Tinos. A far cry from mobbed Mykonos or Insta-heaven Santorini, this spot retains it’s rustic character and is only just beginning appear on visitors’ radars. Dig into some of Greece’s best food and enjoy this place while it’s still quiet.
Mendocino, USA
Chill out California-style in this coastal NorCal community. Hike the cliffs, laze on the beach and stroll the neighborhood to check out art galleries and the plethora of restaurants. Unlike Carmel or Big Sur, this place is mainly full of locals so you can take in some authentic Cali culture.
Palermo, Sicily
Leave the tourists to Rome and Venice while you kick back in lively Palermo. A delicious meal will cost you less than £10 and you can still spend your days at the beach if you don’t fancy exploring one of the city’s many churches and museums.
Barichara, Colombia
Leave the bustle of Bogota behind and spend a few blissful days in the colonial town of Barichara. Stroll the colourful cobbled streets, read that holiday novel in the shade in one of the plazas or go rafting in the Suárez River canyon. The possibilities are endless and happily affordable.
Fez, Morocco
Known as the cultural capital of Morocco, this city’s vibrant souks, medieval architecture and walled medina are the perfect excuses to escape for a fall break. Unlike overly touristy Marrakech, you’ll have a bit more room to breathe here and can enjoy some warm temperatures pre-winter.
Jaisalmer, India
Often overlooked for its more famous siblings Jaipur and Udaipur, this former medieval trading center in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert is a beauty. Known as the Golden City due to its yellow sandstone architecture, don’t miss the hilltop citadel that is Jaisalmer Fort.
Trujillo, Peru
Off the beaten tourist path, or at the very least off the Inca Trail, this city is northwestern Peru makes for the ideal early autumn getaway. From the bright yellow Trujillo Cathedral to the blue Casa Urquiaga and the nearby neoclassical Iturregui Palace, you’ll get a much needed dose of colour.
Oaxaca, Mexico
For the some of the best food in Mexico, look no further than Oaxaca. A UNESCO world heritage site, the city is full of stunning architecture to appreciate as well as traditional markets brimming with intricate handicrafts and tasty local delicacies.
Samoa, Polynesia
One of the most affordable south pacific destinations, Samoa is a great place to head this fall if you want another spot of true summer before the year ends. It is a more remote destination, but the trek is worth it for pristine beaches, incredible diving opportunities and a the chance to swim through a waterfall.
Dundee, Scotland
While this city is certainly not unexplored, it does have a newly regenerated waterfront which includes a new V&A museum. Be among the first to enjoy this spot, and explore some of the best cultural opportunities this Scottish city has to offer.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.