w351

My family of 6 is looking for somewhere to go on a retirement trip for my mom in October. What are some good places to travel at that time? We are ages 23-56 and enjoy unique cultural experiences as well as relaxation.

Dukey

The first time I ever went to Switzerland was in early October (combined with a trip to Germany) and it was wonderful. Fewer visitors and the weather was still great. prices were cheaper, too.

nbujic

Spain .

bobthenavigator

Tuscany
Andalusia
Sicily

NanBug

Where does Mom want to go?

w351

She had thought about the Greek islands but wasn't sure if it would be too cold then.

StCirq

Cold in the Greek Isles in October? Most likely not.

We swim in our pool in the Dordogne in October, and that's not even as far south as you can get in France!

October's one of my all-time favorite months for traveling. Provence, the Dordogne, Tuscany, Umbria, all the favorite places are just wonderful - and for the most part quite warm, too.

donw

Anywhere south of the alps is good and warm in October. I use this site for weather planning of all my trips...

http://www.wunderground.com

We go every year in May and Oct.

ciaolaura

I agree with Tuscany - weather is beautiful, olives are nearly ripened and there are lots of art/wine/culinary/historical tours and sites to see that will be enjoyed by folks of all ages, as well as the soothing aroma of the Tuscan countryside.

ciaolaura

w351

I should add too that it does not need to be in Europe...we are looking everywhere besides North America but I didn't see a general category to post in. If it is in Europe, my mom has already traveled Ireland, Spain, and France pretty extensively.

Gardyloo

Go visit Scarlett in Buenos Aires.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=35010788

nbujic

if you are on the west coast..
Sydney is fantastic in the(their) spring..

Sarvowinner

We were in Europe in October last year. Zurich was sunny with a little bit of a chill.

Tuscany and Rome were very warm, the kids swam at the villa, and if I had brought my swimsuit I would have gone in the water at the CT. The benefit of October is reasonable crowds.

Dublin was drizzly and cool but not cold.

The weather in Paris was lovely, we ate outside one night.

London was fine.

pclaire

Turkey!!!Good weather,still have the chance to swimm in the sea, visiting cultural sites, nature, shopping, just enjoy of everything!!!

travel2live

Croatia is beautiful - the weather would still be lovely then as well. It is a gorgeous country chock full of things to do and see and eat. The history is astounding as well.

matnikstym

South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi in Zambia. South Africa.

SusanC

Turkey! I was there in Oct last year and the weather is really perfect. Very hot but not uncomfortable during the day and you wear a sweater to eat outside at night. The crowds have thinned so you can get reservations easily.

I have also been to Corsica in October and had a similar experience (but Turkey was better).

Both trips were over Columbus Day week so 2nd weekend in Oct.

pat

I was going to say Croatia too!

rploehn

China is a great place to visit in October. The heat and humidity are over with. The National Holiday week is the first week of the month, so you might want to avoid that if you do not like crowds.

Hiking on the Great Wall, seeing the spruced up Beijing before the Olympics visitors arrive, and going bamboo raft riding (quite tame) on the YuLong River outside Yangshuo are unforgettable experiences with memories for a lifetime. Or travel to Dali and Lijiang in western Yunnan Province to experience an older China in the foothills of the Himalayas.

I highly recommend independent travel as taxis are cheap and plentiful as well as personal guides. You can rent a taxi van in major cities. Explore streets and places group tours never see, and avoid the dreaded (infuriating to me) shopping stops.

China is also very affordable, after you get your discount airfares.