The Best Destinations to Travel to in October

Known as the gem of the “shoulder season” by travel pros, October is one of the best times to travel. When the sweltering days of summer are over, countless spots around the globe are enjoying some of the greatest weather of the year.

The crowds in tourist hot spots start to clear out in September, so by October you can easily explore attractions that you might have waited hours to see back in July. And the final cherry on top: you will pay a fraction of the price by avoiding the peak summer prices!

Craving the ultimate autumn getaway? Forget about sitting around sipping pumpkin spice lattes at home!

Here are the top destinations to travel to in October!

– – Iceland – –

One of the most beautiful sights in the world, the northern lights are easiest to spot from October to March in Iceland. You need a long, clear night to be able to see the famous aurora borealis, and you’ll find a lot of those in October.

This sometimes-elusive view is technically visible from anywhere in Iceland.

Many tourists have been lucky enough to see the northern lights from Reykjavik’s Grotta lighthouse while countless others have travelled north to the geothermal hot spot Landmannalaugar to get away from the light pollution of urban Iceland.

Generally speaking, a longer stay gives you better odds of seeing the northern lights, so plan to take your time here.

Read More: What to Pack for a Week in Iceland

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– – Mauritius – –

Once a proper pirate hangout, the far-flung tropical island of Mauritius is now home to ultraluxe hotels and white-sand beaches.

If you are looking for an affordable taste of luxury, Mauritius is the place to be. As one of the driest and sunniest months of the year, October is the perfect time to visit and bask in the sun.

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– – Marrakech – –

One of the only complaints I have ever heard about Marrakech is that it tends to get overcrowded. If you come in October, you will see a totally different side to this city.

With temperatures ranging between 70 and 80 degrees, no rain, and few crowds, Marrakech is in its prime in October.

Spend a day lost in the seemingly endless mazes of markets in the Medina. Browse textiles and leather goods, and sample some amazing street food. Take in the beauty of Jardin Majorelle.

And, of course, get out of Marrakech!

Take one of the renowned desert tours and get a glimpse into traditional Moroccan life.

Read More: The Solo Female Traveler’s Guide to Marrakech

– – Rome – –

Rome is one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in the world. With more than 10 million tourists each and every year, Rome can also be incredibly overcrowded.

Rather than sweating it out with the summer crowds, go to Rome in October.

The weather is perfect for exploring and you won’t have to wait in lines around the block. Visit the world-famous Pantheon, Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Roman Forum without waiting in line.

Read More: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide

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– – Seville – –

Rich in history, sunshine, and world-class food, this Andalusian city is one of Spain’s greatest treasures. Explore the Bellas Artes Museum, Alcázar palace, and the Museum of Flamenco without the crowds.

If you are there during the last week of the month, visit the Seville Guitar Festival. And whenever you come, check the local calendar online. Tons of towns around Andalusia have their annual festivals during autumn, so come ready for street celebrations!

Read More: The Best Time to Go to Spain

– – Jordan – –

While temps are well over 100 degrees during Jordanian summers, October is comfortable and sunny. See Petra, the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, to take in the ancient capital of the Nabataeans.

Less than two hours away from Petra, Wadi Rum (a.k.a. The Valley of the Moon) is another must see. If you have time, head north to the remarkable and incredibly underrated Jerash Ruins.

Read More: Ten Things to Do in Amman, Jordan

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– – The Galapagos – –

October is part of the dry season in the Galapagos Islands. The skies are bright and sunny. The local wildlife is active and prices are slashed.

Grab your boat ticket and go see the 150-year-old tortoises, educate yourself at the Charles Darwin Research Station, indulge in some of the world’s best birdwatching, and go for world-class diving adventures.

– – California – –

One of the best states to be in on Halloween, California is full of scary fun! For the world’s largest Halloween street party, get to the West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnival. Join a Halloween pub crawl through the streets of San Francisco.

In the mood for some good old-fashioned Halloween fun? You’ll find halloween festivals in every county in California!

If you’re a foodie, you’ll flip for fall in California. With the Lemon Festival, the Apple Harvest Festival, the Pomegranate Festival, Little Italy Festa, and the countless other food festivals, autumn in California is a culinary delight.

Read More: The Girl’s Guide to a California Coast Road Trip

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A Girlfriend Getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

There’s nothing like a girlfriends’ getaway to the Ritz! After spending so many months traveling, I jumped at the chance to have an ultraluxe break at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage with my besties.

Of course, The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with first-class style and its gorgeous mountaintop location in Rancho Mirage, overlooking Palm Springs and Coachella Valley, makes this place a dreamy desert destination.

Here’s our girlfriend getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage!

– Relax by the Pool –

As soon as we arrived, we grabbed our bikinis and headed down to the adults-only pool. From our awesome private cabana, we kicked off our girlfriends’ getaway with delicious spicy margaritas and super-refreshing spiked Arnold Palmers.

Who needs the beach when you can unwind at a pool like this?

With everything you could need for a long day of basking in the Cali sunshine, Rancho Mirage’s pool area is the ultimate place for a blissed-out afternoon.

– Get Pampered at the Spa –

The Serene Spa Experience at Rancho Mirage is definitely one of the highlights of they stay at Rancho Mirage. You can unwind with a relaxing Swedish massage, get a custom facial, go for hydrating body scrub, or try one of its countless other holistic treatments that uses indigenous herbs and plants.

For my day of spa indulgence, I got an eighty-minute hydra facial (highly recommended!) that left me glowing, followed by the the aromatherapy showers.

Afterward, I floated over to the steam room to keep my dream spa day going.

– Sleep –

Perched 650 feet above the Coachella Valley, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage offers spacious rooms that are timelessly chic and stylish, with jaw-dropping views and unparalleled attention to detail.

Offering everything that you’d expect from a five-star hotel and then some, this luxury resort will definitely exceed your expectations.

We even had our own fire pit outside, which was perfect for late-night fun under the stars. From there, we ordered some good old-fashioned milk and cookies from room service. After indulging in homemade sweets, I hopped in the oversize soaking tub then nestled into to my crazy comfy bed.

– Eat and Drink –

Our breakfast at the State Fare Bar and Kitchen on property was delish! I’m still craving their huevos rancheros and my bestie swears by her breakfast burrito was amazing.

The Edge Steakhouse has delicious food for dinner alongside an impressive wine list. I was obsessed with the octopus while my girls said the filet mignon was literally the best steak they’d ever had.

For a sunny alfresco dining experience, the Air Pool Bar is perfect. With a great selection of lunch picks and drinks, this place gives you another excuse to never leave the pool.

– Activities at Rancho Mirage –

While the California coast gets all the attention, there’s so much to do farther inland. With more than twenty miles of mountain and hiking trails originating from The Ritz Carlton, Rancho Mirage, it’s the perfect base for exploring the natural beauty of this gorgeous area.

After a morning hike and afternoon poolside chill, we had a great Friday night listening to the Ritz’s live music and, of course, watching the Olympics!

Another perk to getting away from the city is being able to stargaze.

If you are a city girl, the view will take your breath away. Taking in the view of the constellations from the Ritz’s state-of-the-art telescope is the perfect way to end your ultimate girlfriends’ day at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage.

 

More Information

• Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
• Location: 68900 Frank Sinatra Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
• Accommodation: Luxury
• Price Range: $$

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The Ultimate Montreal Travel Guide

A captivating fusion of the modernism of North America and the traditional charm of Europe, Montreal is a city with so many faces. With a French heart and a distinctly Canadian charm, Montreal is unlike anywhere else that you have ever been.

Ready to see La Métropole du Québec in the Great White North? Join me for a whirlwind tour of Montreal!

So, here’s my ultimate Montreal travel guide!

• What to Expect

• Getting Around

• Where to Stay

• What to Do

• Where to Eat

• What to Expect

What to Expect in Montreal

• Language:While French is the native language of most people in Montreal, you’ll find that the majority of the population speaks perfect English.
• Currency: 1 US dollar will get you around 1.30 Canadian dollars
• Credit Cards and Banks:Many banks will hit you with pricey foreign transaction fees every time you buy across the border. Generally, your best bet is to go to an ATM to get cash for everyday purchases and reserve your card for higher ticket items.
• Climate:Montreal definitely has seasons. Winters tend to be cold and snowy with temperatures rarely reaching over twenty degrees. You’ll still need a jacket in spring when temps range from thirty to sixty degrees. Summers in Montreal are humid with average highs up into the eighties. In September, you’ll see temperature dropping into the seventies then slowly down to the lower forties in November.

• Getting Around

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Getting Around Montreal

Montréal is an awesome city for walking. You can conquer a lot by foot, and so you’ll really only need transportation if you’re planning to hop from neighborhood to neighborhood.

• Cars: Driving is tricky in Montreal. All street signs are in French and parking can be expensive. Unless you absolutely need a car, it is better to opt for public transport.
• Public Transport: Montreal’s transit system is awesome. You’ll find buses every ten minutes and a subway that goes everywhere in the city.
• Taxis: You can hail a taxi pretty much anywhere and anytime in downtown Montreal. If you prefer, Uber is ubiquitous around town. 

Download UBER

Get your first ride free (up to $20) with promo code GM90o (zero and letter “o”)

• Where to Stay

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Where to Stay in Montreal

My favorite areas to stay are The Plateau and Little Italy. While Old Montreal is a lovely place to visit, the accommodation options are touristy and overpriced.

With the highest population density in Canada, The Plateau is a colorful neighborhood jam-packed with amazing restaurants, shops, and nightlight. Another enchanting area, Little Italy is a fascinating mash-up of Italian, French, and Canadian culture.

Budget Accommodations in Montreal

• Auberge Le Pomerol: This hotel is probably one of my favorites–for its charm and location, as well as the boutique accommodations at a budget rate. Every morning you’ll find a picnic basket breakfast outside your door, mid-day snacks, a beautiful lounge area and the nicest staff!
• Hotel Zero 1: Located across the street from the entrance to Chinatown, and a short walk to Old Montreal, this is an awesome spot for budget travelers who still want some contemporary style and comfort.

Boutique Accommodations in Montreal

• Hotel Gault: This is the perfect place for an upscale and unique stay in Montreal. Located in the heart of old Montreal, the building has been totally renovated, and you’ll find that every room is styled with a little different charm.
• Hotel Le Germain Montreal: As a boutique property, this hotel has a very elegant, and intimate, feeling. It is located quite centrally in downtown Montreal and close to the metro. The pristine rooms are large and very comfortable!

Luxury Accommodations in Montreal

• Loews Hotel Vogue: This hotel is top-notch. Conveniently located between two Metro lines and many shops and restaurants, you’ll live in the lap of luxury at this beautiful property. 
• Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile: Enjoy the masterful blend of minimalist design and warm sophistication at this luxurious property. Choose one of 241 elegant and stylish hotel rooms or 17 suites!

Helpful Tip: Grab an Airbnb

With comfortable private rooms in central spots for $10 a night and luxury apartments starting from $50 a night, you can get a perfect place to call home in Montreal.

Rather than staying in a cramped hotel room, live like a local!

You’ll have room to spread out, you can cook some Quebec classics, and you’ll see hidden corners of the city.

• • • FREE $35 AIRBNB COUPON CODE • • •

Sign up for Airbnb HERE and get $35 off your first $75 Airbnb stay!

 

• What to Do

What to Do in Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, eclectic, and diverse city. You’ll find a melting pot of cultures, languages, and creativity throughout the neighborhoods of the province. You especially have to check out the world-class festivals that come through every year!

• Art scene in Le Plateau: Known as Quebec’s hipster neighborhood, Le Plateau is full of quirky treasures. Wander the countless independent galleries and take in all the youthful energy of this dynamic community.
• Old Port: The historic port of Montreal stretches for over two kilometers along the St-Lawrence River. It is the perfect place for dining, shopping, and enjoying sunny days at the Clock Tower Beach. Don’t miss the monthly events or epic firework shows either!
• Apartment 200 Bar: With a loft party vibe, the Apartment 200 Bar is a hip place to play classic arcade games and mingle with locals. They have unique events through the year like interactive art installations, so check their calendar when you’re in town.
• Mount Royal: Mount Royal is a small mountain just west of downtown Montreal that offers an amazing viewpoint over the city. Check out the park and events while you’re here!
• Notre-Dame Basilica: There’s room for more than one Notre Dame on this earth! Be sure to snap a least a few pics at Montreal’s greatest.
• Montreal Botanical Gardens: For another stunning view, get to Montreal Space for Life and wander around these world-class gardens.

• Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Montreal

Like I said, Montreal is city of always-evolving foodie scenes. You’ll find amazing produce, the classic French-Canadian cuisines, but above all, you can’t miss the city’s iconic food, poutine–mine is pictured above!

• Au Pied de Cochon Food Truck: An expansion of their popular restaurant, this food truck is such a cool place to eat. When you arrive, you can choose to go up to the salty window or the sweet one. The salty window will give you an ultradecadent pork sandwich and Canada’s most famous food, poutine. The sweet window has donuts stuffed with all kinds of fruit and custards. Be sure to try the maple syrup soda!
• Le Quartier Général: Head here for some of the best French food you’ll ever have. This BYOB restaurant makes five-star food accessible. Call ahead and try to nab a window seat.
• La Banquise: This poutine heaven had been a local staple since 1968, and from my experience it is probably the best place to sample authentic poutine. They offer 30 varieties including a vegan option! There’s an outdoor terrace, picture above, as well as an awesome selection of microbrews to enjoy with your meal. Come early and be prepared to wait!
• St-Viateur Bagel: Forget NYC! Montreal has some of the best bagels in the world. St-Viateur Bagel has been embracing the art of bagel making for more than fifty years, and is the ultimate quick meal stop.
• Arthur’s: This Jewish restaurant is Montreal’s new hot spot that is bringing a modern twist to the cuisine. Inspired by Russ & Daughters in New York, this place offers delicious “deli” foods, wine service, and fresh herbs from their garden.
• Moleskin: If you’re a fan of wine and wood-fried pizzas, I’ve found your new favorite spot. They also have a delicious selection of salads you’ve got to try!

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Croatia

SHOP my favorite Croatia-inspired travel styles!

Croatia is easily one of my favorite destinations. It is home to rugged coastlines, stunning lakes and forests, fascinating history, amazing wine, and delicious sea-to-table cuisine.

Looking for the ultimate sailing getaway? A food and wine escape? A spa retreat? Croatia has it all.

I first visited Croatia a few years ago, and loved it so much, I moved there for a season! I got to experience Croatia’s unique culture firsthand, Krka National Park and Plitvice Lakes, and also go to sail it’s beautiful seas in my first ever The Yacht Week Croatia.

I was lucky enough to return just last year to the beautiful peninsula region of Istria and even got to stay the night in Porer Lighthouse. Nestled in the northwest corner of Croatia, Istria is a heaven for foodies and vacationers everywhere. It is a rich blend of Italian and Slavic heritages, mountainous inlands, and stunning rocky beaches.

People all over the world flock to the region to sample gnocchi, prosciutto, scampi, sweet wines, and the world-famous truffles.

And you should too!

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The Beginner’s Guide to International Travel

If there is one thing that should be on every person’s bucket list, it’s international travel. Whether you go to a bordering country or halfway around the world, there is so much to see and you definitely don’t want to miss out.

Traveling has completely changed my life. It has opened up my eyes to so many different beautiful and amazing things that I would have never seen if I hadn’t ventured abroad.

I know that it can be scary to take your first international trip, and it requires a lot of preparation. But, don’t worry! It’s easier than you might think.

Here’s everything that you need to know about international travel!

Apply for a Passport

When you are traveling internationally, your passport is your most prized possession. Your number one goal is to keep that little blue book safe and ready to go.

If you need a new passport, plan well in advance. At the moment, most United States passport applications are processed in six weeks, but it’s better to give yourself as much time as possible. You definitely don’t want to be stalking the postman days before your trip if there are any unexpected delays.

You might also want to consider budgeting for the Global Entry program.

For $100, you can get fast-tracked through customs. You’ll be able to avoid the lines, skip the paperwork, and get to where you are going faster. It’s been my lifesaver over the past year!

Research Your Dream Destination

Not sure where to go? Get on Pinterest! Whenever I’m struck by wanderlust, I dig around Pinterest until I find my dream destination. There are so many amazing places in the world, so keep your eyes open.

Don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path.

If a place catches your eye, start researching. Read about other travelers’ experiences and droll over their pics. It won’t take long for you to have a must-visit list that’s a mile long.

Read More: How to Use Pinterest to Plan Your Next Trip

Check for Visas & Travel Requirements

Before you start booking tickets and accommodation, check on travel requirements. Ultimately, you can show up with no reservations and make it work but not having the right visa will stop you in your tracks.

Checking for recommended or required vaccinations is also very important. I ALWAYS check the Center for Disease Control‘s website to confirm which vaccinations I need.

Consider Your Budget

When you travel, spend your cash on what you love. Do you! Don’t feel like you have to go to all of the hyped-up tourist attractions. Save your money so that you can splurge on things that you’ll always remember.

Get one night in a fancy hotel or go out for an incredible meal rather than shelling out cash for Starbucks or other forgettable expenses. Once you have a “splurge versus save” list for your destination, you can start planning.

Plan an Itinerary

Ready to make your dream a reality? It is time to start planning your itinerary. While you definitely want to leave some wiggle room for spontaneous adventures, it’s handy to have a list of things you want to do and see.

Decide how long you can travel and which areas you want to see.

If you are planning to visit a few different places, figure out how easy it’ll be to get from one place to the next.

Normal operating hours vary from country to country and some activities are seasonal so dig around online to get all of the details. For personal experience I can’t tell you how important this is!

While in Paris for a few days, I didn’t realize that the Louvre was closed on Tuesdays, and missed my chance to go. It’s also important to know that some destinations completely shut down in certain seasons.

Read More: The Ultimate Resource for Travel Planning Websites

Book Your Flight

The person sitting next to you may very well have paid double for their airline tickets. Or worse yet, your seat mate might have paid half the price you did! Not all travel websites are created equal so do your homework before you hand over your hard-earned cash.

Read More: Five Things to Do Before Every Flight

Book Your Accommodation

Depending on your location, you might not need reservations. I would always recommend booking at least the first night but you can leave the rest of the nights open if you’d prefer. If you’re in a city, it’s usually very easy to find the perfect spot to spend the night.

As always, do what works for you! If it stresses you out to not have your room booked, get everything set in stone. If you’d rather play it by ear, go for it, but have some knowledge about your destination first.

So many things can affect your ability to get a room, like festivals, events, local holidays, and business conferences, so make sure you know what to expect before you go.

Read More: How to Find Cheap Accommodation Around the World

GO!

I’ve met so many people who have their dream trip completely planned but are always waiting for a better time to go. It’s time to get moving, guys. There will always be distractions so just GO!

I promise you, you’ll never regret it.

Your adventure will be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Wherever you go and whatever you do, it’ll be one of the most liberating and exciting adventures you’ll ever have.

Stay Safe

The more you see of the world, the less scary it is. Formerly distant, mysterious places can quickly start to feel like a second home. As long as you keep your head on straight and do a bit of research, you can safety navigate anywhere.

Get travel insurance, keep your possessions in a bag with a secure closure, always let people know where you’re going, and learn about the culture and neighborhoods before you go. A little precaution and common sense will get you everywhere you need to go.

Read More: Ten Solo Female Travel Safety Tips

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