October 2026 travel picks: Where to go for shoulder-season deals
October is a prime time for travel, offering fewer crowds and lower rates in many destinations. The list highlights spots like Zurich, where the film festival and pumpkin exhibition draw visitors, and other locations in the U.S. and abroad. It covers both Northern Hemisphere fall foliage and Southern Hemisphere spring blooms.
Zürich's October schedule offers a mix of cultural and seasonal activities, including a film festival with over a hundred screenings and a farm event featuring pumpkin sculptures and an apple maze. A wine tasting event on boats later in the month provides a unique lakeside experience, while the Üetliberg mountain offers hiking trails with sweeping autumn views. The Widder Hotel, occupying nine medieval townhouses, provides upscale lodging with a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, with nightly rates starting at $910.
Asheville is actively promoting its October events as part of its ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. A comedic haunted bus tour runs throughout the month, and a special evening light installation illuminates the Biltmore estate's gardens, offering visitors a way to engage with the city's cultural scene.
This emphasis on shoulder-season travel could extend tourism revenue into traditionally quieter months, benefiting local hospitality and service industries. For recovering destinations like Asheville, increased October visitation may provide a vital economic boost. However, a surge in travelers seeking deals might strain infrastructure or accelerate the effects of overtourism in popular areas. Additionally, the focus on specific events could shift visitor patterns, potentially creating uneven economic impacts across different regions.