Where to travel in October

As Europe slips towards winter, the Southern Hemisphere comes into its own.

That said, harvest festivals make visits to the likes of Tuscany’s and Rioja’s vineyards particularly pleasurable, while southern Portugal, Malta and Andalucia's Moorish wonders still enjoy great weather.

Then there’s the Northern Hemisphere’s autumn scenery. And, although you’ll need to book early for New England’s New England's spectacular fall foliage, Yellowstone, Japan, Quebec and Atlantic Canada offer quieter alternatives. In the latter, you’ll catch the tail end of whale season. You can also beat the crowds at Utah’s national parks, while both California and Hawaii are idyllically sunny.

By contrast, South America is well into spring. North and central Chile’s seaside towns, colonial capital and world-wonder desert are at their best, and can easily be combined with Bolivia’s high-altitude beauty. Argentina’s Patagonian wildflowers and temperate cities are just as enticing, along with Peru’s lively Senor de los Milagros Festival.

Looking to Asia, while the likes of Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos are entering their high season, rates are slightly less and the crowds are by no means at full force. Nepal and Bhutan are also at their best and, even if you’re not hiking, clear skies make for stunning Himalayan views. East China’s pleasantly cool and dry weather is equally enticing.

Down Under, Australia is warming up, with its west resplendent in wildflowers and the tropical Great Barrier Reef offering excellent diving before the rains. Over the Tasman Sea, New Zealand’s Kaikoura enjoys superb marine life, from whales to dolphins.

In Africa, the beaches of Mozambique, South Africa’s wildlife and the white water rafting on Zambia’s Zambezi River are superb. It’s also a good time to visit Morocco and Jordan before the winter drop in temperatures and there are good deals to be had in Oman and the United Arab Emirates outside of half-term holidays.