Where to travel off the beaten track in October

Travelling is generally most rewarding when you discover somewhere that’s either totally undeveloped or exciting, or at least novel for you. The best way to reap those rewards is by heading off the beaten track. According to global travellers, these are the best places to do so in October, alongside the highlights of each destination.*

Island hopping

Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

Three tiny, teardrop-shaped islands make up the Gili archipelago. The beaches are flawless and fringed with palm trees; it’s a veritable tropical paradise. Gili Trawangan is the largest island, with a touristy and nightlife-oriented side to it but one that’s easily escapable. The island is car-free, so hire a bike and cycle around the coast (takes one hour), stopping to enjoy the views, walk barefoot on the sand, and snorkelling to admire the island’s coral reef. Then in the evening, take a horse-drawn carriage to the southwest side of the island to watch the sunset. The idyllic Pearl of Trawangan is the highest-rated accommodation on the island.

City parks

Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava is like an open-air museum, boasting a medieval Old Town, hill-top Castle and a plethora of fascinating Communist Bloc monuments and architecture. But the Slovakian capital is also filled with greenery, from forest-like parks to the tree-covered banks of the Danube. Visit the very central Horský Park and join locals hiking through the dense oak and beech trees (as well as some remaining yews, ginkgo and conifers planted in the 19th century), wildflowers and undergrowth. Or go further off-the-beaten-path and visit the cemetery on Kozia Street, where moss covers historic tombstones and ancient trees. Hotel Albrecht is a highly rated, 5-star hotel not far from Horský Park.

Lake District

Barrow-in-Furness, UK

Once you’ve admired the ruins of this Cumbrian town’s 12th-century Cistercian Abbey, wandered its cobbled streets and visited its historic ship-building docks, it’s about time to head out into the nearby Lake District. From the town, you can hike across the fells for views of stark mountains and still lakes without another soul in sight. Or hop on a bike and marvel at the almost eerie serenity and fresh air as you go, before ending up in a local tea room for scones and tea. With fluffy, chequered throws and paintings of the Lake District in the bedrooms, Crofters Lodge is a welcoming and typically-Cumbrian accommodation.

Local food

Sofia, Bulgaria

The capital of Bulgaria is a haven of high-quality, understated restaurants. Bulgarians are big on yoghurt, cheese, grilled meats (kebapche) and salads, with all dishes fresh, hearty and surprisingly healthy. One of the most cherished speciality salads is Shopska Salata, a simple and moreish recipe consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, peppers, parsley and a heap of flavoursome Bulgarian white cheese, Sirene. The Bulgarian musaka is also a local favourite and a must-try; a spice-infused, rich mix of potatoes, eggs, and minced pork topped with thick Bulgarian yoghurt. Grand Hotel Sofia is the most highly rated hotel in the city.

Wine-tasting

Dubrovnik, Croatia

40km north of the walled city of Dubrovnik, you’ll reach the narrow, mountainous and vineyard-covered Pelješac peninsula. Here, emerald-green grape vines cover the slopes that descend towards the crystalline sea, leading down towards enchantingly small, pebbled coves. The region enjoys consistent sunshine, causing the grape varieties to be sweet and rich. Hire a car and take a tour round family-run wineries, tasting and picking up a few bottles as you go. Stay in a modern, beachfront apartment at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.

**These destinations had the highest growth in bookings by Booking.com customers for the month of October.