The Best places to visit.

The 12 Best Places to Visit in July 2023

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In July, your social media feeds will blow up with friends' vacation photos. Picture it now — the sunsets, the secluded beach, the gelato, the wine! If you haven't made your family's summer plans yet, we have a warning to deliver in the nicest way possible: You're running out of time. Travel pros tell us that summer is shaping up to be another record-breaking travel season where resorts sell out or prices climb out of your budget. That's why you have to get on it now.

We rounded up advice from family travel experts and threw in some picks of our own based on research for Good Housekeeping's Family Travel Awards. Since it's ultra-pricey to fly to Europe on just a couple of weeks' notice, we mostly stuck to vacation spots across the U.S. If you want to go big, zero in on our Hawaii resort or Alaskan cruise suggestions. Otherwise, lean into our off-the-beaten-path recommendations, like a fun town outside of Atlanta that gives you easy access to both city attractions and nature activities.

Whether you're eager to take a cruise or a road trip, watch the waves or the animals or listen to live music or nature sounds, we've found a place for you. We even threw in a couple of choices for a kid-free getaway in case yours are a sleepaway camp or a grandparent's house.

Sandy Springs, Georgia

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About 20 minutes north of Atlanta, Sandy Springs boasts 22 miles of riverfront along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. It's a perfect home base for a family vacation that blends city attractions and nature activities.

Some days, you can take the Metro to Atlanta to visit the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta. You can even book a tour to see where famous movies, like The Avengers, were filmed. For the rest of your trip, kick back kayaking, hiking and exploring some of Sandy Springs' 20 parks. Young kids will especially love the funky playground at Abernathy Greenway Playable Art Park.

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Fourth of July weekend is a fantastic time to visit Sandy Springs thanks to a massive fireworks celebration that includes a concert and food trucks. Stay at the Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Suites, which has family-friendly perks like free breakfast, an in-room fridge and microwave, an outdoor pool and a free shuttle to the Metro station.

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Park City, Utah

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For one of the most scenic fireworks displays in the country, take your crew to Forum Fest at Canyons Village in Park City, Utah. The four-day shindig, which kicks off on June 30, includes live music, kids' and family activities, public art displays and nightly drone and fireworks shows.

While you're in town, you can try one of the many epic nature activities, including a yoga class in a crater. Thrills for kids include an amazing alpine coaster, and teens 16 and up can even bobsled on an Olympic track. Standout places to stay include Waldorf Astoria Park City and Pendry Park City.

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Excelsior Springs, Missouri

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Attention Midwesterners who want a wellness getaway within driving distance: A couple of days at The Elms Hotel & Spa near Kansas City will refresh your body and mind. Recently renovated, the massive spa at the historic property is well known for The Grotto, its relaxing take on a Roman bath. Visit on July 22 for The Under The Stars Wellness Retreat. The special event includes Grotto access, a 50-minute massage, a gentle flow yoga session and a sound bath in the zen garden ending with a lantern release and bonfire. Pure bliss!

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Maui, Hawaii

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Maui fulfills bucket-list fantasies all year long, but July is a particularly good month to bring the kids. Since families comprise a large percentage of guests at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in July, they'll be plenty of buddies for your little ones to play with at the sandy-bottom kids' pool and in the supervised kids' club.

"Years later, my daughter still fondly remembers playing with children from Japan that she met at the resort," says one GH staffer. Winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, the oceanfront resort also wows travelers of all ages with rooftop stargazing programs, a nightly luau and recently renovated rooms.

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa

Savannah, Georgia

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The top hotel in the U.S. according to a recent TripAdvisor report, Perry Lane Hotel is as charming (and reliable) as Savannah itself. A rooftop deck with a pool and activities, vintage arcade games plus a replenishing cookie jar in the lobby appeal to guests of all ages. Part of the Marriott Luxury collection, the hotel accepts (and awards) Marriott Bonvoy points. Through August 31, you can score special rates with the "Summering in Savannah" package.

Perry Lane Hotel

Burlington, Vermont

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Thanks to Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express service from NYC to downtown Burlington, city dwellers can place the vibrant town on the top of the list for a car-free long weekend getaway. The scenic ride (an attraction in itself for train buffs of all ages) whisks passengers through the Hudson Valley, Green Mountains and finally, to the city on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Burlington's culinary scene exceeds expectations (Get to Church Street Marketplace!) and biking is a common way to get around for the whole family. Stay downtown at Hotel Vermont, which has plush rooms and suites, a fun "bedtime menu" for kids and adults and windows that open so you can savor the breeze off the lake.

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Hot Springs, Virginia

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The Omni Homestead Resort is leveling up its family programming for the Fourth of July weekend. The historic property, which caters to multi-gen groups, created a star-spangled lineup that includes duck races; social hours; Red, White and Blue Mixology and, of course, fireworks. That's in addition to the usual activities like the water park for kids and the relaxing thermal pools for grown-ups. All of the guest rooms have been recently renovated — and the color palette is dreamy.

Omni Homestead Resort

Outer Banks, North Carolina

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The Outer Banks is the "it" destination for beach vacation home rentals, according to the rental platform Vacasa. Fueled by the Netflix hit Outer Banks, searches on Vacasa for the destination have more than doubled in the last year. Vacasa's Jamie McClellan, who has kids ages 2 and 7, recommends staying in the central part of the region, such as Nags Head or Kitty Hawk, for great beaches with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Then McClellan suggests taking half-day trips to explore other parts of the Outer Banks. "We like the uncrowded beaches on Hatteras Island, which is part of the National Wildlife Refuge," says McClellan. And don't worry about seeing a lot of film crews around — Outer Banks is actually shot in Charleston, South Carolina.

Vacasa

Alaska

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If you can't stand the summer heat, may we suggest booking an Alaskan cruise? Cruising weather is typically best in July with the lowest chance of rain and high temps in the 60s. Several cruise lines sail to Alaska, but if you have both grandparents and young kids in your group, Princess Cruise Lines is a fantastic pick.

Supervised kids programs for ages 3 and up make at-sea days extra fun for little ones. Teens have their own hangout space while adults might want to spend some time at the spa or Vegas-style casino. Sailings start in Seattle or San Francisco — both tend to have cooler summertime weather if you want to tack on a few days of site-seeing before or after cruising.

Princess Cruise Line

Lexington, Kentucky

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Known for its championship thoroughbred horse farms, bourbon distilleries and delicious eats, the “Horse Capital of the World” is a fab road trip destination for friends' or couples' getaways. Once you get there, you can leave your car parked.

Town Branch Commons, the recently completed 5.5-mile greenway trail, connects the bustling downtown to the historic Bourbon Distillery District. Be one of the first guests to stay at The Manchester Hotel, a high-end boutique property that's opening in June. It's on the former grounds of Central Kentucky’s first registered bourbon distillery and boasts 125 beautiful guest rooms.

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Jacksonville, Florida

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You might think of Miami and Orlando as the Florida hot spots, but Jacksonville is an up-and-comer, according to new data from Skyscanner, a search engine and travel agency. Located in the Northeast part of the state, the city boasts 22 miles of beaches, cultural attractions and has many affordable places to stay. Case in point: The budget-friendly Hampton Inn Oceanfront Jacksonville Beach has a stretch of sand just for resort guests plus a pool with waterfall features.

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Oranjestad, Aruba

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While summer and early fall mark hurricane season in the Caribbean (boo!), Aruba is spared from most direct hits because it's located south of the prime storm tracks. Booking the beachfront sister resorts Divi & Tamarijn Aruba is about as safe as it gets in the Caribbean this time of year. Set on a mile-long white sand beach, the pair of all-inclusives shares a supervised program for kids ages 4 to 12. Divi offers multi-bedroom suites to accommodate larger families.

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba

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20 Best Places to Travel in 2023

Curaçao

If you’re looking for a quicker hop to a beautiful beach in 2023, we’ve got just the ticket. The Caribbean island of Curaçao is known for its vibrant, Dutch-influenced architecture, 300 days of sun per year, rich coral reefs and diverse mix of cultures. The destination is now more accessible as a result of newly launched North American flight routes from Newark and Miami into the country’s capital, Willemstad.

After you arrive at the sunny island, head to the newly renovated Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, five minutes from the capitol and nestled on six acres of oceanfront property. New to the resort, the property recently opened its onsite dive shop Goby Divers, where guests can learn to scuba and earn their PADI certification, or experience dives based on their level of experience. Or check out one of these top all-inclusive Caribbean resorts.

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Chilean Patagonia

Climate change tourism has seen an increase in recent years as global warming has become a front-and-center topic in travel—last-chance trips to see gigantic glaciers and ice caves before they melt away have specifically seen a rise. Patagonia fits perfectly with this trend. Here you’ll see Grey Glacier, the Balmaceda Glacier and the Serrano Glacier, among others.

The Singular Patagonia, Kau Rio Serrano and Quasar Expeditions offer excursions that allow guests to get up close and personal with the glaciers. From kayaking Grey Lake to walking Grey Peninsula, ice trekking, hiking in Torres del Paine or Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, or taking boat rides right up to the glacier walls, travelers can catch a glimpse of the magnificent glaciers before it’s too late or becomes too dangerous.

Chilean Patagonia is also becoming more accessible, as there are new flights launching to connect Santiago to Puerto Natales on a regular basis. The new flights will make it easier and faster for travelers to access the region, just in time for Chile’s busy 2023 summer season, on SKY, LATAM and JetSmart.

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Prague

Prague is one of our favorite hidden gems in Europe and one of the best places to travel for charm and culture. The perfectly preserved city has bright red trolleys traversing original cobblestone streets lined with charming stone buildings. Around every corner, you’ll find a new treat, like the Charles Bridge lined with majestic stone statues, Michelin-starred restaurants and classic pilsner bars. Another highlight: an entire “castle district” centered around majestic Prague Castle.

New for 2023, this ancient kingdom meets modern times with William Rudolf Lobkowicz, the 14th prince of Bohemia, who is modernizing the way philanthropy takes place with NFTs (yes, those NFTs). This new technology can help prove provenance of historic art and also help fund its restoration, which is of particular interest to a family that lost its kingdom of treasures twice—first to the Nazis, and then to the Communists. You can see many of these works of art and hear about their “Non-Fungible Castle” project at the lovely Lobkowicz Palace.

Stay at a true historical gem, the NH Collection Prague Carlo IV. A former grand bank headquarters, it features marble and crystal in the lobby, gorgeous vaulted ceilings in the breakfast dining room and a truly special pool in the downstairs spa level. The trolley runs just outside the property, but the hotel would be happy to arrange special transportation such as a vintage red convertible to whisk you to the castle.

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The Best Places to Visit in October

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Whether you’re looking forward to all the fall festivities or the slightest thought of a chill makes you want to go into full-on hibernation mode, one thing’s for certain: October is packed with plenty to do, and that extends to travel experiences both near and far. There's the end of harvest and the start of Dia de Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead,” celebrations that make Halloween look like child’s play in Mexico, while Oktoberfest pretty much takes over the rest of the world. This month’s destinations are particularly great for budget travelers who are saying goodbye to the smoldering summer heat but aren’t quite yet ready for the blistering winter cold.

Here’s How We Picked the Places

We looked at both the new news and weather in each individual location and what was happening locally in each place, too, including events, concerts, activities and cultural experiences. Finally, we layered over some data from airfare booking platform Skyscanner, comparing flight prices from everywhere across the USA in the month of October. We also looked at lodging pricing in each location from Vrbo, Airbnb, and other hotel search platforms including Expedia and Kayak to help reveal the very best deals for you. And finally, we sprinkled in some anecdotal knowledge of what jet-setting readers like you will absolutely love this month.

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1. Sleepy Hollow, NY

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October marks the start of the spooky season, and if you've never experienced the charms of Sleepy Hollow and nearby Tarrytown, you are seriously missing out. The world-famous cemetery of the same name is legit one of the coolest/creepiest places you can visit in the U.S. — it's hauntingly beautiful and a great way to spend an afternoon seeing the famous graves of Andrew Carnegie, William Rockefeller, Elizabeth Arden, and of course, Washington Irving, the author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle.

Other top experiences to consider are viewing the more than 7,000 illuminated pumpkins at The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze, hayrides and apple picking at any of Westchester County's nearby orchards and farms, and a visit to the gorgeous and exquisite Lyndhurst Mansion. Dreamed up by architect Alexander Jackson Davis and overlooking the Hudson River, this Gothic Revival mansion is celebrated as one of America's finest historical homes. The massive 67-acre grounds are also ideal for snapping some pics in your sweater weather best and officially transitioning your IG grid entirely to fall vibes. Pro tip: When you make the Sleepy Hollow area home base, you're also a quick ride from the incredible shopping at Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets. This shoppable destination meets a walkable village, is lovely on a warm fall day, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a brand there you wouldn't want to shop for. It's also home to premier outlet department stores like Saks Off Fifth and even high-end designer outlets like Gucci, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Prada, and more which offer everything at frequently steep discounts.

Explore Sleepy Hollow

2. Lake Como, Italy

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Direct flights into Milan can be had for as little as $404 in October, according to Skyscanner, and once you’re there, you’re a quick 90-minute drive into the Italian paradise of Lake Como. It’ll also be shoulder season at the reverse-Y shaped lake, meaning you’ll find deals at many glamorous hotels, Airbnbs and Vrbos.

To intimately know Lake Como is to explore these many historic properties and their botanical gardens which line the shores, each statelier than the next. Passionistas of the Italian villa variety can walk right into Villa Monastero or Villa Carlotta like you own the place. Those who want to splurge and have the full experience should investigate a stay at Villa d’Este or Passalacqua. But we also love a hidden gem hotel, like Hotel Villa Flori, nestled along the shoreline. It’s a romantic getaway for couples seeking a glamorous retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and accommodations are exceptionally bike-friendly, with the resort offering a secure bike room plus customized bike outings.

In October, you can also score other deals on romantic, fancy pants activities in Lake Como. A fall boat ride on the lake is always a good idea, and simply indulging in a traditional Italian eatery housed in an aristocratic villa. At Ristorante Raimondi, Chef Marco creates meals that harken back to some of the oldest and most famous dishes in Italy, including doppio entrecôte, controfiletto d’agnello, and tiramisù scomposto. After dinner, lovers are invited to share a drink at the iconic Lounge Bar, where cocktails are crafted to individual tastes and served alongside a dazzling vista of the lake and mountains.

Explore Lake Como

3. Madeira, Portugal

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A secret gem nestled off the coast of Morocco, the Madeira archipelago in Portugal is the wise choice for those looking for an understated destination chock full of beauty. Until recently, the area was challenging to access, and even residents struggled through steep mountain trails. But Madeira is officially up and coming, and thanks to new roads and highways, it's easier than ever to check out the islands that make up this slice of paradise!

Trip Advisor declared Madeira as a must-visit location of 2023, and it's easy to see why: A rich tapestry of cultural traditions, mouthwatering and super healthy gastronomy (the best combo if you ask us!), and exhilarating outdoor escapades will keep you busy all day long. At sunset, it's time to settle in and sip some internationally renowned wines while you indulge in breathtaking vistas. The October weather in the archipelago is mild and pleasant. That's right: with temps in the 60s, there will be plenty of time spent outside enjoying some of the best of this Europe-meets-Africa beauty.

Hiking through the Levadas is a can't-be-missed activity. These historical irrigation canals used to bring water from the north slopes to the south, and they're now picturesque pathways for hikers to indulge in the freshest air, some next to stunning waterfalls and lagoons. Thrill-seekers should Embark on canyoning adventures through the island's mountains, descending through waterfalls and exploring hidden gorges. A trek through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Laurisilva Forest reveals the island's pristine and ancient forests. Surfing is also becoming increasingly popular in the islands, and it's noted for being a crowd-free place to rip waves.

Next on your hit list? Hop on a Jeep tour to the West Side, where you'll discover even more amazing views and visit many different villages to experience local culture and traditions. Take a boat tour in Porto Moniz along the North Coast to check out striking cliffs, natural pools, and crystal-clear waters. Funchal is the capital of Madeira and arguably its "biggest" town, full of religious sites such as Sé Cathedral; it's also where you can enjoy more views from the Monte Cable Car and the stunning gardens at the Monte Palace. And since you're in Funchal, why not enjoy the exhilarating toboggan aboard a traditional wicker sled or Monte basket car descending the steep streets of Funchal?

Explore Madeira

4. Orlando, Florida

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Orlando might be the spookiest place to indulge in a Halloween scare for people of all age groups. The city is packed with activities all year round—hello, theme parks!— but the fun most people forget about is well beyond those park gates. Haunting Nights is just one example, a Creative City Project designed to bring art and excitement to the forests of Leu Gardens! You can grab some beers in the Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co.'s parking lot, where lawn chairs, blankets, and everyone's favorite Halloween movies complete the experience every Friday.

For an Oktoberfest celebration, head straight to Avalon Park on October 14th for the annual celebration with plenty of beer, live music, and alpine-style dancing! The Fall Festival at Southern Hill Farms includes delicious eats like apple ciders, donuts, and s'mores, and spots like Whisper Creek Farm also host corn mazes and pumpkin carving. For a dose of culture, visit the Orlando Museum of Art, where you can admire an impressive collection of contemporary and classical works. Then, stroll through the picturesque Leu Gardens, known for stunning botanical displays and a peaceful ambiance, which we can all use occasionally.

If you can't pass, go to Orlando without hitting a park, there are many Halloween-themed haunts there in October, too, like Universal Orlando's Halloween Horror Nights—but beware! Horror Nights is not an event catered to children. It does include ten haunted houses and five scare zones designed to terrify even the biggest horror fans. You can find a more classic family-friendly Halloween experience at Walt Disney World at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Aside from the quintessential Disney park firework experience, you can take your kids trick-or-treating during the kid-friendly party!

Explore Orlando

5. Maui, Hawaii

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There's no need to convince anyone that Hawaii is a paradise on Earth, and October in Maui is unmatched! It's when the island comes alight with the highly anticipated Hawaii Food & Wine Festival. The three-day belt-buster is held at the picturesque Kā'anapali Beach Resort, where you'll taste the best Hawaiian cuisine through a series of events with delicacies crafted by the hands of culinary geniuses such as Bonny Davis, Brady Ishiwata Williams, and Michael Lofaro. It would be best if you also came ready to sip the best Italian wines, with a curated selection by a Master Sommelier, and fireworks will top off this incredible food-fest-meets-beach-party.

Throughout Maui, there's a bounty of activities for nature lovers: snorkeling, sunset sails, and zip-lining are just some of the most popular. With an average high of 77, October is the ideal time to hit Maui's miles of hiking trails since it's not too hot to enjoy. The Pipiwai Trail — one of the best hikes on the island that ends in the 400-foot Waimoku Falls — can sometimes feel steep, but the view is well worth it. Another mesmerizing experience is the 5.7-mile Kahakapao trail in the Makawao Forest! Experienced hikers will appreciate the hike at the Haleakala National Park. Volcanic landscapes sculpt the park and are renowned by bird watchers. Conservation is the heart of their mission, too, and you'll leave the area more in love with Hawaii's thriving natural life.

Though a tropical island, Maui also has some unique fall fun, best enjoyed at the Kula Country Farms pumpkin patch, which offers breathtaking bi-coastal vistas and many pumpkins. There are Halloween crafts, animal farms, and even a corn maze. Meanwhile, "Halloween in Lahaina" is a street festival that draws crowds of 20,000 people so that folks can enjoy live entertainment, food booths, and a costume contest!

Explore Maui

6. Okinawa, Japan

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Okinawa is a treasure trove thanks to its refreshing culinary scene, rich culture, and natural beauty, thanks to its complex history. Okinawa was annexed to Japan in the 1600s, but the area's proximity to China and Taiwan makes Okinawa feel like you're stepping into a whole new country within Japan. Revered for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, October is a particular time in Okinawa, as the weather is just right: not scalding hot and not rainy or cold.

During this time, visitors can take in the incredible cultural experience of the Iriomote Island Shichi Festival, a 500-year-old celebration of harvest on Iriomote Island, an isolated area of Okinawa.

During the festival, villagers give thanks for the quality of their crops and wish for a bountiful one ahead with lion dances, stick fights, and captivating performance art to admire.

Towards the end of the month, step back in time and embrace the historical grandeur of Shuri Castle. Evoking the spirit of the Ryukyu Kingdom, the reigning monarchy before Japan's annexation, it is celebrated with 6,000 lights to illuminate the gorgeous castle, not to mention several parades. You can also experience traditional Ryukyuan arts, crafts, and performances or marvel at the colorful costumes used by Ryukyu's nobility. All around you, you'll hear the dynamic drums that are a distinct mark of the Okinawan music styles.

You might have pinned The Blue Cave on your Pinterest travel inspo board for a good reason. The cave can be explored by diving and snorkeling, and night rides are also offered. Are you looking to get away from the crowds? Check out Mibaru Beach on the island's south side, which is never packed with tourists but still easily accessible. Of course, this is Japan—so knowing what's on the menu is necessary. Yama no Chaya Rakusui, located in Nanjo, has drop-dead gorgeous views of the beach, and their entire ethos is about relaxation, with quality vegetarian grub to boot. Try their Gemai Gozen set and sample some of the best traditional Okinawan vegetarian food. Soki Soba is another unmissable Okinawan noodle dish topped with tender pork ribs and flavorful broth—head to Hamaya Soba to try it for yourself! If you have a sweet tooth, look out for the Chinsuko, a traditional Okinawan cookie that's sweet, crumbly, and perfect with a cup of tea or as a souvenir to bring back home.

Explore Okinawa

7. Cancun, Mexico

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Dirt-cheap fares put the ’Cun at the top of our list this month when “rainy season” means you may see a cloud or two during the day. What that also means: Plenty of time still to enjoy the pool (and its swim-up bar), jet skiing or parasailing along the coast or spending a rather wild night out at one of Cancun’s many popular nightclubs. Whether it’s your first time or one of your favorite fly-in-for-the-weekend spots, it’s never a bad idea to organize a tour or simply hire a taxi for the day to take advantage of the region's incredible cenotes—natural sinkholes formed by a collapse of limestone that reveal gorgeous aquamarine water ripe for jumping and swimming in. During October, especially toward the end of the month, many resorts offer Day of the Dead cultural experiences. One of note and authenticity is the annual Day of the Dead festival, Festival of Life and Death Traditions, that happens in Xcaret Park, roughly a 75-minute drive from Cancun. It features concerts, ofrendas (or paper flower) making activities, guest artists, and even access to Mayan healers, plus a whole lot of food.

Speaking of eats, back in Cancun, we recommend La Destileria and Tacun for authentic grub, and the immersive video dining experience—where the table you sit at is a giant video screen that is paired to take you through a multi-sensory, multi-course meal celebrating Mexican food—at La Joya. And while there are plenty of yummy Mexican bites to be had, when you’ve officially had your fill of chips and guac, consider splurging on Le Basilic, one of Cancun’s most celebrated French fine dining spots.he