The best places to go on holiday in October, from New Hampshire to Vietnam

October is the month to flee to these trending travel spots as the UK winds its clocks back.

In Italy and New England, soak up the autumn colours and harvest festivals, or head to the warmer shores of the Indian Ocean and South America.

Vietnam, Quang Ninh

Put on your hiking boots: in the mountainous north of Vietnam, the start of the dry season allows for ideal hiking conditions and picture-perfect scenery. Head an hour inland to Yen Tu, the Buddhist capital of the world, after a de rigueur junk ship cruise around the dramatic Halong Bay. For decades, this serene pilgrimage site has somehow remained little-known to foreign tourists.

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However, after a "base camp" of hostels, cultural centers and restaurants recently opened, including the first five-star hotel in the city, Legacy Yen Tu MGallery, built by visionary architect Bill Bensley to authentically imitate a temple of the 13th century using handmade local materials, this may soon change. Until Yen Tu becomes the new Hoi An, hurry and discover its shrines and forest paths.

October average temperature: 26C Time of flight: 12 hours

Fresh Hampshire, United States

Crisp breeze, ripe apples, blazing leaves—in October, New England is radiant. Head out on a lifelong leaf-peeping road trip along the Kancamagus Highway ('the Kanc' for short, in local lingo) or the flatter Lake Winnipesaukee Loop that skirts the largest body of water in the Granite State. You can swoop over White Mountain forest on the zip line of Alpine Adventures to get an alternate view of the fall colours, including an 80-foot "white knuckle drop" (more sedate types can ride the Loon Mountain gondola instead).

At this time of year, pumpkin carving and apple bobbing are among the wholesome pastimes of New Hampshire, while White Mountain Oktoberfest (12-13 October) brings up a raucous Bavarian knees to a backdrop of crimson-leafed maple trees-think: stein-hoisting, keg tossing and oompah bands. Note, all those cosy, charming inns fill up quickly, so book rooms well in advance, such as the rustic-chic Chesterfield Inn, set in glorious farmland near the Vermont border.

October average temperature: 16C Time of flight: 7.5 hours

On this island of the Indian Ocean, spring has just sprung, so tourists can swim in the waters at their clearest and calmest, and laze on white sands under spotless skies. But far from being a fly-and-flop-only spot, Mauritius has plenty of faster-paced attractions that are worth prising yourself from the sun lounger for, such as hiking to Black River Peak viewpoint (the highest point on the island), quad biking through sugar estate turned eco-playground Domaine de L'Etoile or exploring Le Morne Brabant's Unesco-listed caves, built by runaway slaves as hideouts.

Looking for a cool alternative to beach resorts with cookie-cutters? In the form of Bubble Lodge, a series of cosy, semi-transparent eco-domes on the island's oldest tea plantation, Glamping has recently arrived in Mauritius. Mark Twain, the author of Globetrotting, was definitely on something when he said: "You get the idea that Mauritius was first made and then heaven was copied after Mauritius."

October average temperature: 22C Time of flight: 12 hours

Harvest brings to the neglected neighbor of Tuscany a mouthwatering spate of foodie festivals-Umbria, you'll see, has similarly beautiful olive groves and medieval cities, just a little less tourist-packed. At the end of the month, both Gubbio and Citta di Castello pay tribute to precious, delicious white truffles, and even the humble chestnut even gets a series of parties, including Montone's Festa del Bosco (Woods Festival), where street vendors sell paper cones of roasted chestnuts and restaurants set up tables on the streets heaped with nutty treats.

Perugia hosts Europe's largest chocolate festival (18-27 October) and the Feast of St Francis of Assisi (4 October) sees the namesake town of the saint covered with banners for a traditional parade-a few years ago, even the Pope popped in for the festivities. Roll back to Tenuta di Murlo after wine and dining, where six villas and three rooms are spread around the scenic estate.

October average temperature: 19C Time of flight: 2.5 hours

Isles of the Galapagos

It is exactly 160 years since the publication of On the Origin of Organisms by Charles Darwin, but the allure of Galapagos, the archipelago where the scientist performed some of his most groundbreaking studies, is as magnetic as ever. However, since the days of HMS Beagle, the mode of transport and facilities have changed (thankfully): jump aboard a new solar-powered skiff, Solaris, to reach Finch Bay hotel, a beachfront sanctuary on the south side of Santa Cruz.

The concentration of wildlife, from pelicans and penguins to manta rays and marine iguanas, plus the most prominent inhabitants, giant tortoises, is sensational (and particularly active at this time of year). A ready-made tour from an eco-conscious operator seems to be the best way to reach remote wilds such as Fernandina's lava fields or Genovesa aka "Bird Island"-Original Travel offers a nine-day island hopping model itinerary for £ 5,740 per person among its tailor-made tours.

October average temperature: 22C Time of flight: 13 hours