Beaches, mountains and mouth-watering cuisines await.
We’re full swing into spring here in Australia, meaning the temperatures are starting to warm up and it’s time to hit the beach. Luckily, they’re still affordable this time of year — if you know where to go. (Hint: We’ll tell you below!)
Not a beach person? There’s still plenty of affordable places to go. October is the shoulder season in the northern hemisphere. It’s outside of the peak summer travel season, but too early to hit the slopes in Europe, Japan or North America. So, with less demand, travel tends to be cheaper and below are the places we’d flock to. If only we had enough annual leave.
Where to go: Cheapest places for Australians to travel in October 2024
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Alright, we admit that it’s technically not the cheapest time of the year to travel to the Sunshine Coast, but it’s pretty darn close. And, a much better value time. It’s a perfect 26C average in October and it’s much drier and less humid than the summer months.
According to Kayak data, the absolute cheapest time is August, when flights average to be $176 compared to $196 (using data for Sydney departures). But, the weather is much more favourable come October and it’s before the summer prices kick in at hotels.
Looking at hotels, prices are much more comparable to the winter months, too. We looked at a bunch of resorts. One being the Mercure Sunshine Coast Kawana Waters, which costs $172 in August and October, but $235 in the summer time. Another being At The Sound in Noosa and found prices were $255 in both August and October, but up at $352 in January.
How cheap will it be once you get there?
- Hotels: Accommodation prices will vary depending where on the Sunshine Coast you stay. Expect to pay around $125-$150 for more modest accommodation in places like Caloundra or the hinterland. In hotspots like Noosa, resorts will be between $200-$300.
- Attractions: Known for its beaches and rainforests, you’ll find many attractions here are free like Noosa National Park and Glasshouse Mountains. You’ll also find the Australia Zoo here, which will set you back $70.
- Food: Expect to pay the usual Australian prices, slightly higher in resort towns like Noosa; $20-$30 for a pub meal.
Have we been to the Sunshine Coast in October?
Yes! And we’d definitely go again. Having been to both Noosa and Mooloolaba in the peak December-January season, too, we much preferred October. Sure, the water was a little bit cooler but the weather was still very pleasant. It made for hiking in the national parks much more comfortable, too.
Noosa also has some fabulous restaurants, and it’s easier to get a table outside of the peak travel season.
Where we’ve stayed on the Sunshine Coast
While we can’t promise they’ll be affordable for your travel dates in October, here’s where we’ve stayed in the past on the Sunshine Coast and would consider staying at again.
- Noosa International Resort (Noosa)
- Mango Terrace Airbnb (Noosaville)
We’ve also stayed at the Mooloolaba Motel, which has now closed.
Vancouver, Canada
A brilliant time to see the kaleidoscope of leaves changing colour in the Rocky Mountains, October is both an affordable and ideal time to visit Canada’s west coast.
There’s less demand from tourists after the summer (and cruise ship) season but when it’s too early to ski at hotspots like Whistler. To give you an idea, we’re finding flights from Sydney for as low as $1,180 in October. Fly in July (the middle of the Canadian summer) and you’ll be paying at least $1,300. Fly at the start of ski season in December and you’ll be paying $1,500 or more.
How cheap will it be once you get there?
- Hotels: Expect to pay about $200-$250 if you stay in Vancouver. If you’re using these flights as a stepping stone to a Rocky Mountains road trip, you should be able to book stays in places like Whistler for around $150 or the Okanagan Valley wine region for around $100-$120.
- Attractions: While you can wander around Stanley Park or visit the Granville Island Market for free, there are some top place to visit that aren’t. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is about $60 and admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery is about $30.
- Food: Dining out in Vancouver isn’t that cheap, and restaurant meals will cost you about $30. But, you can find cheaper eats by checking out the Granville Island Market. The city is also famous for its sushi, which can be affordable if you go to the right places like the highly rated Momo Sushi.
Have we been to the Vancouver in October?
Unfortunately not. The above is all based on extensive research of flights, hotels and attractions at different times of the year.
Bangkok, Thailand
Affordable on land just about any time of the year, we’re finding very cheap flights to the Thai capital in October 2024. You can get there from Australia from as low as $274 return from the west coast or less than $400 return from the east.
Whether you’re keen to stay in the city (where there’s plenty to do) or use it as a starting point for an island hopping trip in southern Thailand, anywhere you go you’ll find cheap eats and bargain stays. If you’re a backpacker, it’s a dream as hostel stays rooms are available for about $10 per night.
How cheap will it be once you get to Bangkok?
- Hotels: You shouldn’t have a problem finding a stay for less than $50 per night at a decently rated hotel in Bangkok. If you’re after a global hotel chain, like an Ibis, Mercure or Holiday Inn, you’ll need to pay a bit more.
- Attractions: Entry to the elaborate Grand Palace is about $20, while Wat Pho is about $9. For just a few dollars, you can take a local ferry along the Chao Phraya River or along the local canals (called khlongs) — it’s a great way to see the city.
- Food: If you eat street food (where we think some of Bangkok’s best eats are), you should be able to dine for just a few dollars a meal. In a restaurant, you’ll probably pay around $5-$10, depending on what you order.
Have we been to the Bangkok in October?
While we’ve been to Bangkok a few times, we’ve not been in October. Attractions and food prices tend not to change throughout the year.
Where we’ve stayed in Bangkok
Without checking each night for rates (which change very quickly) we can’t promise they’ll be affordable for your travel dates in October, here’s where we’ve stayed in Bangkok and would consider staying at again.
- At Hua Lamphontg (Bang Rak)
- Siri Heritage Hotel (Phra Nakhon)
- The Sun Reno Hotel (Bang Kho Laem)
