October is here, and it’s the perfect time to squeeze in one more quick getaway before winter kicks in. If you scroll through sites like Skyscanner and Kayak you’ll see that popular European destinations such as Milan, Alicante and Paris start from under £100 for a flight when travelling in October, and you can fly from airports like Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham.
If you want to stay a little closer to home, round-trip flights to both Scotland and Northern Ireland can also be bagged for under £70 on average. From European city breaks to winter sun escapes, here are some of my top places you can fly to without breaking the bank this month.
Paris
Paris is always a good idea, especially if you bag a cheap flight. Start with a morning croissant in a local café before ticking off the classics: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and a stroll or bike ride along the Seine. The Musée d'Orsay is a must-see, and on the first Sunday of the month admission is free if you reserve tickets online.
Housed inside the historic Gare d'Orsay railway station, the museum is a fine example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Its large central nave features a glass roof that allows natural light to illuminate its diverse art collection, including Van Gogh's famed Starry Night. Wander the thematic galleries and enjoy a sublime collection of French art from masters including Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Morisot, and Renoir - without spending a Euro.
The Montmartre district is perfect for an afternoon wander, with its narrow streets, artists, and the magnificent Sacré-Cœur Basilica. And if you’ve still got energy, head to Le Marais for some boutique shopping or enjoy a coffee in one of the neighbourhood’s charming cafes.
Why not add an extra day and explore Disneyland Paris for a little extra magic on your city break? If you visit outside of the half-term holiday you'll save even more money. Flights from Bristol starting at £39.
Faro
Faro is the gateway to the Algarve and while many people just fly there and head straight to the resorts and beaches, the city itself is also worth exploring. It offers history and culture, plus cafes, restaurants, and bars serving delicious Portuguese cuisine and local tipples.
As it's not a huge tourist hotspot, you can explore the historic centre in relative peace, away from the Algarve crowds. Spend a day wandering the cobbled streets, looking for neoclassical architecture, historic cathedrals, and the impressive range of chic boutiques, cafes, and great-value seafood restaurants.
You can also hop on a bus to Praia de Faro (Faro beach) if you want a coastal walk in the sun. Faro is also an excellent base for exploring the wider Algarve region, with many day trips and organised excursions available from the city. Flights from Cardiff start at £45.
Dublin
Rock out to live music and drink Guinness at the source on an autumn trip to Dublin, Ireland’s dynamic capital. Dive into the city’s literary history with a visit to the Book of Kells at Trinity College, or stroll through the beautiful St Stephen’s Green Park.
The pub scene is legendary, and a pint of black in Temple Bar is a rite of passage. If you love history, Kilmainham Gaol is an essential stop to explore the stories of Ireland’s struggle for independence.
If you want a longer trip, you can rent a car in Dublin and explore Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This 1,600-mile coastal route, running from the southern reaches of Cork to the northern tip of Donegal, is not just a drive; it’s an unforgettable journey into the wild, rugged beauty of Ireland’s western coastline. Flights from Cardiff starting at £28.
Madrid
The first thing you notice about Madrid is that the elegant Spanish city is seriously stylish with polished boulevards, grand architecture and vast parks trimmed to perfection, with the glorious Buen Retiro as its green showpiece.
This historic city guards some of Europe’s greatest artistic treasures and the popular Prado Museum steals the spotlight with Goya, Velázquez, and a parade of Spanish masters that astonish. Wander into old Habsburg Madrid and you reach Plaza Mayor, a handsome square framed by stately porticos that are buzzing from morning to night. A short stroll away you'll find the Royal Palace, a baroque spectacle whose armoury gleams with centuries of historic weaponry.
Personally, I think Madrid’s star attraction is the foodie hotspot Mercado de San Miguel. Draped in lights and packed to the rafters, this is the capital’s gastro, iron-and-glass temple, where locals and tourists perch on any available ledge and inhale pricey tapas, wine, and caña (small beer).
More than a hundred years have passed since this building opened its doors as a simple market. Time has turned it into a global gastronomic heavyweight, attracting seven million visitors a year. Here you can sip reasonably priced cava and feast on cheese platters, tortilla española (an egg-and-potato omelette), croquetas, and jamón. Flights from Bristol starting at £31.
Belfast
Stay a few days in Belfast and explore a historic city packed with vibrant modern culture and music-filled bars. Begin with the Titanic Belfast museum, located at the very site where the doomed vessel was built.
But it’s not all about the past. Belfast is a modern, thriving city with a lively food scene. Check out St George’s Market, one of the best in the UK, for artisan food, local crafts, and live music.
The museum offers an emotive and powerful journey through maritime history and the ship’s ill-fated voyage. Then head to the Cathedral Quarter, which buzzes with life in the city centre, offering everything from street art to live music. Visit Belfast’s excellent restaurants like Home and MrDeanes, and settle in for the night at historic pubs such as the Crown Liquor Saloon and have a pint of Guinness by a roaring fire.
Bunk down at the homely Room2, located right in the centre. Northern Ireland’s first 'hometel' has 175 rooms, a swish restaurant and bar, a delightful tearoom and a welcoming lobby.
Film tourism has become a serious business here, and Belfast has embraced it with the ‘Glass of Thrones’ trail. To mark a decade of filming, Tourism Ireland commissioned six enormous stained glass windows depicting some of the series’ most iconic scenes. These colourful windows are scattered around the Titanic Quarter, home to the ever-popular Titanic Museum, and wandering among them is an unexpected delight. Flights from Bristol starting at £41.
Tenerife
You can fly to Tenerife from Cardiff with Tui this October and enjoy a holiday at family-friendly resorts, hotels, and B&Bs.
Tenerife’s south coast is known for its top resorts, including Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos, and Costa Adeje. These towns have Blue Flag beaches and fun attractions like Siam Park. At night the area comes alive with nightlife, from the busy Veronicas Strip to fancy restaurants on the Golden Mile.
On Tenerife’s north and west coasts, you’ll find places like Playa de la Arena, known for its black volcanic sand and relaxed dining. Further north, Buenavista del Norte and Garachico offer real Canarian culture near Teno Rural Park. These areas focus on quiet beaches and stunning scenery, like the Los Gigantes cliffs, rather than nightlife.
Away from the coast, Tenerife has 43 protected nature areas that cover almost half the island. These include the laurel forests of Anaga Rural Park. The highlight is Mount Teide, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s third-largest volcano.
You can explore the volcanic landscape by cable car or on hiking trails. Tenerife is also great for hiking and ecotourism, with abundant flora, banana farms, and historic villages like Vilaflor. Flights from Cardiff starting at £75.
Edinburgh
A short hop from London, Edinburgh is a fantastic city at any time of year, but there’s something magical about it in autumn.
Wander down the Royal Mile, where you’ll find the imposing Edinburgh Castle perched on its ancient volcanic rock, or stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens with the crisp autumn leaves crunching underfoot.
Fancy a bit of a climb? Arthur’s Seat offers unbeatable views of the city and coastline. After all that walking, cosy up in a traditional pub and order Haggis and tatties and perhaps a dram of whisky. Flights from Bristol starting at £57.
Milan
Milan might be known for fashion, but it’s also a fantastic spot for a short city break. Art lovers can feast their eyes on Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, while architecture fans will be awestruck by the Duomo di Milano, one of the largest and most intricate cathedrals in the world.
Stroll through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, for some retail therapy. And don’t leave Milan without indulging in gelato or a perfectly brewed espresso.
If you have more time, hop on a train to Lake Como. Here, Italian grandeur meets deep-blue lake waters and a spectacular alpine vista, with dreamy views best enjoyed while sipping a classic Aperol Spritz and feasting on Cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes). Flights from Bristol starting at £55.
Glasgow
Glasgow might be known for its vibrant music scene but it’s also home to some of the UK’s best museums and galleries. The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit, with everything from Dali’s Christ of Saint John of the Cross to a Spitfire hanging from the ceiling.
Explore the cool West End, home to Ashton Lane, a cobbled street lined with independent bars and restaurants. If you’ve got some extra time, head out to Loch Lomond for a scenic day trip less than an hour from the city. Flights from Birmingham starting at £38.
