Helllooooo Reader (in spooky voice)! The leaves are falling, the air’s a little crisper, and our wanderlust is brewing stronger than a witch’s potion. October’s here — and that means it’s time for our spook-tacular new issue!
Whether you’re chasing fall foliage or ghostly getaways, we’ve got destinations that’ll make you scream. From haunted hotels with “spirited” service to pumpkin-packed festivals that are gourd-geous beyond belief.
✈️ In this issue:
The world’s creepiest castles you can actually sleep in 🏰
“Boo-tiful” autumn escapes that’ll charm your socks off 🍁
Sinisterly good travel deals that’ll resurrect your budget 💸
Ever wanted to spend the night somewhere drop-dead gorgeous—and maybe a little haunted? These historic stays promise both chills and charm:
Dalhousie Castle, Scotland – Just outside Edinburgh, this 13th-century fortress lets you dine in a dungeon and maybe meet its resident ghost, Lady Catherine.
Parador de Cardona, Spain – A hilltop stronghold near Barcelona where stone towers and shadowy corridors make for an eerie yet elegant stay.
Castle Leslie, Ireland – A romantic estate with Victorian vibes, rolling mist, and a few friendly spirits that may join you for tea.
Château de Brissac, France – Dubbed the “Giant of the Loire,” it’s as grand as it is ghostly—home to the mysterious “Green Lady.”
Houska Castle, Czech Republic – Perfect for Halloween thrills, this Gothic castle is rumored to be built over a “gateway to hell,” complete with dark tunnels and spine-tingling legends.
🍁 Autumn Escapes
Near Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan
While the U.S. gets plenty of love for its fiery fall foliage (see our guide to the Best Places for Fall Colors in the US), the rest of the world is showing off, too. Here’s where to leaf your heart this October:
Kyoto, Japan – Temples framed by crimson maples and golden ginkgo trees make autumn here pure magic. Pro tip: visit Arashiyama for a zen-sational foliage view. Read when the best time is to go to Kyoto.
Bavaria, Germany – Fairytale castles, forested hills, and steins of seasonal beer—because leaf-peeping pairs perfectly with a prost.
Quebec City, Canada – Cobblestone charm meets fiery treetops along the St. Lawrence River. Think Europe, without the jet lag (especially if you're in North America).
Scottish Highlands, UK – Mist, moors, and mountains wrapped in russet hues—it’s basically autumn’s movie set.
New England, USA – Classic for a reason. Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts deliver the gold-standard glow. Make sure to check out our article for autumn leaves peeping in the US!
Whether you’re sipping cider in Maine or matcha in Kyoto, these destinations prove fall’s colors are truly global. Pack your coziest scarf—it’s time to chase autumn around the world.
💸 Spooky Deals This Month
Here are a few deals that we're tracking on our deals page.
Hilton Resorts Early Bird - Up to 30% off on Resort properties across Europe, Middle East & Africa when you stay 3 nights or more and book 3 months in advance. Deal expires November 21, 2025. Minimum 3-night length of stay for bookings made 3 months in advance.
Unbound Merino Fall Sale - Get $50 off for a limited-time discount on Unbound Merino’s Slim Travel Pants. This promotion is valid until November 1, 2025.
REI Clearance - Fall clearance of many brands including Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face.
Enterprise Autumn Offer - Save 15% when they book 3+ days. Book between 12 August and the 9 October 2025 for car rental between August 26 and December 15, 2025.
Quebec City Inn w/Breakfast - Stay at the Hôtel Château Bellevue for $129 when booking two nights or more—that's up to 48% off.
Cheapest Way To Travel Europe - Getting Around On A Budget
Planning a European adventure on a budget? From snagging the cheapest flights and mastering budget airlines to clever ways to save on accommodation, transport, and daily expenses, this guide shows you exactly how to stretch your travel funds further-without missing out on any of the fun.
Explore the top eSIM options for international travel and discover how to stay online easily and affordably wherever your journey takes you. We break down the best providers, data plans, and tips to make your trip stress-free and connected.
Paris isn’t just the city of lights, it’s also full of shadows. From the chilling Catacombs to Père Lachaise Cemetery, haunted streets, and eerie crypts, this guide uncovers the spookiest spots in the city. Dare to explore Paris’s dark side and discover ghostly legends off the beaten path.
Why You Need To Travel To Taiwan Next - 5 Reasons To Visit
Taiwan surprises at every turn, from the warmth of its people to misty mountain sunrises, vibrant night markets, and world-class transport. This guide covers the top reasons to visit, essential travel tips, and must-try foods, making it easy to plan your perfect Taiwan adventure.
Things To Do In Richmond BC - A 4 Day Bucket List Itinerary
Discover the best things to do in Richmond, BC, with this 4-day bucket list itinerary. From world-class dim sum at Aberdeen Centre to scenic waterfronts, cultural attractions, and unique dining experiences, Richmond offers far more than a quick stop near Vancouver—perfect for foodies, families, and adventure seekers alike.
The 8 Regions of Japan — Map, Travel Guides & Best Time to Visit
Discover Japan with our complete travel guide, packed with essential tips, top destinations, and must-see experiences. Whether it’s your first trip or a return visit, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure.
Planning a trip to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley can be tricky without the right help — local guides are essential for navigating the remote villages, understanding tribal customs, and ensuring a respectful visit. In this post, we break down how to find a trustworthy Omo Valley guide, what to expect, and tips to make your experience smooth and meaningful.
Trying to figure out the best time to visit Kyoto? This guide breaks down each season with insider tips on weather, festivals, and crowd levels so you can plan the perfect trip to Japan’s cultural heart.
We survived the 🇦🇹 and 🇮🇹 alps AND Oktoberfest. The driving part was a ton of fun as we splurged on Porsche rentals and it certainly felt like we were re-living or twenties with the amount of 🍺 we drank in Munich. Overall, a great personal trip. Make sure to check out our Instagram highlight if you haven't seen it yet!
Also, by the time you're reading this, we'll be on another personal trip to Curaçao, a new country for us! Trying our best to balance out the year of hard work with some 🏖️🤿🤗
🍪 Travel Tidbits
Travel News
Here's the latest from the industry with a few articles that we think you'll enjoy.
The stunning Canadian island you can see but not touch: Hidden deep in the Rockies and only visible by boat, Spirit Island is one of Canada's most iconic places – and a sacred site for those who have sealed it off from the world.
A tough, lonely drive to the end of the world: Chile's Carretera Austral remains one of the world's most remote and spectacular road trips, where every kilometre tests your resolve and rewards your persistence.
Silver Nova begins it's Grand Voyage: Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has departed on a 47-day circumnavigation of Australia.
Holiday season is going to ramp up and we'd love to know what you have planned this year! Simplyreply to this e-mail and let us know your plans.
Cheers,
Will
Your Chief of Awesome
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