Our top 6 ideas in October

Polar Bear Migration

The Polar Bear Migration, Canada 

Polar bears are a potentially endangered species living in the circumpolar north. The coast of Hudson Bay, Churchill is noted to be “Polar Bear Capital of the World” as once every year it is swelled by the bears as they migrate through on route to their traditional hunting grounds. Attracting attention on their travels, visitors gather to capture a rare glimpse of one of nature’s truly awesome spectacles, during this time is a unique experience of nature.

As the summer comes to an end, the bears head in the direction of Hudson Bay, following the paths of the salt water banks, gathering outside the town waiting for the cold winter weather to ice the bay. Once the bay is frozen, they spend the winter months on the ice. This spectacular journey, through the pristine sub-arctic wilderness, affords us a rare glimpse of one of nature’s truly awesome spectacles, as we enjoy unsurpassed encounters from the comfort of our specially adapted ‘Tundra Vehicles’ 

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Momeji
Momeji

Momeji Leaves Turning Red, Japan

October marks the start of Japan’s most vibrantly coloured and spectacular season. Throughout the country the leaves of the Japanese maple tree, known as momeji, turn various hues of red, orange and finally gold, creating scenes of astounding beauty. It is said that the colours of the leaves turn brighter due to the condition of the huge temperature differences between day and night, the moderate humidity, strong ultraviolet rays, many hours of sunlight and the high temperature in the summer time which add to the leaves brightness. The ancient city of Kyoto is particularly renowned for the momeji which can be seen covering much of the mountainous area to the east of the city. Temperatures in October are relatively mild, around 20°C (68°F).

Japan has a unique blend of ancient traditions, imperial grandeur and 21st century innovation that makes it an extraordinary destination to enjoy. Tokyo, described as Asia’s most cosmopolitan destination, mixes old traditional temples and shrines with new modern architecture, whilst the holy island of Miyajima Island is just off the coast of Hiroshima, amidst the waters of the Seto Inland Sea. Mount Fuji provides a spectacular backdrop to the country and an unforgettable trip. 

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Everlasting storm, Venezuela

Venezuela's everlasting storm occurs all year round, but October is the perfect time to witness this spectacular display. Located on the mouth of the Catatumbo River, this natural phenomena is a cloud-to-cloud lightening storm that forms a voltage arch more than five kilometres high for ten hours a night. 

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Hoi An 2

Full moon festival in Hoi An, Vietnam

The Full Moon Festival in Hoi An coincides with the full moon on the lunar calendar. A highlight of any trip to Vietnam, Hoi An turns off any excess lighting and decorates its streets with candles and lanterns. Traditional music fills the air whilst tea lights float down the river in a truly magical evening. 

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Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead  - Mexico 

Here, skeletons are the guests of honour. It is known throughout the world that Mexicans remember their deceased in a very peculiar way, with parties that release this people's creative, mocking and devoted spirit. In Aguascalientes, a city of deep-rooted traditions, you'll find that the dead are truly celebrated at the Festival of Skulls (Festival de las Calaveras), celebrated during the last week of October and the first week of November. This celebration began as a homage to famed local artist and engraver, Jose Guadalupe Posada, creator of the Catrina, one of Mexico's most iconic images. In his famous satirical cartoons, Posada portrayed a skeleton dressed in a French feathered hat, in reference to Mexicans who aspired to be Europeans, thus emphatically denying their origins. If you're in Aguascalientes for the Festival of Skulls, don't miss the numerous musical performances, theatre plays, sports events, movie projections, art and design exhibitions, workshops, culinary tastings and countless other celebrations of local culture. If you happen to miss all this, be there for the eerie crowning event of the festival: the skeletons' street parade! The serious side of the celebrations is as important here as the frivolities of the festival. You'll be moved to see local people place candles, marigolds, photographs and traditional bread on an altar dedicated to their loved ones, surrounding their memory with the foods they liked to eat in life. This way of commemorating the dead may strike you as unusual at first, but the emotions of the ceremony are unforgettable for all. Finally, for some family fun, the party that takes place in San Marcos Island provides some welcome relief from the city. Take the kids and let your hair down, learn a little about local craftsmanship, eat some traditional food and enjoy yourself.

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Sand Dunes Kasbah Trail

Desert Discovery - North Africa and the Middle East

Discover the desert dunes of North Africa and the Middle East during October, as the temperatures start to subside it opens up a wealth of activities and opportunities. Just as each natural environment has its own beauty and charm, so the desert has its own simple atmosphere and style that are extremely divergent from city life. The desert awaits you with a number of activities, such as cycling with four-wheel drive bicycles, skiing on sand, sand duning with four-wheel buggies, in addition to the fun of camping under the star-studded desert sky.

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