Why October Is the Perfect Month for Love, Travel, and Celebration

“I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
— L. M. Montgomery

October has always been our month. It’s when we celebrate our wedding anniversary—on the 20th—and it’s the time of year that holds some of my favorite travel memories.

Don’t you just love October? In the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves begin to change, pumpkin-spiced everything returns, and the cozy spirit of the season arrives. For me, it’s a time of reflection, celebration, and often… adventure.

I’ve always believed in celebrating—new jobs, new homes, new babies, sunsets, anniversaries, birthdays—and yes, especially travel.

When a journey is truly special, I can’t just file it away as a memory. I want to relive it—again and again. I’ll scroll through photos, share moments on Instagram, and create reels that capture the feeling of being there. These are not just trips—they’re milestones in our story as empty nesters rediscovering the world together.

Adventures Worth Celebrating

Since becoming empty nesters (and creating Adventures of Empty Nesters), travel has become a beautiful thread in our lives. My readers often tell me they travel vicariously through my stories—or they’re inspired to start planning their next adventure. Whether you love to explore from a cozy chair by the fire or have a suitcase always half-packed, I’m here to share ideas, tips, and destinations to inspire your own journey.

A 40th Anniversary in Patagonia

Last year, for our 40th wedding anniversary, we partnered with our friends at Collette for a truly unforgettable tour—Patagonia: Edge of the World. The landscapes were otherworldly, and the adventure was everything we hoped for and more. We extended our trip by a few extra days in Buenos Aires, soaking in the city’s rhythm, tango music, and those famous Argentinian steaks.

An African Adventure to Remember

Two years ago, we marked our anniversary with an extraordinary Africa tour—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that continues to inspire me. The wildlife, the people, the vast open skies—it was pure magic. I’ve shared podcast episodes and Instagram highlights from that journey if you’d like to experience it with me!

California Dreamin’: Our 2025 Anniversary Getaway

This year, we stayed closer to home and indulged in a luxury travel experience in California—a romantic weekend in North San Diego County. We returned to one of our favorite boutique hotels, the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas.

The Alila Marea is modern, sophisticated, and perfectly positioned on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The staff is exceptional, the cuisine is outstanding, and the entire resort embodies California coastal luxury.

Of course, no trip to the area is complete without dinner at Jeune et Jolie in nearby Carlsbad—a restaurant that redefines French-inspired fine dining in Southern California. Their four-course tasting menu allows guests to choose their own adventure, blending inventive flavors with impeccable presentation. Though Jeune et Jolie proudly holds a Michelin star, it remains refreshingly warm and unpretentious—an experience that feels both refined and welcoming.

Here’s to Many More Octobers

October will always hold a special place in my heart—a season for celebrating love, adventure, and the beauty of travel. Whether we’re exploring faraway lands or rediscovering favorites close to home, the spirit of discovery never fades.

Here’s to many more Octobers filled with sunsets, passports, and champagne toasts. If you are in a celebratory mood, why not come with us to Tuscany next year? Check out our Tours in Tuscany—we want to show you all our favorite places!