Retail Latin America: These Are The Best Things To Buy In October

October is a tricky month because we're so close to November — and the best Black Friday deals — that we can almost taste it. So for many product categories, you're better off waiting until next month to buy. But don't overlook October entirely!

There are a handful of items that are actually better buys this month, and our October buying guide focuses on those things that you should buy now, while offering some notes about the categories that are better left to Black Friday.

If you're putting off the following purchases because you think that you'll score a better deal next month, then think again! These items are at their hottest this month.

Cars

offleaseonly via flickr

Since many manufacturers release new car models in September, experts in the industry claim that dealerships will start slashing prices on older models.

These discounts start in September, but according to Forbes, they become substantially better in October. As a result, you can save 10% to 20% or more on a 2013 car this month.

Vacations

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October is commonly known as the "shoulder season" in the travel industry, and according to Rick Steves, it "combines the advantages of both peak-season and off-season travel ... you'll enjoy decent weather, long-enough daylight, fewer crowds, and a local tourist industry still ready to please and entertain." Oh, and deals.

Booking a trip to a locale that's experiencing a dip in business, like a summer-heavy destination, will yield excellent discounts since there isn't an influx of travelers pushing the prices up.

Costumes

Business Insider/Aly Weisman

Sure, the best time to buy a Halloween costume is on or about November 1, as all seasonal items fall in price once their corresponding holiday has passed.

However, who really wants to buy a costume after Halloween? The week before October 31, numerous stores like Target, Meijer, Carter's, and BuyCostumes will offer discounts, ranging from the modest (30% to 50% off) and the downright affordable (up to 85% off sales that mostly include accessories).

Cruises

Summit

You can get great cruise deals in October for the same reason that general travel is well-priced this time of year: the shoulder season signifies a drop in demand.

And in addition to super cheap prices — recently we've seen 2-person Caribbean cruises for less than $300 — travelers can get a discount by opting for a "repositioning cruise which Newsday explains is a 1-way trip that a cruise line runs to sail a ship back to its base location. Couple that with a super cheap 1-way flight, and you've got a budget-friendly vacation at sea.

Broadway tickets

Flickr/19942094@N0

According to CNN, October is a slow month for Broadway, so you're likely to find an abundance of discounted tickets and special promotions; last month, Amtrak offered "buy one, get one free" tickets to its rewards members.

Since September is also a slow month, it's reasonable to expect to see similar deals in October.

Music

Kim Kardashian

Many artists drop new albums in October, and if they maintain the current trend, several of these musicians will release free track downloads or will offer free album streaming in advance of the record release date.

Want to hear it first? Keep an eye on dealnews and your favorite band's Facebook page for free tracks or streaming promotions. Also be on the look out for advance copies on Amazon, as the store often offers pre-sales of big-name albums for much cheaper than other stores.

School Supplies

Flickr/woodleywonderworks

At this point, many parents have already stocked up on the majority of school supplies that their kids will need, so stores will be moving any remaining items to the bargain bins.

Target, for example, has a slew of items in its Back-to-School Clearance Sale. This sale is great for anything you forgot to pick up, or if you're an adult who still gets sentimental at the sight of Trapper Keepers.

Camping Gear

simonov on flickr

While you won't find particularly good deals on equipment specifically made to endure extreme cold temperatures, October is a great time to shop end-of-season clearance sales from outdoors retailers like REIand Cabela's.

At the moment, REI's sale discounts mild weather items like open-air coverings, pop up chairs, and mesh tents at 60% to 75% off.

iPhone 5 Cases

Steve Kovach/Business Insider

While the newly-announced iPhone 5S will technically still fit into the older iPhone 5 cases, the 5S features a different type of lens and flash technology that is obstructed by certain older cases.

Moreover, any iPhone 5 case that covered the home button will render the fingerprint sensor on the 5S completely useless. Finally, since the iPhone 5 was also discontinued, retailers will be slashing prices on iPhone 5 cases to clear out the stock while they can. And because small accessories like a case aren't major players on Black Friday, you likely won't regret buying now.