Before the year turns to the fall calendar, September is a nice time to plan a vacation. Kids are back in school, the vacation rush is winding down, temperatures are starting to cool, there’s more availability in popular summer spots, and rates for hotels and airfares start to drop.
Destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia are cooling off, and popular tourist spots like the Grand Canyon and Barcelona have fewer crowds at their top attractions. Bucket-list locations like Zimbabwe are in the dry season, making it a perfect month for an African safari.
Introduction To To Travel In September?
Many believe that September is the best time to travel without the crowds that plague popular spots in July and August. In the USA, summer is winding down, making it easier to navigate the busy roads and find vacation deals.
Europeans are also escaping the summer heat, with many choosing to leave for their beach vacations in early August. It’s a great month to be in Europe, or anyplace that has a Mediterranean-like climate where summers are hot and winters are mild.
The tourism board at the city of Barcelona, Spain, is putting out a web campaign in an attempt to re-brand Barcelona as a year-round destination by enticing travelers to visit in September. In the USA, tourism officials in Texas, Virginia, and Vermont, are encouraging tourists to beat the summer crowds by visiting in September instead.
The beaches of Bermuda are breezy and uncrowded in September. Hotels along the coast, such as the Fairmont Southampton known for its spa, are offering discounts and special packages.
If you are looking to travel off of the beaten path, September can be an ideal time to go. When I visited Turkey in September, I saw only a handful of other tourists and experienced the country in a much more authentic way. I avoided crowds at the ancient ruins of Ephesus and experienced a magnificent sunset at the ruins of ancient Aphrodisias, the world’s best-preserved structure from the Roman Empire.
Traveling In September Is Best For Europe
Europe is a great destination to visit in September because it’s still warm in the Mediterranean climate and temperatures in the northern latitudes are warm enough to venture into the mountains. Spain and France are particularly good during the fall because the crowds have largely left for their beach vacations. The crowds will return in the spring, making September a great time to visit.
The cities of Milan and Bologna are great for art lovers. Milan is considered the design capital of the world, and many of the top designers have their shows in September, making it easier to get into the city.
If you want to escape the summer weather, the delightful city of Porto in Portugal is a great place to visit. Along the waterfront, grand 15th-century palaces overlook the São João River. The streets are filled with cafes and wine bars, making it easy to enjoy a lazy evening as you admire the architecture and listen to the chatter. Porto retains the feel of a medieval village, but its mosaic of ancient buildings is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and culture.
Traveling In September is Ideal For Southern Hemisphere
Paradise cove is a great way to travel in September with smaller crowds and significantly cheaper prices.
The southern hemisphere has a unique season to focus on in September, as many top destinations are in the dry season, which reduces crowding around the best attractions. In September, the dry season takes place in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand are both in their warm season, making it an ideal time to discover the country.
In Australia, the town of Port Douglas is a great place to visit to because it offers great weather and loads of outdoor adventure. It’s also home to a community of people who have transformed the town into a resort town with yachts, waterfront restaurants, designer shopping, and exclusive homes. It’s far from the hectic crowds of the Gold Coast or Brisbane.
If you’re looking for a unique attraction, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a great place to visit. It’s one of the top destinations in Australia, but it’s less popular in September because of the heat. Uluru is a unique site because it’s one of the world’s oldest rocks, and a National Park. This means it is surrounded by a natural landscape of spectacular cliffs, and visitors can walk around the base of Uluru and to the summit. Along the way, you can learn about indigenous animals and plants. Uluru is one of the country’s best-kept secrets.
Antarctica is another base for travel in September. With few flight options and isolated communities, its ideal for nature lovers, wildlife watches, and adventurers. The weather is picture perfect with clear skies and chilly air, and great for exploring the vast ice sheets and cascading glaciers. If you’re looking for an adventure, do an Antarctic expedition or participate in a dog sled expedition. If you want to find out more about the history of the continent, Antarctica cruises are a great way to do so, as you get to know the culture of its people, including whale watching, and support ecoparks and museums.
The great thing about September is that it offers so much variety to fit different travel styles. Request a free travel itenerary today and your dream adventure could begin as soon as next month.
What are your favorite places to travel in September?
Lesotho in southern Africa, a monarchy which is surrounded by South Africa, is one of my favorite countries that I enjoy traveling to September and October. The fresh air, breathtaking views of the landscape, and friendly people are an awesome addition to getting away from the US.
Other than pleasure travel, there are many reasons to travel to September
Traveling during this time can reduce crowds.
If you’re looking for a vacation where you can have more options, this is definitely a great time to travel. The summer months are notorious for overwhelming crowds, so if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle, September can help you out.
Most families choose to vacation during the summer when their children are out of school. In September when summer is slowly ending but school has not started, most families are not at their children’s side and there are less crowds at the most popular destinations.
Travel during the fall weather for less money.
Cheaper international airfare usually coincides with September but doesn’t ensure that the price will fit your budget. If you’re looking to save money, realize that prices will be either lower or the same as other times of the year while the weather is perfect.
Revel in the autumn colors.
There is nothing like being able to watch the leaves change colors. In the United States, trees start changing colors around mid-September. The Commonwealth of Virginia boasts some of the best fall foliage in the country, but the city of Richmond is especially known for its blazing fall leaves, with hillsides that turn scarlet by early November.
Take advantage of lower prices.
For some, this is the number one reason why they need to plan a trip to September. Not only are airfares usually cheaper, but hotels, tours, and restaurants will also match the summer prices.
Hawaii
This product was recommended by Alex Miller from UpgradedPoints
By September, Hawaii will have lifted their quarantine protocols (most likely), and the state will be very popular with tourists, especially from the mainland US. It will definitely be one of the hottest travel spots for Americans.
Greece
This product was recommended by Alex Miller from UpgradedPoints
Internationally, Greece has done a phenomenal job of containing the virus, and is currently considered one of the safest countries in Europe. It will be a popular spot to travel to simply because of how safe it is.
Canada
This product was recommended by Alex Miller from UpgradedPoints
By September, I think most restrictions between the US and Canada will be lifted, and because it is close to home, yet still international, it will be a popular spot for Americans to get away to, simply because of how well trusted the country is in handling the crisis, and how close it is to the US should a return be needed.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
This product was recommended by Pierre Pitlo from African Safari Experts
South Luangwa is known as the Valley of the Leopards and is one of the most affordable and pristine wildlife parks in Africa. Safari packages range from luxurious to standard and all have a deep focus on walking safaris, birding and incredible wildlife interactions. Experts have dubbed South Luangwa to be one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The concentration of animals around the Luangwa River, and its oxbow lagoons, is among the most intense in Africa. The Luangwa River is the most intact major river system in Africa and is the life-blood of this 9059 km2 Park. The Park hosts a wide variety of wildlife, birds and vegetation. The now famous ‘walking safari’ originated in this Park and is still one of the finest ways to experience Africa’s pristine wilderness first-hand. The changing seasons add to the Park’s richness, ranging from; dry, bare bushveld in the winter, to a lush, green wonderland in the summer months. There are 60 different animal species and over 400 different bird species in South Luangwa National Park. The park is easily accessible through South Africa or from the capital Lusaka.
Bar Harbor, Maine
This product was recommended by Kate W. from PleasureBetter
The leaves are just beginning to change, and the weather is fair and cool. It’s not a very busy place and provides great hiking, boating, or just town-meandering opportunities. It’s just a quaint place with great Air BnBs.
Croatia
This product was recommended by Guillaume Cachia from WandrHop
Although there is no set-in-stone date for the reopening of international flights, Croatia is already seeing a mass interest from travelers as a Corona-free travel destination.
Sri Lanka
This product was recommended by Skandha Ponniah from Sri Lanka In Style
Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated in the Indian Ocean. It blessed with something for everyone to enjoy, year round, – incredible beaches, rolling tea hills, incredible wildlife (including Leopards, Elephants, Blue Whales and Bears!), thousands of years of culture (with multiple UNESCO world heritage sites), wonderful surf, etc. in a safe, serene and easily traversable space. It’s one of the only places in the world where you can see the world’s largest land mammal (the Elephant) and the world’s largest ocean mammal (the Blue Whale) in the same place. Need I say more! 🙂 In these terrible times, Sri Lanka has proved resilient, with a very low number of COVID-19 cases and a strong island-wide response to mitigate spread as well as a proactive stance to prepare the destination for the new normal. Sri Lanka In Style are offering very flexible booking and cancellation policies (including no cancellation fees for trips cancelled 7 days in advance of travel – to help travellers book with peace of mind at this time.
Buyé Beach, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
This product was recommended by Carlos Paralitici Buitrago from West Side Destination
Buyé beach is what you want from every beach and more! You have beautiful white sand, calm waters, direct sunlight, and a spectacular view of the ocean. Besides being the local spot for sunbathers, it is one of the places in Puerto Rico where you get a great and spectacular view of the sunset as it is in the Southern most corner of the West side of the island. Families come to enjoy a weekend of fun, jetskiers come for the great waters and a lot of travelers come for the relaxing beach and view. The West side of Puerto Rico is a place to relax and unwind like no other. After the beach you can go to a large array of culinary experiences through out the area but we definitely suggest Buena Vibra, it is one of the highest rated restaurants in the area, as per TripAdvisor, and our close friends of ours and we can vouch that the food, being creative cuisine, is more than tasteful. From a fresh avocado stuffed with fresh caught fish to a nice skirt steak with a nice mofongo and some fresh lobster to go with it, Buena Vibra will leave you full and your pocket will not feel it. All of this can be found in just minutes of each other, making Cabo Rojo in general, the place to travel to, but most definitely Buyé Beach will leave you in awe.
Alaska
This product was recommended by Valerie Stimac from Valerie & Valise
While summer is usually the peak season for Alaska travel, this year the autumn and winter months are more likely to draw big crowds. September is especially great in Alaska as there’s a chance to see the northern lights, some smaller cruise companies continue offering service through this month, and the landscape goes through a dramatic and colorful change from summer green to autumn red, orange, yellow, and brown before finally offering you the chance to experience snow.
Bloomington, Indiana
This product was recommended by Ellen Neiers from Visit Bloomington
Located in the heart of the rolling hills of Southern Indiana and built around the iconic Indiana University, Bloomington is an off-the-beaten-path escape that’s inclusive, affordable, academic, and unpretentious. Cycling, camping, fishing, foraging, birding, boating, hiking, and meditation with Tibetan monks. Plenty of boutique hotels, inns, quirky Airbnbs, and even yurts and micro-cabins for rent. Plus, the 200-acre Hoosier National Forest (Check out these Insta-worthy stops to see the Fall foliage) and Monroe Lake (Indiana’s largest) are ideal for getting lost in and on.
Aarhus Denmark
This product was recommended by Reuben Yonatan from GetVoIP
Known as the capital of culture in Europe, Aarhus has incredible weather (fall season) in September. In the first week of the month, they hold the Aarhus festival which goes on for 10 days. The festival celebrates music, culture and art.
Vancouver, British Columbia
This product was recommended by Philip Weiss from PhilipWeiss
Vancouver is one of the natural gems of North America during the fall, with the colors of autumn fully represented all over the city. As a city that perfectly combines urbanization with nature, the many parks and city windows reward visitors in the fall. There are plenty of trees in Stanley Park, which is located right in the heart of the city. What’s really unique about September in Vancouver, is riding the Skytrain across the city, where stunning views of the city can be seen it it’s full autumn splendor. For anyone that wants to experience everything that nature has to offer in the fall, while inside a city, Vancouver has it all.
Morocco
This product was recommended by Chris McCarty from Kimkim
September and October are great times to visit Morocco, especially the desert as the days are more manageable than in the summer months, and you can still explore the Atlas Mountains surrounding Marrakesh, as you won’t yet have to deal with snow. The Imperial cities will still be quite warm, and you can escape the heat by visiting coastal towns, such as Essaouira. You’ll also find several music festivals: – Oasis Festival (electronic music, Marrakech) – L’Boulevard Festival (Casablanca) – Tanjazz Festival (Jazz Festival in Tangier)
Scotland
This product was recommended by Mia Clarke from InvertPro
I highly recommend Scotland as a place to travel in September. By then the temperatures are still mild, prices to travel have dropped, and the leaves have just started to turn color. There are fewer tourists, yet everything is still open from the tourist season, so it’s a great time to visit and really soak up the beauty of Scotland, without it being mobbed with people. In the late summer, the beauty of the Scottish highlands really comes alive, so September is a fantastic time to visit this beautiful country.
Berg Lake
This product was recommended by Zac Andrus from World Wild Hearts
Berg Lake is one of the finest hiking and camping destinations in North America. However, few people know about it. Located on the border between British Colombia and Alberta, Berg Lake is nestled below the glaciers of Mount Robson. Along the trail you will find glacial lakes, more than 20 glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and mountain views. September is one of the driest times on the Canadian Rockies and is the perfect month to visit as you will have the best chances to see Berg Lake and Mount Robson in their full glory under the summer sun. If you enjoy the great outdoors, this is a must-visit spot in your lifetime.
Maui, Hawaii
This product was recommended by Ale from Sea Salt and Fog
Traveling to Maui, Hawaii is amazing any time of year, but specially in September since that’s the beginning of the shoulder season. This means that flights and hotels in the island are much cheaper than they otherwise would be. You can enjoy warm tropical beaches and weather, relax poolside, or go hiking in one of the most beautiful places in the world for much cheaper than during most other times of the year! Crowds should be thinner in September, so you won’t be vying with everyone else to take that perfect instagram selfie.
South Korea
This product was recommended by Sonya Schwartz from Her Norm
South Korea is the best place to visit during the autumn season due to its various beautiful landscapes. It consists of different parks and placid sceneries which gives a feeling of calmness. You can enjoy different cuisines during the cold weather while experiencing the autumn foliage.
Japan
This product was recommended by Sonya Schwartz from Her Norm
Autumn in Japan is just breathtaking. Cherry blossoms and warm food is what japan is best for during this season. Japan offers a burst of different colors on its majestic forests. Enjoy your time here while it lasts and take photos as this country will take you on a memorable experience.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This product was recommended by Krystel Seijo from PlanningTheMagic
We are all worried about the world’s current events, right? But we are also itching with the anticipation of being able to leave our homes and experience adventure. If you’re anything like me, you’re wondering where you can take your family and still be safe. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for your September vacation. Waterfalls, an Appalachian Trail, deep history, and so much more. Oh, and don’t forget to go for a swim at The Sink swimming hole which includes a waterfall. There are so many amazing things to do and since its a national park, you can maintain social distancing if needed.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
This product was recommended by Alexa Johnson from Visit Bucks County
Kick off the fall season with a trip to the countryside! Just 1.5 hour drive from NYC, and 30 minutes from Philadelphia, the bucolic backyards of Bucks County are the perfect places to spend a socially distant, scenic and FUN September. Visit the famous Ringing Rocks Park (don’t forget your hammer), spot the start of fall foliage along the Delaware River Canal Towpath on your bike, go rock climbing at High Rocks Park. Dine outdoors at riverside restaurants like Martine’s or the Yardley Inn. Visit downtown New Hope for arts and shopping, or downtown Doylestown for the same! There are so many quaint B&B’s along the Delaware River to take in the cool breeze on your balcony and watch the leaves change.
Rajasthan
This product was recommended by Nico Kostich from Yonder
September offers some great deals to visit Rajasthan and northern India. It is the shoulder month ahead of the peak seasons and the end of monsoon season. With Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur and Amber Fort to visit, among many more, it can prove a great value choice for travellers. At Yonder, we are also offering holiday deferrals for up to 18 months, with the option to change the components if required.
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