In part three of our series, we look at some of the places to consider for a September holiday.
It may be considered an ‘unusual’ month to travel, and for Europeans (especially the British and Irish), September throws up anomalies, especially with most children back at school.
The prices start to magically decrease compared with those of July and August, more so if you can travel midweek, and while prices drop so do the crowds at airports and destination resorts. Getting around at your destination typically becomes easier, and overall levels of service increase; if you put together your own holiday, you can even get to sit together without paying extra fees on budget airlines (not that you really need to waste money booking a specific seat for a flight of just a few hours’ duration).
However, September does not just limit itself to short-haul destinations. If you’re not a sun-seeker and weather is not especially a factor, the world, as they say, “is your oyster”. But do keep in mind that some destinations can still be quite busy as people who avoid the summer high-season family rush, plan their holidays at a time when the kids are back to school; some cynics are surprised that travel and accommodation providers have not yet used this as an excuse to retain higher prices.
Cyprus – if you fancy some time travel, then visiting North Cyprus (fly into Ercan from Turkey to make it easier) will transport you back to the late 20th century. The crowds have long gone, but the weather and sea are still warm. Lefkosa (the sole divided capital in the world) and no-man’s land (between the Greek South and Turkish north) will end up a bucket-list memory. Beaches, castles, wonderful traditional villages, and ruins will all be at your disposal. And not overpriced.
Germany – Moselle Valley – the Rhine usually dominates any river- and valley-orientated trip to Germany, however, do consider the Moselle (a tributary of the Rhine). It is truly beautiful and you can enjoy a completely river-based experience (via cruiser, or if you are brave enough, canoe), with camping or traditional short-stay accommodation as options. It’s also grape-harvesting time and you’ll never be short of local festivities to mark the occasion.
South Korea – this fascinating country tends to be warm and dry during September and tourist numbers have fallen. If you want modern cities alongside Buddhist temples, palaces, culture immersion, vibrant local markets and superb food, this is the destination for you. You may even consider a visit to the demilitarised zone and wonder what life might really be like in the most secretive and repressive country on earth north of the border.
Northern Kenya – time to get that safari out of your system! In September, not only have visitors left Kenya after witnessing the ‘Great Migration’, but it’s the time just before the rainy season. Prices start to tumble, and you can even improve the experience further by visiting some of the less ‘touristy’ reserves. A little bit of forward planning is required in terms of what is included in your booking – there is accommodation, food and drink, safari and wildlife-watching, airstrip and conservation fees to consider, and many destinations do not automatically charge an all-inclusive fee. So, check in advance to avoid any unexpected charges that may put a strain on your budget.
Australia – Whitsunday Islands – some people find the complete reversal of seasons in Australia quite strange (the Australians don’t!), especially when you need Factor 30 or higher on Christmas Day, or winter woollies on June 21! However, Great Barrier Reef (some 93km from Whitsunday Islands by boat) watchers will welcome the mild, dry weather September offers. Beach lovers will appreciate the regular ‘Best beaches in the World’ winning Whitehaven, and those wanting to learn, or to actually dive, as well as enjoy cruises, trips and plenty of sea wildlife, will be in seventh heaven.
Madeira – this may be a Portuguese outpost, but it’s off the coast of Africa, and September is the ideal month to visit what is, after all, a sub-tropical island. Early September also sees the annual festival that celebrates the famous Madeira Wine, while the capital (Funchal) is a must for a few days: there are plenty of historic villages to visit and plenty to explore. Despite being an island, don’t expect great beaches as they tend to be of volcanic origin.
Spain – Costa Brava – Catalan culture and food, Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudí (you must visit Barcelona), quieter beaches, and not forgetting the fact that the beer, beach and nightclub brigade (apart from at some of the very diehard populist tourist hotspots) have all but disappeared. If you can arrange a car rental, you’ll also be able to have easy access to all the hidden delights this area of Spain has to offer.
England – The Cotswolds – the perfect time of year to avoid the coachloads of visitors. Get those walking boots on and explore the wool towns and stone hamlets of old; see for yourself the quintessential, world-famous picture-postcard views this part of the UK is famed for. You may find that towns such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Malmesbury and Castle Coombe can still be busy, but with the children back at school, you’ll now have little trouble finding quaint, quiet corners to relax and imbibe the Cotswolds. There are many National Trust properties that will be less busy and for the adventurous, there is the famous Cotswold Way that takes in the historic city of Bath.
USA – San Francisco – not many people, especially ‘foodies’, need a reason to visit San Francisco at just one particular time of year, however, September is quite an attractive month. The infamous summer fogs have gone, the city area is less busy, prices have dropped and with the Harvest Season, there is plenty of fresh food arriving in a city famous for fabulous eating! It’s also just simply a welcoming time of year there. And unless you plan to visit Alcatraz, which you will need to book your ferry seat for in advance, San Francisco is renowned as a city you don’t really have to plan for. You simply arrive, become immersed and go with the flow.
Other destinations acknowledged as worth thinking about for September:
