The Best September Destinations

It’s this time of year where the kids are starting to go back school and the adults have had some time off but not quite enough to properly unwind before they head back to work. That’s why September is one of the best months to take that much-needed vacay as its relatively less crowded and usually a lot cheaper too.

So, put away those August summer blues, pack your favourite items of clothing and head to the nearest airport for your next exciting and well-deserved destination. These are my top 8 cities to visit in September:

1. Barcelona, Spain

One of Europe’s most popular destinations to visit and explore, this city does have it all under one roof. Barcelona is notoriously famous due to Gaudi’s incredible and breath-taking architecture and design which can be found throughout the city – the most famous being the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. On top of this you also beautiful beaches, feisty festivals, lively nightlife, an abundance of shopping, cable cars, castle forts, Barcelona FC and the aquarium.

The best part? You will pretty much get to enjoy all of the above with minimum crowds as the busy tourist period is practically over by this time of year and won’t be as jam-packed.

2. Phu Quoc, Vietnam

Whilst not technically a city, Phu Quoc is a beautiful island just off the coast of Vietnam and only a few hours away from the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. It is famously known for its white beaches, dense tropical jungles and luxury resorts. La Veranda Resort is a 1920s French colonial-style mansion which provides a captivating and beautiful stay that will leave you wanting more.

Balconies and verandas offer stunning vistas of an unspoiled beach and the sapphire waters of the Gulf of Thailand beyond. Cocooned by lush tropical gardens it has a huge swimming pool which overlooks the ocean creating a sense of seclusion. Whilst there, don’t forget to check out the verdant pepper fields, fragrant fish sauce factories, vibrant villages, bustling fishing ports.

3. Munich, Germany

What is other perfect time to visit Munich than when the world-famous beer festival Oktoberfest is celebrated? While certainly not the quietest time of year to go, it is one to experience first-hand and try the many hundreds of beers and ciders. Be sure to also have your cameras to hand so you take lots of photos of people dressed up in their lederhosen and dirndls.

Fancy something a bit more scenic and eye-appealing? Then drive an hour outside of Munich and you will find the Neuschwanstein Castle which has become world-famous on social media. While it sits atop a mountain the towers of the castle stand out magnificently against the stunning natural backdrop. This is one not to miss!

4. Dublin, Ireland

Fancy a quick long weekend getaway? Then Dublin should be your first choice. Explore the hustle and bustle of the city which is full of contemporary bars, traditional pubs, delicious restaurants, intriguing museums and majestic architecture. Of course, Ireland is well known for its Guinness so make sure you check out the storehouse to see how it is brewed and even have a few tasters.

For the nature lovers, head out and visit the historic castles such as Cahir Castle which is well worth putting on your itinerary, not to mention the desolate isles and glaciers that fringe the island. If you’re lucky you may even get to catch a quick glimpse of the seals that hang around there and are said to be good omens.

5. Glencoe, Scotland

Due to it technically being the wet season in September, Glencoe can swing either way for weather and that’s why the prices significantly decrease and make it more of a viable option to explore. It is a small city and nestled in the deep valley which is perfect for those outdoor enthusiasts as it has plenty of waterfalls, hiking trails and mountains for you to climb.

History and culture are abundant here which you can indulge in at the local museums and heritage sites dotted around the city. There are plenty of quirky local pubs to visit too, where you can sit by a warm fire and have a few cheeky drinks.

Tip: the nearest airport is Glasgow. The cheapest way to get from Glasgow Airport to Glencoe is to take a bus which costs 16€ - 23€ and takes ~2h 17m.

6. Boston, USA

What better time to visit Boston than when the usually green leaves and foliage start to turn into beautiful oranges, reds and yellows signalling the start of autumn. As the weather starts to cool down, you will find yourself layering up to enjoy the natural beauty intertwined with the urban city creating a unique sightseeing tour.

It is also the start of the theatre season so many tourists will head to see their favourite show or play while grabbing a few drinks and snacks to keep out the cold. Another popular museum is the Museum of African American History, which is the largest museum in New England dedicated to preserving the trials and tribulations of African Americans throughout history.

7. Sicily, Italy

Not the usual destination for most tourists as Rome and Venice tend to steal the spotlight a lot of the time all year round. However, Sicily is a fantastic place to visit in September as the locals return to their regular routines and it is way less crowded than during the summer months. That doesn’t mean the sun isn’t still shining though, as its warm and often beautiful, making it the perfect getaway.

There are plenty of historical destinations to visit and get your fill of cultural knowledge plus seven of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Ancient Greeks thought Mount Etna was home to the Cyclops, but instead, it has become one of the major destinations for tourists to the province of Catania. If you fancy climbing (or getting the cable car too) the largest active volcano in Europe, then you will not be disappointed with the views.

Tip: the largest and main airport in Sicily is Catania-Fontanarossa.

8. Andalucia, Spain

This is another great city to visit if you consider yourself a wine lover as Andalucia puts on a huge yearly celebration for its wine harvest. The area is most notably famed for its fruity sherry-like drinks, as well as some lighter traditional wines. The city becomes very lively making it an extremely fun place to be and you will find yourself swept up in the festivities.

It is also a great time of year as the sun is a lot gentler and less harsh than the summer months making it more enjoyable, plus the prices are significantly lower and the beaches are quieter. While the Costa del Sol’s coast can feel a little tired and tacky, head east to Nerja where there are still some lovely natural coves.

Tip: The largest close airport to Andalucia is in Malaga.

Be sure to check out my website Take The Leap Travel for more information and travel advice as well as my Instagram @explorewithlee and @taketheleaptravel.

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