The top destinations for travel in September

The top destinations for travel in September offer perfect weather and fewer crowds. From exploring the vibrant culture of Barcelona to enjoying the serene beaches of Bali, these locations promise unforgettable experiences, making it an ideal time to travel.

The top destinations for travel in September

The top destinations for travel in September: the busiest season has passed, the places are less crowded because the kids are back in school, and thus, airfare, lodging, and even attraction costs have decreased. It’s the ideal time of year to visit places that are normally bustling with visitors and take in the breathtaking scenery, opulent hotels, and exciting outdoor activities.

These travel suggestions capture the best of shoulder season adventures, whether you’re lounging on uncrowded beaches in Fiji, taking in a film in Toronto, or living the literary life to the fullest in the Scottish Highlands. Thus, why do you delay? These are11 The top destinations for travel in September, ranging from Nantucket to Bali.

Fiji

Although Fiji is the kind of year-round tropical paradise we often dream about (we even ranked it one of the best locations to visit in the South Pacific in 2024), the summertime crowds make this more than 300-island group feel a little less perfect. September is one of the greatest months to visit this portion of the central Pacific because of the dispersal of those people, pleasant weather, crystal-clear waters, and reduced accommodation rates. The soft coral that envelops the nation offers some of the best diving conditions on the planet, and the marine reserve surrounding Namena Island stands out due to its countless varieties of vibrant fish. Bonus: September occurs just in the middle of humpback whale mating season, so you may see some gentle giants while diving.

Take this trip as an opportunity to finally reserve a room at Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2024 choice, Kokomo Private Island Resort. Situated on a distinctly unexplored group of islands in the southern region of Fiji, the five-star resort is even more exclusive due to its mere 25 rooms. The views of the coral reef from your private infinity pool, which include turtles and possibly some of those aforementioned humpbacks, are breathtaking and well worth the price. The thatched-roof villas are the pinnacle of Pacific luxury.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Fall in Wyoming ushers in migratory wildlife and bright sky, replacing summer road trippers. You have the entire month of September to go rafting the Snake River, hiking and biking through the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and taking an early-morning bison safari because the winter frost doesn’t arrive until mid-October.

Fly fishing at Jackson Hole, nevertheless, has to be the best fall activity. Discover more about the sport at Hotel Jackson, a boutique hotel in the center of Jackson that was constructed using LEED principles. The “Fish the Fly Guide” on the site takes visitors on half-day or full-day boat tours to some of Wyoming’s top fishing locations. Fly fishing is undoubtedly one of the greatest ways to take in the natural splendor of this region, whether you’re pursuing rainbow trout in Yellowstone National Park or cutthroat trout on the Snake River. When you get back to the hotel, relax in the library or visit FIGS, the restaurant, for some Mediterranean fare.

Bali

The top destinations for travel in September is a great month to go because of the pleasant weather and little chance of rain in Bali. (Since this is right after the busiest travel season, you may also benefit from a little decrease in hotel prices at this time.) The island’s well-known temples, gardens, monkeys, and surfing beaches are all the more to be enjoyed. There are so many different areas to discover, ranging from the rice paddies and unique boutiques of Canggu to the rain-forested inland town of Ubud.

The editor and reader-approved COMO Shambhala Estate, a five-star haven for affluent travelers seeking spiritual development with Hindu water blessings and chakra healers, is one such hotel or resort where you can get the whole Bali experience in one visit. You’ll definitely feel better when you leave thanks to the three pools, hammam treatment, private waterfall, and wholesome Southeast Asian cuisine.

Geneva, Switzerland

With its magnificent views of the Alps, Jura Mountains, and, of course, Lake Geneva, Geneva is an especially gorgeous spot to visit come fall, but we definitely don’t need to sell you on the beauty of Switzerland. The Patek Philippe Museum, which features timepieces made by the company’s master watchmakers as well as an assortment of watches and enamel miniatures from the 16th to the 19th centuries, is celebrating its 23rd anniversary this year. Don’t forget to visit MAMCO, Switzerland’s largest museum of contemporary art, which has over 6,000 pieces.

Regarding lodging, consider The Woodward by Oetker Collection, a hotel with exclusively suites located on the shores of Lake Geneva. In addition to its breathtaking views, the hotel has the longest indoor pool in Geneva, a large spa, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The top destinations for travel in September is a great month to visit the Amalfi Coast because it’s much less crowded than summer and has pleasant weather (highs in the 70s and 80s). Take some time to explore the renowned colorful coastal villages, such as Positano with its breathtaking vistas and Ravello with its lovely gardens.

Situated just three miles from Amalfi, the Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa is a gloriously private 20-room establishment housed in a renovated 17th-century monastery. Enjoy regional Campanian dishes at the Michelin-starred restaurant Il Refettorio after soaking in the clifftop pool and receiving spa treatments.

Braemar, Scotland

You’re not alone if you’ve ever fantasized of withdrawing to the Scottish Highlands to pen the next great book; authors like Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson drew inspiration from this area. Actually, Stevenson wrote Treasure Island in the Fife Arms, a 19th-century hunting lodge turned inn that is still in use as a hotel. It is so fitting that the Braemar Literary Festival be held annually at the Fife Arms.

The hotel’s third annual festival, taking place from September 20 to 22, will be in full swing. It will feature literary talks, special visitors (such as Judi Dench and Queen Consort Camilla in the past), and magnificent Victorian decor with a backdrop of museum-quality artwork. While the specifics of the festival are still to be confirmed, a stay at the Fife Arms is sure to be unforgettable.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Every traveler should take a hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region of central Turkey, particularly if they schedule their vacation just after the intense summer heat. You cannot enjoy a 360-degree view of the well-known limestone spires and “fairy chimneys” from the ground level; only from the sky-high ride. We advise making reservations with Kapadokya Balloons, the first provider of hot air balloon tours in Cappadocia. Included in the services are champagne after the flight, snacks, complete insurance, and transportation to and from your accommodation.

In relation to lodging, make plans to stay at the upscale town of Ürgüp, which is roughly 45 minutes away from Cappadocia. Esbelli Evi is a 10-room hotel situated on a hillside and is etched into the rock. The accommodations have circular ceilings and sloping walls, giving them a cave-like appearance, yet the ambiance is upscale with claw-foot bathtubs and antique writing desks.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

It’s not only summertime in Nantucket. While there won’t be as many people around during an autumn visit, you can still partake in the same outdoor activities as during peak season. Enjoy the lack of lineups at Cisco Brewers and The Proprietors, or spend your days sailing, golfing, biking, and going to neighboring lighthouses. Don’t miss the 13th annual Nantucket Project (September 26–29), a “ideas conference” with live discussions, musical performances, and the screening of unique films by celebrities and innovators.

Although the list of keynote speakers for this year is still pending, previous speakers have included Ndaba Mandela, Jennifer Garner, Paul Giamatti, and Steve Wozniak. The venue for the event is the White Elephant hotel, one of Nantucket’s most beloved establishments. The beachfront resort offers some of the greatest seafood on the island, as well as roomy apartments with views of the harbor, an outdoor heated pool, and a top-notch spa.

Namibia

Namibia is one of the most beautiful countries in Africa in terms of its natural beauty. From the surreal scenery of the Skeleton Coast to the varying dunes of the Namib Sand Sea to the spooky, sun-blackened trees of Deadvlei, the Namib Desert is the bright gem of the nation. July through October are the ideal months to visit because of the low 70s temperatures and low likelihood of rain. While this is also the best time to see wildlife, it can get a bit crowded with tourists, but at and Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in southwest Namibia, you can avoid the crowds.

The lodge offers visitors an à la carte menu of adventures, such as riding an e-bike along the 12-mile circuit, climbing to the rock drawings in the nearby caves, riding a quad cycle across the dunes, or going on a hot air balloon flight early in the morning. Stargazing at the on-site observatory, which is adjacent to an International Dark Sky Reserve, is undoubtedly the most thrilling activity offered. It’s a unique chance to view the southern hemisphere stars from among the world’s darkest and safest skies.

Georgia

True wine enthusiasts should go straight to Georgia, the small country in the Caucasus that has been producing wine longer than any other place in the world, if they have already visited Napa and Tuscany. With 4,250 square kilometers of undulating vines, hospitable wineries, exceptional local cuisine, and reasonably priced accommodations, Kakheti is the premier wine region in the nation. September also happens to be the height of harvest season there.

Your tasting tour should begin at Twins Old Cellar, a family-run business where guests can taste three wines and chacha (a strong Georgian liquor) while exploring the museum dedicated to qvevri, the traditional method of creating wine in clay pots. After that, take a fifteen-minute journey to Alaverdi Monastery, Georgia’s wine capital, where you may peruse the 104-variety “vine library” and sip a glass of nutty amber khikhvi wine.

Drive to Kabadoni, a minimalist boutique hotel in the cobblestoned village of Sighnaghi, at the conclusion of the day. The vibrant Georgian carpets, regional cuisine, and vineyard views make it the perfect place to crash after a night out.

Toronto

Do you want to bet on who will win the Oscar pool the next year? Come to Toronto from September 5 to September 15, when the 10-day Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) takes place. The last of the major three (with Cannes and Venice), it sets the stage for the start of the Oscar season; positive publicity generated here frequently results in an Oscar victory six months later. Unlike its rivals in Europe, tickets for the festival are widely available and reasonably priced, and it is based out of the specially created TIFF Lightbox, which occupies a full city block downtown.

Stay at the boutique hotel in Bisha, a vibrant alternative to the corporate accommodations that have long dominated this area of town (Four Seasons and Fairmont both got their start here). Enjoy a glass of champagne at the rooftop bar while taking in views of the CN Tower to round off the evening.