You may think that September is a depressing back to work/school month where the days are getting shorter and colder, but we are here to tell you why it is one of the best times of year to travel.
So lets start with the obvious - low season prices! As children head back to school fewer people can travel, meaning that hotels and flights are often cheaper than over the summer. There are bargains to be found if you are looking – but as ever last-minute deals aren’t guaranteed so best to plan ahead.
Fewer tourists at your chosen destination means that you find shorter queues, more room on the beach, perhaps even cheaper excursions. Compared to the central summer months September means you can actually relax on holiday, who’d have thought it?
Milder weather – no overheating on the beach or ducking into the nearest air-conditioned shop for respite, September weather in Europe usually drops to somewhere around the mid-twenties – the perfect temperature whether you are lolling about on a sun lounger or exploring a new city.
Yes the sun is lower in the sky and the days are slightly shorter, but the change of season is precisely what makes travelling at this time of year so special – that slight nip in the evening air, the changing foliage, who doesn’t want to make the most of the warm weather before then winter comes and I challenge you to find anyone who doesn’t love autumn colours.
Going away in September before the nights really start to draw in is a great way to extend the summer, which after all isn’t over until you’ve been on holiday!
Another great reason to go is that many destinations offer all sorts of local events and festivals; harvest festivals, film festivals, jazz festivals, even Munich’s Oktoberfest starts in…September. With fewer tourists around (Oktoberfest aside) you can mingle with the locals and get to know the local culture.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Where to go in September
After we have got you all excited about travelling in September, it would be remiss of us not to include some suggestions on where to go and what to do, check out some of our favourites here:
Beach
If you want to head to the Mediterranean where the sea temperatures are still warm (much warmer than in the Spring!) why not head to Croatia, our adventure holiday in Omis on the Croatian coast is available until mid-October!
Lakes and Mountains
If the beach is not your thing then why not head to one of the Italian Lakes, or even AB favourite Lake Bled, catch the tail end of the summer season while the weather is still good and activities are still running.
If you are interested in heading to higher altitudes be aware that September can be quite unpredictable weather wise, so pack some layers just in case – especially for the evenings. The summer season usually draws to a close around mid-September in the mountains, so prices drop quite considerably and you will have the hiking trails almost to yourself!
City breaks in September
City life returns to normal in September when many European businesses reopen after closing for the August holidays. The weather is still fine, so you can wander around in short sleeves but without overheating. Why not try a stroll through the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen or explore the streets of the Kazimierz district in Krakow? In Reykjavik you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights from early September onwards.
Wherever you decide to go you are bound to be converted to travelling in September. Any thoughts on the subject? Let us know in the comments below!