Summer may be almost over in much of the world come September, a month that often heralds the end of travel season as well as back-to-school and back-to-work reality. But for those in the know, next month is one of the best times to travel.
In many destinations, peak tourist season is over but the weather remains pleasant and attractions are still open, just without the crowds. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter chills have almost disappeared and nature begins to bloom, opening the doors for adventure. If you’re looking to escape this September, here are 10 of the best places to go.
Panjin, China
In China's Liaoning Province, Panjin is a coastal city that would likely be left off most international tourist trails if it were not for one natural phenomenon that occurs here each September: a huge wetland turning crimson red. Located where the Liaohe River meets the sea, the striking scenes come from a unique intertidal plant called seepweed that thrives in the vast wetland transforming the area into what's known as the Red Beach.
Spanning 18km, visitors can walk along a purpose-built boardwalk to get up close and personal with the varying shades of crimson. The red-tinged plants are also popular items on the menus of surrounding guesthouses and restaurants, with locals lauding them for their health benefits. Twitchers will also delight in this trip, as the area is the world's largest habitat and breeding ground for the endangered Saunders's gull and home to several red-crowned cranes, which are believed to bring good luck in Chinese culture.
Douro Valley, Portugal
One of Portugal's most picturesque regions is the Douro Valley, which stretches along the river towards the city of Porto before spilling into the wild Atlantic Ocean. Twisting valleys, terraced vineyards and steep slopes abound in this nature-filled region, which celebrates harvest every September.
As the bright green landscapes turn yellow and gold, visitors can join locals in picking grapes, stomping in pressing vats and learning first-hand the process of making the region's most famous export. Head to Cima, Pinhao and Sao Joao de Presqueira for breathtaking landscapes and charming villages, and stay in a quinta, a traditional guesthouse, to become fully immersed in the heritage of the region.
Spetses, Greece
In summertime, Spetses is filled with affluent Athenians and well-heeled tourists who head to the Saronic Island, which is just a few hours from the Greek capital by boat. But come September, the crowds disperse and the island comes into its own as the locals come out to play.
Travellers joining them can expect warm weather, sunshine-filled days and beautiful pine-covered landscapes, that are ripe for cycling and hiking. It's also the Armata Festival, the island's biggest celebration marking the anniversary of a Naval Battle that took place in these waters and was part of the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Burning ships, traditional dances, nighttime historical reenactments and a huge firework display combine and tourists can join in the excitement.
Agadir, Morocco
While much of Morocco swelters in September, Agadir on the country's west coast is one destination well worth visiting. Plenty of sunshine and average daytime temperatures of around 26°C make it the ideal season for exploring the local sights, relaxing on golden beaches and feasting on traditional Moroccan food. It's also a good time for surfers, as not only have most of the crowds gone, but the ocean begins to change bringing bigger and stronger swells – although the best swells remain 10km further along the coast in Taghazout.
Agadir is also home to Souk El Had, one of the largest traditional markets in Morocco, which has 6,000 shops spread over 13 hectares. Balmy evenings are perfect for sundowners, head to the hilltop Agadir Kasbah for some of the best views of the setting sun.
Andean Highlands, Ecuador
Ecuador's stunning Andean Highlands lie at an elevation upwards of 2,200 metres and are dominated by the rains, with summer being the dry season and peak time for tourists. September is the tail-end of that season and as travel demand diminishes throughout the month, the latter half of the month makes it a great time to go explore without hordes of other travellers. Daytime temperatures are warm and there's only a little chance of rain so it's a good time for those who want to spend their days hiking, biking, climbing and drinking in panoramic mountain and volcano views.
This part of Ecuador preserves much of the country's pre-Columbian heritage offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's history. Head to Otavalo with its world-famous handicrafts market and to Mindo's breathtaking cloud forests, then soak in serenity at Santiago de Bolivar, a small colonial town with great walks along ancient paths.
Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of Germany's most-visited tourist destinations and a good pick for a September visit when much of the summer crowds have thinned out but the weather remains pleasant and there's plenty going on. The country's famed Oktoberfest begins on September 13, US music festival Lollapalooza rolls into town, it's Berlin Art Week and the city's world-famous marathon takes place, with runners from 120 nations pounding past some of the city's most important landmarks like the Victory Column, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. It's also a great time to explore the city's tree-lined streets and green parks that are in full bloom – a good way to soak in some nature-filled final days of summer.
Etosha, Namibia
September is peak travel season in Namibia as the country is enjoying spring with warm, dry weather and low humidity plus decent wildlife viewing ahead of the summer rains. These perfect conditions attract tourists from around the world, so it's not going to be the quietest time to visit but if you're keen to experience the best of Etosha National Park or the red dunes of Sossusvlei, it's the time to go.
In the country's north, wildly contrasting landscapes and outdoor activities combine with bright blue cloudless skies and wildlife spotting opportunities. Epic game viewing awaits in Etosha as the animals enjoy cooler weather and cluster around waterholes. Further south, high above the plains of the Kalahari of Eastern Namibia, is the Waterberg Plateau Park with its burnt orange cliffs and savannahs. In September it's a buzz of activity with guided walks, game drives, hiking, wilderness trails and spottings of antelope, white rhinos, leopards and cheetahs.
Nashville, Tennessee
September marks the end of summer in Nashville and the start of the festival season, it's also a good time to continue to enjoy the city's pleasant weather and catch some of the top music concerts which include Avril Lavigne, Meghan Trainor, Gracie Adams and The Used. Head to Music Row, something of a pilgrimage for country music fans to visit historic studios, upscale restaurants and vintage stores. In the heart of downtown, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park offers an urban lesson in Tennessee's long history as well as beautiful green spaces to stroll around.
For more nature spotting, Radnor Lake State Park is a little outside the city though travellers can spot herons, owls and waterfowl. It also has a cool colorblind viewfinder allowing anyone with colorblindness to see a broader range of the park's natural vibrancy.
The Seychelles
Scuba divers and snorkellers can't go wrong with a trip to the Seychelles in September – visibility is absolutely superb. Even better, it's a shoulder month for tourists so you can explore the Indian Ocean archipelago with a good degree of freedom.
More than 50 per cent of this tropical country is protected by reserves, so there's plenty to explore. Head to the Vallee de Mai to see giant Coco de Mer flowering plants, they have the world's heaviest seeds, and soak in local Creole culture before visiting free-roaming giant tortoises. Island-hopping in the Seychelles is a great idea and there's an effacement ferry system connecting popular isles like Mahe, Praslin and La Digue.
Salalah, Oman
For a quick September getaway, head to Salalah to enjoy beach lounging, mountain trekking and a delve into ancient history. Until mid-September, the southern capital of the Dhofar province continues to celebrate Khareef season, which means cooler climes and rainfall brought to the sultanate via the tail ends of the African monsoons.
Travellers can enjoy picnics in lush green parks, see thriving banana plantations and visit flowing waterfalls, then head to the city's beaches for a dip in the Arabian Sea. Old forts, traditional souks and Unesco World Heritage sites are also on the cards.
