The Ideal September Getaways: Globetrotting Beyond the Summer Rush

Originally inspired by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Ah, September. Is there a more opportune moment to catch the wanderlust bug? As Europe ditches its vacation vibes and the harvest season bestows a cornucopia of epicurean delights—from young vino to olive varieties, succulent Greek figs, crunchy British apples, and the list goes on—the atmosphere is ripe for exploration.

September heralds fresh starts and novel quests—maybe you’re gunning for a trip that elevates a skill, a passion, or just satiates your sense of creative wonder. As the summer frenzy of beach balls and sunburns subsides, transformative journeys are back on the menu, whether it’s a culinary bootcamp or a deep-dive into mindfulness.

Beyond Europe’s backyard, Mother Nature herself puts on a show. Think magnificent animal congregations at arid watering holes in Africa, turtle treks in Costa Rica, or behemoth whales and killer orca pods putting on a water ballet off the California coast. Behold, our curated list of September’s must-visit locales.

(Discover this month’s can’t-miss happenings in the US.)

1. Germany

Contrary to its name, Oktoberfest kicks off its beer-laden celebrations in—you guessed it—September. Munich’s epic ale fest comes frothing to life around mid-month (this year from September 16 to October 3), opening with a vibrant parade featuring 9,000 celebrants flaunting the flags of local breweries and taverns. Then comes the Hunter’s Parade, a visual feast of Bavarian attire capped by a 12-gun salute, officially declaring, “The taps are open, people!” The festival hosts 34 tents serving every type of German brew under the sun, each pairing their liquid gold with regional culinary treats—think Alpine cheeses, vegan spreads, and an arsenal of sausages and charcuterie. And for the wine aficionados? September also marks grape-harvest season, so get ready for a slew of tastings, tours, and gastronomic galas in Germany’s idyllic wine regions.

Eco-friendly Travel Nudge: Opt for a train journey to Munich. The quickest route from London requires a mere nine-hour commitment and a Parisian pitstop.

2. Slovenia

September is your last boarding call for Alpine hikes before autumn’s mood swings shut down mountain pathways. The Slovenian Julian Alps provide a breathtaking backdrop, brimming with limestone peaks and a kaleidoscope of hiking trails. Mount Triglav, the tallest Slovenian summit, presides over the glacial vistas of lakes Bohinj and Bled. The Juliana Hiking Trail sprawls over 168 miles of Slovenia’s northwest, traversing the must-see Triglav National Park.

Eco-conscious Tip: For lodging that doesn’t leave a carbon footprint, check out Slovenian Tourism’s Green Scheme listings.

3. Cornwall, UK

The Cornish coast beckons in September, offering warm ocean tides, sparse crowds, and traffic-free streets in hotspot towns like St Ives and Padstow. This month also hosts the St Ives Arts Festival—a fortnight of films, art shows, comedy, concerts of every stripe, talks, and guided strolls.

Greener Travel Pointer: Trade the motor for a mountain bike and check out Cornwall’s scenic bike trails, including the newly minted West Kernow Way.

4. Sicily

The month offers a respite from the tourist hordes in Sicily. Palermo revs back to life as folks return from their summer sojourns, and seasonal local fare like fresh figs and pistachios populates the menus. Scaling Mount Etna becomes a more reasonable endeavor, and ferry tickets to the volcanic Aeolian Islands become easier to snag.

Responsible Travel Advice: Consider trekking the Via Magna Francigena. The route traverses Sicily’s heartland, boosting local economies along the way.

5. Namibia

Namibia’s dry season, stretching from June to October, is prime for spotting elusive desert elephants as they gather near dwindling rivers. The landscape also welcomes a variety of wildlife, from giraffes to hyenas, congregating around shrinking water sources.

Eco-travel Hint: Skip the gas-guzzling game drive and opt for an e-bike tour or choose Grootberg Lodge, a community-owned pioneer in Namibia’s sustainable tourism sector.

Fancy subscribing to National Geographic Traveller (UK)? Click here. (Available in select countries.)

And there you have it! Your guide to conquering September like a globetrotting rockstar. So, what are you waiting for? Pack those bags and set forth into the great unknown!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about September travel destinations

More about September travel destinations

• National Geographic Traveller (UK)
• Oktoberfest Official Site
• Slovenian Tourism’s Green Scheme
• St Ives September Festival
• Heritage Open Days in the UK
• Namibia Wildlife Conservation
• Cornwall Cycle Routes
• Via Magna Francigena in Sicily
• E-bike Safari Lodges in Namibia