Travel
Where To Go Now: 8 Destinations For September To December
From cultural festivals to dreamy autumn foliage and early-winter snowscapes, rediscover your wanderlust with these top travel experiences for the coming months
From late-summer beaches to early-winter powder, the tail end of the year offers unforgettable escapes. Picture: wild safaris in wide-open terrain, windswept trails on rugged mountains, deserted ski slopes in under-the-radar resorts, and spirited festivals that light up the night. No, September to December aren’t winding down the year – they’re fuelling our wanderlust with new reasons to pack those bags.
The Turkish Riviera
This is the time of the year when the Turkish Riviera slips into its most charming persona. The sun softens, the sea remains warm, and everything slows down just enough to offer a peaceful final escape before real life summons you back. Antalya, Turkey’s fifth-largest city, is a worthy getaway, but the real magic lies beyond.
In Kaş, you’ll find crystalline waters for swimming, snorkelling or simply floating the day away. Over in Olympos, treehouse stays, tucked among orange and olive trees, offer proper repose after a full day of exploring local beaches and ancient Roman ruins. Next door, in Çıralı, the flames of Mount Chimaera burn day and night, adding a touch of mysticism to your evening hike. And if you’re up for an adventure by sea, head to Kekova, where boat trips lead to sunken cities, secret caves and stunning stretches of the Mediterranean coast.
Our Tip: For a fun twist on wellness, dive into the ultimate Turkish Riviera therapeutic experience: a mud bath. Often included as part of boat trips and day tours, mineral-rich mud baths are said to relax the muscles, rejuvenate the skin and cleanse the body. Whether or not that’s all true, they’re still one for the bucket list.
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
With the heat letting up and the leaves just beginning to turn, Cincinnati in September feels alive with energy – yet light on summer crowds. From the riverfront parks to the food stalls in Over-the-Rhine, this month provides the right weather for outdoor relaxation and a jam-packed cultural calendar.
The main event is Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the largest Oktoberfest in the US and the third-largest worldwide. Expect entertainers, contests, brewery runs and wiener dog races, as downtown Cincinnati becomes a Bavarian fever dream. For something quieter, the Vinoklet Art & Wine Festival blends rolling vineyards with live art and award-winning Ohio wines, and for a dose of global culture, the Cincinnati Moon Festival brings traditional Asian performances, tea tasting and live music to Fountain Square in a luminous celebration.
Our Tip: Don’t leave town without stopping by Findlay Market. Ohio’s oldest and biggest public market is a buzzing showcase of the city’s soul: from fresh produce to speciality foods and artisanal crafts, it’s the best spot for tasting, shopping and people-watching statewide.
Catalonia, Spain
Arguably the most rewarding time to experience Catalonia, September offers a more comfortable vibe in which to explore the rich culture, history and natural landscapes. In Barcelona, locals return from the slower pace of August, terraces begin to buzz, and the rhythm of daily life feels more authentic. Coincidentally, it’s also when the city throws its most spectacular celebration: La Mercè. The city transforms into a multi-day street festival with music, parades, human towers and firework-filled nights by the beach.
Beyond Barcelona, the surrounding region is quieter, but equally alluring. The medieval towns of Montblanc, Besalú and Tossa de Mar become especially magical, with cobblestone streets and historic architecture framed against crisp blue skies. The vineyards in the countryside are beginning to prepare for the harvest, and the golden light of early autumn casts it all in a bewitching glow.
Our Tip: Maná 75, in the bustling Barceloneta neighbourhood, is a feng-shui-designed garden oasis that serves what some claim is the city’s finest paella. While beachgoers bake nearby, you’ll be sipping cocktails and savouring a plate that locals swear by.
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Autumn is the ideal time to visit Berchtesgaden, as cool mountain air settles in and trees change their coat. Hidden in the Bavarian Alps near the Austrian border, this historic town beckons with cosy inns, lakeside landscapes and misty hikes. And with the dense forests and blue waters reflecting every shade of the season, the town deservedly ranks among the best spots in Europe for top fall foliage.
Start at Königssee, where electric boats take you across a mirror-like lake to the famous red-domed chapel of St. Bartholomä. From there, it’s a short walk to Röthbachfall, Germany’s tallest waterfall and a great starting point for hikes into Berchtesgaden National Park, the only national park in the German Alps. Explore the nearby Zauberwald “magic forest” and its hidden paths, or ride the Jennerbahn cable car up the mountain for panoramic views of the region. To end your day right, enjoy a warm meal at Kehlsteinhaus, a historic restaurant literally on top of the mountain with unforgettable vistas to match.
Our Tip: For a different kind of adventure, head underground and explore the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, the oldest active salt mine in the country. This family-friendly experience takes you on a 1,400m journey through tunnels deep inside the Alps, riding the miner’s train, visiting the salt cathedral, crossing an underground lake and learning how salt has been mined here for centuries.
Patagonia
Springtime in Patagonia is when this wild corner of the world hits the refresh button. The days grow longer, the skies become clearer, and wildlife awakens from a winter slumber. The crowds have yet to arrive, which means prices are much lower, making it the time to chase raw beauty in the most clement conditions of the year. And with blooming wildflowers, dramatic glaciers and windswept peaks, the scenery is giving its very best, too.
For a legendary excursion, the trails in Torres del Paine offer adventure for every kind of hiker, from casual wanderers to seasoned trekkers. If it’s wildlife you’re after, penguin colonies come back to the coast, whales put on their annual show in Peninsula Valdés, and, if you’re lucky, you might spot foxes, pumas and soaring Andean condors. Paddle your way through iceberg-dotted lakes or take a peaceful stroll among ancient forests. Either way, from heart-pumping thrills to calm, postcard-worthy views, you’ll find it all down there.
Our Tip: Tucked beside the Serrano River at Torres del Paine, Río Serrano Hotel is where cosy luxury meets Patagonian charm. Think wood-beamed details, wide-open views and easy access to the park’s wildest corners.
Seychelles
Quiet yet captivating, October and November are ideal months to visit the Seychelles. The weather is marked by warm days, gentle breezes and calmer seas – excellent conditions for either relaxation or exploration (or both). Whether you’re drawn to pristine beaches, marine adventures or simply a slower pace in paradise, the 115 islands of this archipelago feel more intimate, more authentic and more rewarding than ever.
Teased by soft winds, the Indian Ocean becomes a dream for divers and snorkellers looking for vibrant coral gardens or even elusive whale sharks. Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for the rare Seychelles black parrot, while giant tortoises wander lazily in nature reserves. The islands come alive culturally, too, especially in October with the Creole Festival, a dazzling celebration of Seychellois music, heritage and food that’s all spices and flavours among a natural spectacle.
Our Tip: For a different perspective on the Seychelles, trade the shoreline for panoramic views along the Copolia Trail. Winding through Mahé’s dense forest, the trail rewards you with sweeping sights of the coastline, nearby islands and Victoria, the capital, just below.
The Terai, Nepal
This vibrant region south of the Himalayas is always worth the trip, but if you’re aiming for the best time to go, plan your visit between September and November. With the monsoon season out of the way, skies turn clear, temperatures stay pleasant, and wildlife visibility improves as vegetation becomes less dense and animals gather around water sources.
Start with a safari in Chitwan National Park, the region’s crown jewel, where one-horned rhinos, elephants, Bengal tigers and over 500 species of birds roam free. Or go off the beaten track at Bardia National Park, which offers a wilder feel, with river dolphins along the Karnali. However, the Terai plains aren’t just about wildlife. Head to Janakpur to visit the stunning Janaki Mandir temple or discover the vibrant Maithili art, or walk the grounds of Lumbini – the birthplace of Buddha, a UNESCO pilgrimage destination, and one of Nepal’s most important spiritual sites.
Our Tip: If you’re visiting in October, you’re in for more than just good weather: it’s also festival season. Join the celebrations of Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s two major Hindu festivals, observed with bright lights, street music, family feasts and rituals that bring the Terai to its most joyful state.
Bansko, Bulgaria
If your dream autumn getaway includes snow-covered rooftops, steaming bowls of stew, and a touch of Alpine winter magic (without the Alpine price tag), then Bansko is the place to go. While the ski crowds race to the Swiss and Austrian Alps, this Bulgarian gem quietly delivers the whole winter package: early snow, stunning peaks and much friendlier rates.
On the slopes, there’s plenty for both first-timers and experienced skiers, with wide, well-kept trails and dramatic views set inside the Pirin National Park. But even off the pistes, Bansko shines. Soak in natural thermal baths, glide across an outdoor ice rink or take an ATV tour. To lower the tempo, wander into pine forests or take a day trip to the medieval Rila Monastery or the quaint wine town of Melnik. Back in town, dine on hearty stews and local wine in a mehana tavern, then stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town.
Our Tip: For a real taste of Bansko, skip the tourist menus and try banitsa, Bulgaria’s beloved cheese-filled filo pastry, best savoured fresh from the oven at Le Petit Nicolas. This local favourite serves it warm, golden and perfectly crisp for an insider’s bite of tradition.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.