September is a great time to escape the city bustle and go off on a new adventure. In the northern hemisphere, it’s often cheaper, less crowded and an ideal opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet before the mad Christmas rush begins. We’ve rounded up a list of locations that could easily work for a staycation, a mini Euro-tour, or a long-haul break.
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Sussex, England
South Africa is home to a variety of gorgeous wine routes with everything from delectable cheese and wine pairings to brandy and coffee tastings. These unique experiences are difficult to picture on another continent, but in England, September is the harvest season for vineyards. With similar weather conditions like those in the Champagne region of France, Kent is at the heart of the UK’s wine-growing industry – and there are plenty of farms to choose from. The Bolney Wine Estate is one of the oldest in the region and offers a tour and tasting session for a very reasonable £20pp (currently R363).
Andalucia, Spain
In September, Spain offers visitors crowd-free beaches and colourful wine harvest festivals. After the summer crowds have departed, Andalucia’s locals doll up to celebrate the wine harvest. The area is particularly famed for its sherry-like tipples, as well as a few lighter traditional wines. In September, all the wine-producing towns like Jerez and Viñuela host harvest festivals to ring in the year’s produce. You’ll relish exploring the whitewashed villages, high in the hills of Andalucia, where the views are magnificent (but be mindful of the steep streets!).
China
September is an incredible time to visit China as the weather is excellent, which means you’ll most likely see a fab view of the Great Wall. At this time, temperatures are mild – perfect for exploring Beijing or simply trekking across the Great Wall.
Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii is the ultimate destination for food-lovers and history buffs. There will be no better time to visit this perfectly-preserved slice of Ancient Italy, which was engulfed by the cataclysmic eruption of Vesuvius in AD79. With this month’s cooler, crowd-free days, Pompeii is yours to navigate as you please. Naples makes a great base to start from – it’s only a 30 minute drive or 40 minute bus ride from Pompeii.
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Corfu, Greece
Here, you’ll encounter wildlife and sunshine in abundance. Corfu is just the ticket for a September break since the extreme heat of the summer has subsided and the crowds have long departed. It’s the ideal time to visit this historic town, which boasts numerous museums, 39 churches, and twin peaks each capped with a large fortress.
Barcelona, Spain
While some may opt to explore coastal towns in their holiday break, others might like to visit a new city instead. In September the temperatures drop, prices become lower, and the crowds are also smaller. It’s the ideal time to get to know the ins and outs of a new city, especially one as eclectic and culturally-rich as Barcelona.
Morocco
If you’d like a superb fusion of great weather and enchanting culture, then you must consider a getaway to Morocco. The sweltering summer heat is a little unbearable, but in early September the cities exhale and temperatures cool. It’s still sunny enough to hit the beach or pool, but you won’t wilt away while sightseeing or shopping.
Argentina
The Argentine spring (from September to November) is the best all-round time of year to explore this magnificent country. We’d recommend trekking everywhere from its cosmopolitan capital Buenos Aires to the thundering Iguazu Falls and Argentina’s many spectacular national parks.
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By Features Writer Marike Watson
