September is the sweet spot of global travel. The summer crowds thin out, temperatures mellow, and prices on flights and accommodations drop — all without sacrificing sunshine or adventure. Whether you’re craving coastal relaxation, cultural exploration, or off-the-beaten-path escapes, September 2025 offers the perfect opportunity to explore the world on a budget and in peace.
In this curated list, we unveil 10 top destinations for your September getaway — each chosen for its favorable weather, smaller crowds, and exceptional value. Ready to travel smarter? Start comparing cheap flights and boutique hotels on Travelupo and make your post-summer escape a reality.
Perfect for your September 2025 travel inspiration, these spots have been hand picked via Travelupo for your desire!
1. Puglia, Italy
- Why Go in September: The crowds from July and August disappear, but the weather remains warm and sunny.
- Top Experiences:
- Wander through the whitewashed villages of Ostuni and Locorotondo
- Relax on the beaches of Polignano a Mare
- Sample rustic seafood and Puglian olive oil
- Travelupo Tip: Fly into Bari or Brindisi. Use Travelupo to find charming masserie (farm stays) at reduced shoulder-season rates.
2. Lyon, France
- Why Go in September: Wine harvest season begins, temperatures are ideal, and the city feels more local.
- Top Experiences:
- Discover secret traboules in Vieux Lyon
- Enjoy a bouchon lunch and explore the food markets
- Take a day trip to the Beaujolais vineyards
- Travelupo Tip: Book high-speed rail from Paris or Geneva and grab central hotels for less on weekdays.
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3. Santorini, Greece
- Why Go in September: Fewer cruise ships, better hotel availability, and slightly cooler evenings.
- Top Experiences:
- Watch the sunset in Oia without the full summer crowds
- Swim at Red Beach or Perissa
- Tour the ancient ruins of Akrotiri
- Travelupo Tip: Look for flight deals via Athens and ferry combos on Travelupo. Rates drop noticeably after the first week of September.
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Why Go in September: Mild temperatures and fewer tourists make it the perfect time to enjoy this green capital.
- Top Experiences:
- Stroll the riverside cafes and open-air markets
- Take a day trip to Lake Bled or Postojna Cave
- Rent a bike and cruise through Tivoli Park
- Travelupo Tip: Fly into Ljubljana or nearby Trieste, and use Travelupo to find deals on central guesthouses.
5. Porto, Portugal
- Why Go in September: The summer heat eases off and wine season hits its stride.
- Top Experiences:
- Cruise the Douro River and visit Port wine cellars
- Explore the Ribeira district’s tiled facades and riverside views
- Take a tram to the beachside town of Foz do Douro
- Travelupo Tip: Book boutique hotels in the Old Town and use Travelupo’s flexible search to time your trip around flight deals.
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6. Budapest, Hungary
- Why Go in September: Warm days, fewer tourists, and cultural events like the Budapest Wine Festival.
- Top Experiences:
- Soak in Széchenyi Thermal Baths
- Visit Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion
- Cruise the Danube at sunset
- Travelupo Tip: Midweek flights are often cheapest. Look for spa hotels and riverside stays at lower rates this time of year.
7. Valletta, Malta
- Why Go in September: Still beach-perfect weather, but fewer crowds than peak summer.
- Top Experiences:
- Explore historic forts and baroque cathedrals
- Swim in St. Peter’s Pool or Blue Lagoon
- Day-trip to Mdina or Gozo
- Travelupo Tip: Use Travelupo to compare short-haul flights from European hubs. Many hotels offer shoulder-season discounts with added perks.
8. Hokkaido, Japan
- Why Go in September: While the rest of Japan is humid, Hokkaido enjoys cool weather and the beginning of fall foliage.
- Top Experiences:
- Hike in Daisetsuzan National Park
- Visit the port city of Otaru
- Sample fresh seafood in Sapporo’s markets
- Travelupo Tip: Fly into Sapporo New Chitose Airport. Travelupo offers great deals on flights via Tokyo or Seoul.
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9. Andalusia, Spain
- Why Go in September: The scorching heat begins to fade, but the sunshine lingers.
- Top Experiences:
- Tour the Alhambra in Granada
- Enjoy tapas in Seville’s old town
- Visit white villages like Ronda or Mijas
- Travelupo Tip: Consider flying into Málaga for lower fares. Plan a self-drive route and book rural inns on Travelupo.
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
- Why Go in September: Grape harvest season (Rtveli), stunning mountain landscapes, and friendly locals.
- Top Experiences:
- Stroll through the Old Town’s wine bars and bathhouses
- Hike to the hilltop Narikala Fortress
- Take a day trip to the wine region of Kakheti
- Travelupo Tip: Flights via Istanbul or Warsaw are often cheapest. Look for deals on boutique guesthouses in the heart of the city.
Less-Crowded Gems vs. Tourist Hotspots
September is your chance to swap overhyped destinations for places where authenticity still thrives. While cities like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona continue to draw massive crowds even in the fall, hidden gems like Ljubljana, Tbilisi, and Valletta offer richer cultural experiences with less noise and fewer lines. You’ll find more meaningful interactions, easier access to attractions, and better value for your money. These less-traveled destinations let you slow down and savor your surroundings — something that’s often lost in overcrowded hotspots.
Why Travel in September?
September offers a golden blend of summer perks without the drawbacks: no massive crowds, lower costs, and more comfortable weather. You’ll also get more authentic experiences as locals return from their holidays and life resumes a relaxed, welcoming rhythm in many destinations.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, digital nomad, couple, or family, September 2025 is your chance to travel smarter — and better.
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Smart Booking Tips for September Travel
September is a shoulder season sweet spot, but deals don’t last forever. Book flights 4–6 weeks in advance to lock in low fares, especially for weekend departures. Use Travelupo’s flexible date filters to compare multiple travel windows and catch hidden discounts. Weekday stays often come with better hotel rates, and last-minute packages are more likely to appear for less-traveled destinations. Don’t forget to check for local events or festivals that may affect pricing and availability.
Plan Your Perfect September Escape with Travelupo
Travel planning doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With Travelupo, you can compare cheap flights, browse handpicked hotels, and build your ideal itinerary across Europe and beyond.
Use flexible filters to find the best travel dates, discover quiet alternatives to tourist-packed cities, and lock in deals before prices rise again in autumn.
👉 Start planning your September getaway at Travelupo.com — adventure is just a click away.
