Top 6 Destinations for an Unforgettable September Getaway
September is a prime time for travel, offering lingering summer warmth, shoulder-season savings, and fewer crowds amid the back-to-school rush. Break free from routine and explore our expert-curated list of six exceptional destinations.
Barcelona
Head to Catalonia for Barcelona's premier street festival, La Mercè (Sept. 20–24), celebrating the patron saint La Mare de Déu de la Mercè with music, processions, and cava from the concurrent wine festival. Witness the thrilling Correfoc (fire run) featuring sparkler-wielding demons and performers, plus roving drummers and dancers—protective gear recommended. Marvel at the Castellers, towering human pyramids topped by children. Catch the international BAM music festival (Sept. 20–23) and stay at the new Nobu Hotel (opening Sept. 12).
Caño Cristales, Colombia
Experience the 'liquid rainbow' of Caño Cristales river in Sierra de La Macarena National Natural Park, where Macarenia clavigera plants create a vibrant, multicolored spectacle in September. Hire a local guide for safe access to swimming spots, hikes, waterfalls, and picnics amid iguanas, monkeys, toucans, and jaguars. En route via Bogotá, attend Jazz Al Parque (Sept. 14–15) featuring acts like La Perla Bogotá, La Familia López-Nussa, and Romengo & Monika Lakatos. Opt for a three-day excursion including flights and lodging.
Prince Edward Island
Savor North Atlantic lobster, red soil potatoes, and Anne of Green Gables heritage on Canada's smallest province. Fall Flavours (Aug. 30–Oct. 6) delights foodies with events like chef Corbin Tomaszeski's Lobster Party On The Beach (Sept. 8), Irwin MacKinnon's seafood feast (Sept. 19), and Chuck Hughes' farm-to-table dinner in a historic church (Sept. 22). Sample 100+ beers at the Prince Edward Island Beer Festival (Sept. 27–28). Fans of the literary classic can enjoy the 55th Anne of Green Gables—The Musical at Charlottetown Festival (Sept. 3–28) or a themed itinerary.
Boise
Indulge at the Boise Bacon & Beer Festival (Sept. 7), showcasing 25 breweries, cideries, and bacon dishes. Celebrate 50 years of the Boise River Greenbelt with events (Sept. 19–21) including a kickoff at the historic Egyptian Theatre, riverside tours, biking, food trucks, and live jazz at Ann Morrison Park—perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Curaçao
Curaçao Pride (Sept. 25–29) brings vibrant celebrations with a poolside white party at Floris Suite Hotel, a catamaran cruise, and a march through Willemstad's UNESCO-listed colonial architecture. Pair it with Flavors of Curaçao (Sept. 28), featuring live music, chef demos, local fried fish, and truki pan.
Singapore
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn (Mooncake) Festival (Sept. 13) with lantern lights and bakery aromas. Sample luxurious mooncakes like Champagne Truffle at the iconic Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling. Enjoy lion dances in Chinatown's Kreta Ayer Square and Gardens By The Bay events: light installations (Aug. 30–Sept. 15), calligraphy workshops (Sept. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15), and a lantern walk (Sept. 14) with a massive LED dragon.
