September opens up possibilities far beyond the traditional summer holiday. Mediterranean islands retain their warmth, Asian cities gradually become more comfortable, and wildlife encounters take centre stage in southern Africa.

With school holidays ending in many countries, travellers can also find quieter surroundings and more flexibility when planning their trips.

Here are ten destinations to consider, with approximate daily budgets per person covering accommodation, meals, local transport and ordinary sightseeing, excluding international flights.

Italy: Art And Coastal Beauty

Rome, Florence and Bologna become more comfortable as the summer heat eases. Tuscany offers picturesque countryside, while Sicily and the Amalfi Coast retain their seaside atmosphere.

Spend seven to twelve days exploring two regions rather than rushing between destinations.

Daily budget: approximately €145 per person.

Greece: An Extended Summer

The Greek islands remain inviting in September, with warm water and fewer visitors than in August. Naxos and Paros combine beautiful beaches with traditional villages, while Crete offers mountains and archaeological sites.

Allow seven to ten days for Athens and one island, leaving time for relaxed beach afternoons.

Daily budget: approximately €115 per person.

Portugal: Cities And Atlantic Coast

Lisbon and Porto offer colourful neighbourhoods, historic architecture and excellent seafood. Coastal towns near Cascais and the Algarve provide opportunities for swimming and scenic walks.

A seven-to-ten-day itinerary works well, particularly when combining a city break with several nights by the sea.

Daily budget: approximately €105 per person.

Croatia: Adriatic Island Escapes

Croatia's coastline remains attractive well into September. Dubrovnik and Split offer historic streets, while Hvar, Korčula and Istria provide opportunities for island hopping and coastal exploration.

Spend seven to ten days combining two destinations. Ferry schedules deserve attention as seasonal services gradually change.

Daily budget: approximately €110 per person, potentially more on popular islands.

Japan: Culture And Early Autumn

Late September brings more comfortable conditions for exploring Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, although warm, humid weather can persist.

Visit traditional gardens, historic temples and neighbourhood markets. Seven to twelve days allow time to experience several cities without constantly changing hotels.

Average daily spending: approximately €125 per person.

Morocco: Markets And Mountains

Late September is an attractive time to explore Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira as temperatures begin to ease.

Traditional riads, colourful markets, historic architecture and excursions into the Atlas Mountains create a varied seven-to-ten-day itinerary.

Average daily spending: approximately €78 per person; organised desert excursions cost extra.

South Africa: Wildlife Adventures

September offers opportunities for safari experiences, whale watching and springtime landscapes.

Combine Cape Town with the Garden Route or dedicate several days to Kruger National Park. Ten to fourteen days allow sufficient time for wildlife excursions and coastal exploration.

Average daily spending: approximately €104 per person, excluding additional safari packages.

Canada: Mountains And Lakes

September transforms Canada's landscapes as early autumn colours appear and summer crowds gradually diminish.

Banff, Jasper and the Canadian Rockies offer scenic drives, hiking trails and extraordinary mountain lakes. Allow seven to twelve days for a nature-focused road trip.

Average daily spending: approximately €172 per person, with additional costs for car hire.

Bali: Tropical Relaxation

Bali's dry season continues through September, making it suitable for beaches, temples, surfing and countryside exploration.

Combine Ubud's green landscapes with several days around Sanur or Uluwatu. Eight to twelve days offer an enjoyable balance between activities and relaxation.

Average daily spending: approximately €70 per person.

New England: Autumn Colours

Late September marks the beginning of the autumn travel season in northeastern America.

Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire offer forested mountains, historic towns and scenic driving routes. Four to seven days provide an introduction, although peak foliage arrives at different times.

US-wide average daily spending: approximately €284 per person; popular autumn weekends may cost more.

September offers an appealing choice between lingering summer sunshine and the first signs of autumn. Whether travelling to a Mediterranean island or exploring distant mountain landscapes, spending longer in fewer destinations makes it easier to enjoy the journey while keeping transport expenses under control.