The best destinations to travel in September

Santiago, Chile For those who love a good party Average temperature: maximum 19ºC, minimum 5ºC September marks the beginning of spring in Santiago, the capital of Chile. During this period, hotels become more affordable, crowds thin out and flowers begin to bloom. It is also a time of celebration, with the two-day Fiestas Patrias, held in mid-September, celebrating Chilean independence. In the countryside, the festivities are marked by rodeos, while in the city, you will see people dancing the cueca, a folk dance that imitates a rooster courting a hen. A great place to start is Parque O’Higgins, which hosts the largest fonda (a fair with music and food) in the city. The holiday is also known for its typical drinks and dishes. Pine empanadas (made with ground beef, hard-boiled eggs, onions, olives and raisins) are available year-round at places like Emporio Zunino, Tomás Moro and El Rápido. And don’t miss the “terremoto,” a cocktail made with white wine, pineapple ice cream, grenadine and sometimes fernet. Two restaurants claim to have invented the drink, so visit both to decide which is better: La Piojera and El Hoyo, a modest 1912 joint that Anthony Bourdain once visited. If you’re feeling “terremoto,” climb Cerro San Cristóbal or stroll leisurely through the artsy Barrio Yungay. FULL DAY TOUR FROM SANTIAGO >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> San Diego For lovers of culture beyond the border Average temperature: maximum 25ºC, minimum 19ºC National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 to October 15 in the US, and San Diego is one of the best places to celebrate it, especially in Barrio Logan, a hub of Mexican and American culture located under the Coronado Bridge. There, you can admire the murals of Chicano Park, enjoy tacos and tamales at Las Cuatro Milpas or buy souvenirs in the many Mexican boutiques. And since we are in San Diego, craft beers are a must. At Border X Brewing, the Mexican-American owners create infusions with hibiscus, agave, chocolate and cinnamon. To explore more of the area’s Latin heritage, head a few miles north to Balboa Park, where you’ll find Centro Cultural de la Raza, a hub for Mexican, Chicano, Latino, and Native American art and culture. Then, visit Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which features structures built just before and after San Diego became part of the United States. Kids will love interacting with docents in period costume, and at Threads of the Past, they can learn about crafts like weaving, quilting, and basket weaving. But they might even love Barrio Donas, with its horchata and Mexican doughnuts. Tip: Some museums and historic buildings in Old Town San Diego are only open on certain days of the week, so visit between Thursday and Sunday for the best options. BEST OF THE BAY 90-MINUTE HARBOR TOUR >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Niagara Falls, New York For Waterfall Lovers Average temperature: 72°F (22°C), 55°F (12°C) minimum If you’ve never visited Niagara Falls or it’s been a while since your last visit, September is a great time to plan a trip. The crowds are thinner during this time, so you can find a good spot to enjoy the waterfalls without too much hassle. Plus, the free Discover Niagara Shuttle operates on weekends from September through early October, making it easy to get around. It stops at spots like Niagara Falls State Park, Whirlpool State Park, and the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center. For a closer look at the falls, consider the Maid of the Mist boat tour, which offers panoramic views of the falls that have been around for over 150 years. Another option is to visit the Cave of the Winds, where a viewing platform is built practically under the mighty waters of the 55-meter-high Bridal Veil Falls. Tip: Don’t forget to bring your passport to cross the Rainbow Bridge and visit the Canadian side, where you can explore the 600-meter-long tunnel below the falls at the Niagara Parks Power Station. The walk takes less than 15 minutes and offers incredible views. NIAGARA FALLS IN ONE-DAY >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cincinnati For Beer Lovers Average temperature: 77°F (25°C), 57°F (14°C) minimum Can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest this year? Then head to Cincinnati and enjoy one of the largest celebrations in the U.S.A. Scheduled for September 19–22, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati offers every Bavarian-inspired activity you could imagine, from mug-lifting competitions to a costumed “wiener” dog race. And of course, you’ll find plenty of beer and traditional German food, like potato pancakes, bratwurst and strudel. If you can’t make it to the festival, you can still enjoy German food and beer at restaurants in the Cincinnati area, like Mecklenburg Gardens Restaurant and The Lübecker, famous for their schnitzel and currywurst. The city is also packed with craft breweries. Start on the patio at MadTree Brewing’s Oakley Taproom, a spacious, dog-friendly space, and visit Rhinegeist Brewery in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood for a relaxing afternoon of beer and ping pong in a historic warehouse. For a different experience, head to Urban Artifact, a brewery located in a former church known for its unique flavors like fruit pie and pickle. SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR ON CINCINATTI >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Walt Disney World, Florida For lovers of global cuisine Average temperature: high 31°C, low 23°C With school starting back in the US, crowds are starting to thin out, making it the perfect time to visit Walt Disney World parks. From late August to late November, Epcot hosts the International Food & Wine Festival, a combination of a global fair and a sophisticated food court. There, you’ll find dishes like Brazilian feijoada, Chinese crispy duck bao, Irish seafood pie, Indian samosas and more. Between meals, enjoy the free Eat to the Beat Concert Series, which last year featured artists like Boyz II Men, 98º, Hanson and Sheila E. Need another reason to visit? Disney World’s newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, brings the characters from The Princess and the Frog to the former Splash Mountain space. Naturally, the attraction includes a shop selling hot sauces, spices, oven mitts and cookbooks. Tip: Earlier this year, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa became the first theme park restaurant to receive a Michelin star. It operates on a limited schedule, but it’s worth making a reservation to try a tasting menu that might include New Zealand crayfish tartlets, venison sandwiches and an éclair made with jamón ibérico. Set a calendar alert, as reservations open 60 days in advance and fill up quickly. 3 OR 4 PARK MAGIC TICKET AT WALT DISNEY RESORT >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Kruger National Park, South Africa For wildlife lovers Average temperature: maximum 29°C, minimum 12°C Tourists from all over the world visit Kruger National Park, located about 400 km from Johannesburg, to see the famous “Big Five” (elephants, leopards, lions, rhinos and African buffalo) and the “Little Five” (white-billed weavers, leopard tortoises, ant lions, rhinoceros beetles and elephant shrews). September is the ideal time to spot these animals, as it is the end of the dry season, which means less vegetation to obstruct the view and less chance of rain. While it’s possible to rent a car and explore the park’s 7,000-square-mile terrain, many prefer a guided experience. Options include a private day safari with Safaria or a five-day adventure with Viva Safaris, which offers airport transfers, accommodation, meals and more. The best wildlife viewing opportunities are in the early morning and late afternoon, and the park offers tours during these times, as well as nighttime game drives to spot nocturnal creatures and stargazers. To make the most of the park, the best option is to stay overnight. Some of the most popular accommodations include Kruger Shalati — The Train on the Bridge, located on an 1893 railway bridge over the Sabie River, and the luxurious Singita Lebombo Lodge and Singita Sweni Lodge. FULL DAY SHARED KRUGER NATIONAL PARK SAFARI >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Tucson, Arizona For Birdwatchers Average temperature: high 90°F (36°C), low 68°F (20°C) A little-known birding destination, the mountains of Tucson are known as the “islands in the sky.” Due to their high altitude and the surrounding desert terrain, these peaks act as oases, providing a cool refuge for a variety of species. September is an especially good month to spot birds such as the marmoset, the lazuli moth, and the firestar, as it is peak migration season. For a more accessible exploration of the island in the sky, drive the Mt. Lemmon Scenic Byway, a 27-mile drive that begins just outside of town. As you approach the summit, which reaches nearly 9,000 feet (2,800 meters), you may spot roadrunners, Gila woodpeckers, peregrine falcons, and more. If you’re looking to explore further, take day trips to popular birding spots like Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area, and Madera Canyon. After your adventure, visit the MSA Annex, an open-air shopping district with offbeat boutiques housed in shipping containers. At the Why I Love Where I Live store, you can find hummingbird earrings, roadrunner socks, ceramic mugs with quail on them, or a bird book called “Birds of Arizona Field Guide.” Tip: If you’re into small, colorful birds, visit Tucson Audubon’s Paton Center for Hummingbirds, about an hour south of the city. This time of year, the center is home to a variety of smaller birds. ULTIMATE ARIZONA SELF-GUIDED DRIVING AND WALKING TOUR >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Brisbane, Australia For fans of modern culture Average temperature: high 24ºC, low 14ºC While Melbourne and Sydneysiders used to view Brisbane as a backwater city, there’s no denying that Brisbane’s cultural offerings have grown significantly. This is especially evident during the Brisbane Festival, which runs from 30 August to 21 September and takes place at venues across the city, including The Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the City Botanic Gardens. The festival features a variety of performances, including the Fashion Freak Show, a music and fashion spectacle inspired by the life of Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as operas, chamber concerts, cabaret shows, circus acts and works by First Nations artists1. For a stylish stay, consider James Street in Fortitude Valley. Since opening in 2018, The Calile Hotel has transformed the city with its architecture that blends brutalism, Miami modernism and references to mid-century Australian guesthouses. The hotel has become an ideal base for exploring the neighborhood, including the innovative Essa Restaurant & Wine Bar, where the seasonal menu might include crab crumpets and steak tartare wrapped in a betel leaf. BRISBANE RIVER CRUISE >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bad Ischl, Austria For history buffs Average temperature: maximum 18°C, minimum 9°C This year, Bad Ischl has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture. This historic spa town is located about an hour’s drive east of Salzburg. In the early 19th century, the European elite, including archdukes and emperors, began to frequent the town to “enjoy the waters”. In 1854, Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elizabeth (known as Sissi) made the Kaiser-Villa, now a museum, their summer residence. September, as temperatures drop, is the perfect time to visit the Eurothermen Resort Spa, which offers brine baths and inhalation therapies for relaxation, improved circulation and more. It’s also family-friendly, with discounts for children under 16. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Capital of Culture’s special programming at the Museum der Stadt Bad Ischl and the Kurpark, a flower-filled park in the city center. One of the most anticipated exhibitions will be held at the Marmorschlössl (Sissi’s Cottage) and will feature works by Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, as well as artifacts from the ancient Hallstatt civilization, which inhabited the area between 800 and 450 BC. Tip: Bad Ischl is the gateway to the Salzkammergut region, known as the “salt realm,” where salt mining has been taking place for 7,000 years. For a special souvenir, visit the Salzwelten shops and buy local rock salt. DAY TRIP IN AUSTRIA >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Find the best flights to your favorite destination while paying less. Click on the link and search for the best companies to travel while paying less CLICK HERE