The summer’s over, the kids are back at school so for many childless couples or for those whose offspring have flown the nest, it’s the time to get away to beaches without sandcastles, screaming kids and seas that aren’t clogged with nappies that have come loose whilst toddlers enjoy a paddle.
September heralds more bearable weather in the Mediterranean with the humidity of summer disappearing, yet still long, sunny and warm days are the norm.
Cyprus at this time of year is still baking at 30c whilst further west temperatures range from 22C on the Atlantic coast of Portugal to 27C in southern Spain, Italy and Greece. The benefit of holidaying in many of these destinations is the harvest, most commonly of grapes, leading to such spectacular events as the Limassol Wine Festival held over a week each year on the island of Cyprus. Figs, pomegranates, bananas and more join in nature’s bounty so if you’re on a health drive, head for these fruity hotspots.
One to avoid is the Caribbean for they are now well and truly into the hurricane season and although you’ll pay much less for a stay there you run the risk of heavy rain for days on end – but not for your whole holiday, or delayed flights whilst airlines try to avoid bad weather. Hurricanes will affect Florida and the southern states of the US as well as Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Cuba.
It’s a good time to visit Africa for the southern countries are just entering their spring with miles of wildflowers and animals having their young. Further north on the continent Egypt has cooled sufficiently to make a Nile cruise a good idea. You’ll still find it hot but the ability to just hop on and off for the sights means you won’t work up too much of a sweat.
Don’t forget the UK either, September is often the herald of an Indian summer and there are some fabulous places to visit if it’s nice. The cities will be quieter now the kids are in school but try to avoid heading out before 9 am or between 3pm and seven and you’ll avoid much of the rush. Perfect places for holidays include the Lake District as it’s one of the driest times of year there. The Scottish Highlands are also simply divine with the russet colours of autumn taking over the greens of summer.
There are many late deals on holidays in the UK and abroad as hotels try to hang on to the busyness of the summer holiday season and for those that want to get out and about to explore, car hire prices have also come down off their summer peak meaning not only will a September break be energising but also great value.