The peak summer travel period is winding down as the shoulder season approaches.
September signals the start of fall as children return to school and travelers begin making plans for the holidays.
The month begins amid a busy Labor Day weekend but will see the potential for savings and special perks as demand dips.
With that in mind, here are some of the best places to travel in the month ahead.
Where to Travel for Fall Colors
Maine is the perfect September travel destination for those seeking vibrant fall foliage.
Places like Bar Harbor and Greenville stand out as visitors can experience unique events like the Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival (September 6-8) and International Seaplane Fly-In (September 5-8), respectively, as well as scenic hikes, historic attractions, water activities and much more.
Bar Harbor, Maine with Cadillac Mountain and Acadia National Park in the background. (Photo Credit: Wangkun Jia/Adobe)
Travelers may also be fortunate enough to find peak or near-peak fall colors in parts of the Rockies in September.
Destinations like Yellowstone National Park and charming college towns like Boulder, Colorado should be incredibly colorful by mid- to late-September so fall foliage seekers have a bit more time to plan their visit.
Where to Travel for Adventure
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure only possible in September, consider World Expeditions' 17-day High Trails to Zanskar with Garry Weare tour. Located in the Indian Himalayas, Zanskar is the most isolated region of Ladakh and boasts amazing landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture and exotic wildlife.
The epic adventure departs on September 7.
Traveler exploring Zanskar in the Himalayas. (Photo Credit: May Chanikran/Adobe)
Thrill seekers will also fall in love with Canada this time of year and Great Canadian Trails makes it easy to experience the very best of the country, whether exploring the glorious peaks, lakes and wildflowers of the Canadian Rockies or soaking up breathtaking views of the Canadian coast in destinations like the Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to spectacular fall foliage, visitors can pick fresh berries on a six- to 10-day self-guided tour.
Where to Travel for an Adults-Only Getaway
If an adults-only getaway is calling your name this September consider a sun-kissed retreat to San Juan, Puerto Rico or even Santorini, Greece.
San Juan's Condado Ocean Club is an exceptional stay where guests can enjoy world-class beaches, sip cocktails and listen to top DJs poolside, explore Old San Juan, dine on the very best local cuisine and even book helicopter tours and snorkeling trips, among other adventures.
Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection. (Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection)
In Santorini, the adults-only Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection is the place to be as it boasts oceanfront accommodations, including two new Infinity Suites along with meals and drinks crafted by world-renowned chefs and mixologists.
Where to Travel for Major Sporting Events
Sports fans will want to pack their bags for the Big Apple, specifically Queens, New York this September. The annual U.S. Open tennis championships return from August 26 through September 8.
US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York. (Photo via NYC & Company)
Meanwhile, college football fans can head to Ann Arbor, Michigan for a monumental showdown between Texas and defending national champion Michigan on September 7.
Racing fans should set their sights on Singapore for a Formula 1 Grand Prix event September 20-22 while pro football lovers can visit Kansas City to watch the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs open their season against two rivals in the Baltimore Ravens (September 5) and Cincinnati Bengals (September 15).
Where to Travel for Exciting Events
Head to Virginia Beach, Virginia this September to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Neptune Festival. The three-day event takes place September 27-29 on the city's oceanfront boardwalk.
It will feature live concerts, a nationally ranked Art & Craft Show, a Grand Parade and athletic competitions including surfing, volleyball, a regatta and an 8K race.
The festival will also include the International Sand Sculpting Championship where nearly three dozen sculptors will turn roughly 500 tons of sand into works of art in three days. Travelers can enhance their experience by staying at the luxe Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club.
People enjoying Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Photo Credit: efaah0/Adobe)
Across the country, Newport Beach, California will host the Pacific Wine + Food Classic on September 21. Guests can dine on cuisine from top local chefs and enjoy artisanal cocktails, premium wines and live music in a gorgeous waterfront setting. Travelers can book the nearby VEA Newport Beach for access to convenient transportation as well as superb services and amenities.
For an exciting trip to the Midwest, there's always Grand Rapids, Michigan. From September 13-28, the international art festival and competition ArtPrize draws more than 800 artists showcasing 650 installations across the city, including museums, hotels, breweries and parks.
Art enthusiasts can also tour the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the 150-acre Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
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