September best time to pack travel bags and go on a refreshing holiday

September is the only month with the same number of letters in its name as its number in the calendar at nine.

Anglo-Saxons called September Gerst Monath (Barley month) or Haefest Monath (Harvest month) celebrating the barley harvest. September is the time to rejoice and celebrate cooler weather. It’s still warm enough to enjoy without freezing, but not unbearably hot and humid, and there’s a delightful crispness in the air.

September is the only month in which you can enjoy both summer and fall. On that count, it is by far the best month to travel: it sees a remarkable confluence of happy circumstances around the world.

In the northern hemisphere, prices and blood pressures plummet as sizzling days give way to a more temperate existence. In the southern hemisphere, the chills have all but disappeared as mountain passes reopen, frozen lakes thaw and wildflowers bloom.

Sadly, for many travellers, September marks the end of travel season. It's back-to-school, back-to-work, back-to-reality drudgery. But if you can buck the trend, you'll find that September is when those with the savvy and the means pack their bags and embark on adventure.

September is the best month of the year to travel. The crowds have slowed in Europe and the locals have returned to provide an authentic reflection of their cities and towns. The weather is in shoulder season in both hemispheres, meaning travel is often more affordable as crowds have returned to their daily lives at home. With fewer people travelling through the month of September, hotel prices drop as well as airfares… there really is no better time of the year to travel!

If you prefer a quieter holiday, plan your escape for September when everyone else goes back to school and work.

You won’t have to wait in line long to see icons like the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican or climb the Eiffel Tower and you can forget about battling the crowds at theme parks like Disneyland in California and Orlando. Since you won’t have to wait in queues, you’ll have more time to tick off all your bucket list items, while keeping your cool every step of the way.

Savvy travellers know that Europe is at its best in September. Summer is ebbing away and autumn is unravelling its beauty, meaning you’ll get warm weather and gorgeous scenery.

In some places, like the Mediterranean, it’s even still warm enough to swim at the beaches. And if you head to Scandinavia towards the end of September, you’ll even have a chance at spotting the spellbinding Northern Lights.

North America puts on a spectacular show in September. The magnificent red, orange and gold autumn foliage comes out to play and it’s all about seasonal ingredients, fine wines, and cozy evenings. Towards the south and the West Coast, you’ll get beautiful, warm weather that’s ideal for exploring the natural wonders of these regions.

While the Northern Hemisphere experiences autumn in September, it’s springtime in the Southern Hemisphere. South America lights up with floral blooms, implying that you will enjoy mild dry weather across the continent.

When you travel to Africa and the Middle East, you’ll hit a perfect balancing act where you’ll avoid the blistering heat of the dry season but also dodge the downpours of the wet season. South Africa is moving into springtime, perfect for wildlife-watching, hiking, and flower spotting, while northern countries like Egypt and Morocco are at their coolest in September.

Head Down Under and you will be pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful spring month. Both Australia and New Zealand are beginning to warm up after winter but you’ll still get some diverse experiences during this time. Head to New Zealand at the start of the month and you’ll still be able to ski in the fluffy snow. Then hop over to the west coast of Australia around mid-September and you’ll likely find the weather warm enough to swim at the beach. Now that’s balance.

And if you are still wondering why you should travel in September in India, during this time, the weather is just perfect. The receding monsoons may result in little drizzle here and there. But otherwise, the temperatures are moderate.

The Eastern highlands during most of the year attract some of the most adventurous travellers, trekkers, and families who want to spend some leisure time on the hills and enjoy the view.

As September approaches, the autumn season settles in and brings a whole new aesthetic flourish to the region.