The Best Places to Travel in September

September is the unsung hero of travel months: The busiest vacation season has come and gone, places are less crowded because kids are back in school, and as a result, prices on airfare, accommodations, and even attractions have dropped. It's the perfect time to pay a visit to locations that are usually swarming with tourists and enjoy some serious natural beauty, luxury hotels, outdoor adventures, and more than a few glasses of wine.

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This list of travel destinations taps into all that shoulder season greatness, whether you're enjoying some crowd-free beaches in Fiji, watching movies in Toronto, or living your best literary life in the Scottish Highlands. So what are you waiting for? Here are the 11 best places to travel in September, from Bali to Nantucket.

This article has been updated since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Mark Ellwood.

01 Fiji

Fiji is the type of tropical paradise we fantasize about all year (we even named it one of the best places in the South Pacific to visit in 2024), but this 300-plus cluster of islands feels slightly less idyllic amongst the summertime crowds. The clearing of those crowds-coupled with balmy weather, clear oceans, and lower hotel prices―makes September one of the best months to visit this sliver of the central Pacific. The soft coral surrounding the country provides some of the world's best diving conditions, with the marine reserve around Namena Island standing out from the pack with its thousands of species of colorful fish. Bonus: September is smack dab in the middle of mating season for humpback whales, so you might even spot some gentle giants during your dive.

Use this trip as an excuse to finally book a stay at Kokomo Private Island Resort, a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2024 pick. The 5-star resort is located on a decidedly un-touristy set of islands in Fiji's south; the fact that there are only 25 rooms only adds to the exclusivity. The thatched-roof villas are the epitome of Pacific luxury, and the views of the coral reef from your private infinity pool-complete with turtles and maybe some of those aforementioned humpbacks-are more than worth the price.