5 Best Places to Visit in September

While the calendar doesn’t put us into autumn just yet, a lot of us are experiencing some bittersweet emotions after bidding summer adieu now that Labor Day has come and gone. I can only hope you spent it with friends, sunshine, some sand and a proper coastal breeze nearby. Nonetheless, it is time to gear up for the season of beautiful (bearable) weather, apple picking with friends, rivalry football games, and so many more fall festivities! Before you take full advantage of all the things Charleston has to offer in the fall, why not take one more vacation just before the leaves change? Take a look at some of the best places to venture to in September!

1. Aix-en-Provence, France

By this time in the lavender-field haven, the crowds have died down and the temperatures have dropped. Provisions from local farmers are found on many local menus making for fresh, authentic fare. Be sure to visit the Pope’s Palace in Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and take a kayak out on the teal waters of Gorges du Verdon. Stay at Villa La Coste in the Provençal countryside in one of the contemporary-style villa suites with terraces, surrounded by gardens, biodynamic vineyards, an art park featuring pieces of contemporary artists and pavilions designed by Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano and Tadao Ando. The property, on the 500-acre Chateau LA Coste vineyard also boasts a Michelin-rated chef ready to prepare meals that will make you dance in delight!

2. Madagascar

Looking for something a bit more lush and tropical? Look to this tiny island off the southeast coast of Africa that concludes its famous whale watching season this month. Your lens just may be able to catch a snapshot of a famous humpback! Make your home base one of the 14 solar-powered villas at Miavana, the country’s first luxury resort and find a guide with Time + Tide (that run the resort) that will lead you on a underwater adventure to explore shipwrecks, coral reefs and marine life. Animated talking animals may even make an appearance if you’re lucky!

3. South Africa

If you are looking to recreate a more Out of Africa-esque memory, look into a South African safari. Once famous for taking hunters to find their prey, many safari resorts are now rooted in animal and habitat preservation. This is the last month for optimal game viewing, who tend to congregate around their local watering hole. Plan to stay at the private game reserve of Londolozi. There are art-worthy spreads of food and champagne, 2 daily game drives and a truly caring staff that puts thought, energy and money into the conservation of the area and an ongoing social enterprise mission, in addition to a diligent anti-poaching unit. Consequently, the area hasn’t had a poaching incident in over ten years. Even more personal, guests are invited to tour the village where the staff lives and attend round table discussions with guides and owners on their stories, the Londolozi mission and its transition from a hunting lodge to a game reserve and conservation center. Keep your eyes peeled for the “Big 5″on your excursions — lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards. Some of those shots are sure to make it onto the gallery wall to live on long after your homecoming!

4. Vancouver

Head to this young Canadian locale for abounding scenery, prime hiking trails and beaches. The best of both worlds, Vancouver is surrounded by mountains and coast and has a cosmopolitan atmosphere and plenty of upscale boutiques in its vibrant downtown. Popular for its variety of health-conscious eateries and filming destinations to a number of major motion pictures, you may just find yourself sipping your matcha green tea latte next to the next big Oscar-winner. Among some of the most beautiful attractions are Stanley Park, Granville Island and Queen Elizabeth Park. Book your stay at the city’s most historic retreat, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia or the Shangri-La Hotel in the heart of downtown .

5. Prague

Looking to sip your way through vacation? Look to Prague, that throughout the month of September hosts folk festivals dedicated to the wine harvest season. Be sure to also check out Architecture Week that extends September 14th through October 12th featuring exhibitions and lectures of world famous structures and styles. Maybe you’ll also find time to catch a movie put on by the Fresh Film Fest running from September 17th to the 21st. Stay at the 16th century grand palace that is Alchymist Hotel, nestled between Petrin Hill and the river. Its interiors boast heavy Hapsburg baroque influence in their antiques and vaulted ceilings that will have you feeling like royalty in no time!

Let us know where you are headed this September, near or far, in the comments below!