Where To Go On Holiday Now
- Publish Date
- Wednesday, 4 September 2013, 12:00AM
Whether you're looking for early summer sun, a city adventure or something active, these enticing escapes are at their best in September and October...
Buenos Aires
Best time to go: September onwards
City breaks are ideal for making the most of your holiday allowance. The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires definitely rivals the usual choices. It's a bustling metropolis of South American culture that's glitzy and unkempt in equal measure. Immerse yourself in colonial architecture, sample some real Argentinian steak (washed down with plenty of Argentinian red, of course!) then let the locals teach you how to tango.
Ibiza
Best time to go: Late September
Ibiza is so much more than a party isle. The island's unspoilt, pretty north-eastern coves and bays have escaped the tourist masses to remain a tranquil destination all year round. Head there in late September when the locals are kicking back to enjoy the last of the summer sun - you'll have the place pretty much to yourself.
Nepal
Best time to go: October onwards
Achieve something really amazing with that week off. The Himalayas come back to life in early October as the monsoon rains ease off and spring dawns - it's the perfect time to join an organised trek of the enchanting mountain range. Make sure you leave a day or two to tiger-spot in the Chitwan National Park too.
Northern Cyprus
Best time to go: September onwards
Looking for some sun? Northern Cyprus has emerged as a brilliant beach destination in recent years. Although the picturesque old harbour of Kyrenia (Girne) is now a tourist trap, glimpses of old Cyprus remain dotted on the area's rural Mediterranean landscape. Make the most of the mild early autumn climate to explore gothic castles, historic ruins and unspoilt beaches.
San Francisco
Best time to go: October
Now's the time to tick the Golden Gate Bridge off the to-do list! Blue skies prevail over the steep hills of laid-back San Fran during October. It's an eclectic place to be - wild parrots rule the trees; artists rule the streets. Pack a coat - this city's known for its chilly breeze!
Hong Kong
Best time to go: October
Escape winter by following the sun to the West. The sun shines on Hong Kong's teeming, neon-lit streets in October so it's a great time to explore this bustling city. Shop the internationally-renowned boutiques, follow the locals to the steamy street-corner canteens for tantalising cuisine, perform tai-chi in the park and return home planning your next trip.
Madagascar
Best time to go: Late October onwards
One of the most magical places on Earth. Madagascar sits off the expansive African coast, but the island's eco-system and culture is utterly unique. Crocodile-inhabited caves, spiny forests, baffling wildlife, dazzling waterfalls, miles of unspoilt beaches - this is a destination that you won't forget in a hurry!
Marrakesh
Best time to go: September onwards
Colourful souks, ancient architecture, pavement cafes - a break in Marrakesh will really blow the cobwebs away, especially now the searing summer heat has mellowed. Investigate different accommodation options to find the best deal.
Miami
Best time to go: Late November onwards
Rich Americans searching for an alternative to the snowstorms make an annual pilgramage to Miami as dark skies descend over the East Coast. It's a crazy place - Caribbean and Latin influences collide as alligators stalk the rivers and beautiful people kick back on South Beach. Spend a few days exploring the extravagant hustle and bustle of downtown Miami before escaping to the Everglades - Florida's unique national park.
Mexico
Best time to go: November onwards
Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula offers so much more than all-inclusive party breaks in Cancun or the tourist-trap shores of Playa del Carmen. Ancient Mayan sites also abound - from the winding streets of colonial capital Mérida to the majestic pyramids of Izamal or mangrove-lined estuary, Rio Lagartos which is home to a fair few flamingos. There are plenty of quiet sandy beaches too. Well worth considering for a spring break.
Buenos Aires
Best time to go: September onwards
City breaks are ideal for making the most of your holiday allowance. The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires definitely rivals the usual choices. It's a bustling metropolis of South American culture that's glitzy and unkempt in equal measure. Immerse yourself in colonial architecture, sample some real Argentinian steak (washed down with plenty of Argentinian red, of course!) then let the locals teach you how to tango.
Ibiza
Best time to go: Late September
Ibiza is so much more than a party isle. The island's unspoilt, pretty north-eastern coves and bays have escaped the tourist masses to remain a tranquil destination all year round. Head there in late September when the locals are kicking back to enjoy the last of the summer sun - you'll have the place pretty much to yourself.
Nepal
Best time to go: October onwards
Achieve something really amazing with that week off. The Himalayas come back to life in early October as the monsoon rains ease off and spring dawns - it's the perfect time to join an organised trek of the enchanting mountain range. Make sure you leave a day or two to tiger-spot in the Chitwan National Park too.
Northern Cyprus
Best time to go: September onwards
Looking for some sun? Northern Cyprus has emerged as a brilliant beach destination in recent years. Although the picturesque old harbour of Kyrenia (Girne) is now a tourist trap, glimpses of old Cyprus remain dotted on the area's rural Mediterranean landscape. Make the most of the mild early autumn climate to explore gothic castles, historic ruins and unspoilt beaches.
San Francisco
Best time to go: October
Now's the time to tick the Golden Gate Bridge off the to-do list! Blue skies prevail over the steep hills of laid-back San Fran during October. It's an eclectic place to be - wild parrots rule the trees; artists rule the streets. Pack a coat - this city's known for its chilly breeze!
Hong Kong
Best time to go: October
Escape winter by following the sun to the West. The sun shines on Hong Kong's teeming, neon-lit streets in October so it's a great time to explore this bustling city. Shop the internationally-renowned boutiques, follow the locals to the steamy street-corner canteens for tantalising cuisine, perform tai-chi in the park and return home planning your next trip.
Madagascar
Best time to go: Late October onwards
One of the most magical places on Earth. Madagascar sits off the expansive African coast, but the island's eco-system and culture is utterly unique. Crocodile-inhabited caves, spiny forests, baffling wildlife, dazzling waterfalls, miles of unspoilt beaches - this is a destination that you won't forget in a hurry!
Marrakesh
Best time to go: September onwards
Colourful souks, ancient architecture, pavement cafes - a break in Marrakesh will really blow the cobwebs away, especially now the searing summer heat has mellowed. Investigate different accommodation options to find the best deal.
Miami
Best time to go: Late November onwards
Rich Americans searching for an alternative to the snowstorms make an annual pilgramage to Miami as dark skies descend over the East Coast. It's a crazy place - Caribbean and Latin influences collide as alligators stalk the rivers and beautiful people kick back on South Beach. Spend a few days exploring the extravagant hustle and bustle of downtown Miami before escaping to the Everglades - Florida's unique national park.
Mexico
Best time to go: November onwards
Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula offers so much more than all-inclusive party breaks in Cancun or the tourist-trap shores of Playa del Carmen. Ancient Mayan sites also abound - from the winding streets of colonial capital Mérida to the majestic pyramids of Izamal or mangrove-lined estuary, Rio Lagartos which is home to a fair few flamingos. There are plenty of quiet sandy beaches too. Well worth considering for a spring break.