The days are getting shorter and the kids are back at school, but don’t let September pass by without a vacation. Kick off fall with leaf-peeping in New England or make time for trekking the Inca Trail in Peru. Maybe even enjoy beer-toasting fun at an Oktoberfest event, too!
SUMMER’S LAST HURRAH
Labor Day is the unofficial end to the long, lazy days of summer. So book a last-minute getaway and or head to the beach for one last hurrah. With hurricane season in full swing, it’s always great to get travel tips just in case you get caught traveling during stormy weather. We don’t blame you if you’d rather escape the crowded beaches on this holiday week. Go camping in a national park. Or combine the best of both worlds with beach camping.
SOUTH AFRICA
Pack your zoom lens and tap into your wild side with a South African safari. In areas around world-renowned Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves, the best time for game viewing is July through September, when the weather is cooler and dry. Wildlife is concentrated around watering holes during this time, so you’ll know where to look to spot Africa’s “Big 5” — lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo and leopards.
MUNICH
Ah, Oktoberfest, this annual beer-fueled festival is just one of the reasons why we love the Germans. Mid- to late-September, this 16- to 18-day festival starts in Munich and celebrates Bavarian culture with live music, traditional dancing, carnival rides and — natürlich! — overflowing steins of mouthwatering beer. Can’t make it all the way to Germany for brews and bratwurst? Check out Oktoberfest celebrations in the US or celebrate at beer gardens around the world.
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Recharge this fall with a little help from this charming town’s mountain vibe, locally sourced eateries and eclectic arts scene. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer one of the country’s longest fall foliage displays, so you’ll have plenty of time after taking in the stunning scenery to explore Asheville. Tour the 250-room Biltmore Estate, see artists working at the Rivers Art District or listen to some toe-tappin’ bluegrass.
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
Now is the time to see the “Lost City of the Inca,” one of New 7 Wonders of the World. Cross the 30-mile Inca Trail that leads to this awe-inspiring wonder off your bucket list. September is the end of Machu Picchu’s dry season, and in late September through October you’re likely to see fewer crowds and still have nice weather with the start of Machu Picchu’s shoulder season. Be sure to plan time to explore the charming colonial city of Cusco, site of the historic capital of the Inca Empire, while you’re here. Need more info? Find out what you need to know about Machu Picchu before you go.
NEW ENGLAND
While the days may be getting shorter and the nights getting colder, there’s always something to look forward to this month: fall foliage. Mother Nature’s spectacular autumn show is best seen with a leaf-peeping road trip through New England . And don’t forget your cameras — we want to see your best photos of fall foliage when you return! For now, check out some of Jeff “Foliage” Folger’s 11 Dazzling Fall Foliage Photos.