September is the ninth month of the year, and the first month of autumn. Not only is it the time to sow plants, but is one of the best times to travel. Most children are back at school, the really hot temperatures have started to dip, and the price of flights abroad have started to fall. What better time to go?
Month When Tourists Decrease
In the UK last year the number of overseas visits dropped from 9.3 million in August to 8.4 million in September. In the USA, July was the most popular month for holidays followed by August and June. September came fourth.
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Here’s three favourites worth considering:
Trekking In The Magical Kingdom Of Nepal
If you like trekking, then consider the magical kingdom of Nepal as your first September destination. In Nepal you can trek to the top of the world, by visiting the base camp of Everest, the highest mountain in the world.
Stunning Mountain Views
There is also the Annapurna Sanctuary, which offers stunning views, not to mention The Langtang Valley, the closest trek to the Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy the challenge of rafting, and go on safari in Chitwan, where you can see one of the last populations of the single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and Bengal tigers.
Contemplate The Meaning Of Life
Visit Lumbini, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, where you can contemplate the meaning of life, and listen to Buddhist monks chanting. In Nepal, the monsoon season is over by the middle of September, and the average daily temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), reaching highs of 26°C (79°F) and dropping to an average minimum temperature of 19°C (66°F).
Snowy Peaks Of The Himalayas
With the rainy season gone, you can enjoy the captivating views of Nepal’s snowy peaks of the Himalayas, combined with the rich greenery of valleys. If you want a piece of culture, add Pokhara to your list. It has the freshwater Phewa Lake and three of the 10 highest peaks in the world. Don’t forget to take some travel insurance if you are trekking.
Learn About The History Of The Gurkhas
You can also learn about the military role of the Gurkhas by visiting the Gurkha Memorial Museum.
You can read about the heroism of these Nepalese soldiers, the wars they fought in, and the Victoria Crosses they received.
Hindu Festival Of Song And Dance
Join in the Teej Festival, a Hindu celebration of singing and dancing. The International Mountain Museum provides a history of mountaineering. Just outside Pokhara thrill seekers will love the rush they get from one of the steepest ziplines in the world. Whatever you do in Nepal, you will not be disappointed.
Sicily Is Not About The Mafia
When people mention Sicily, the mafia always comes to mind, and that annoys most locals. But they can’t blame the tourists. They have been fed on a Hollywood diet of The Godfather, The Untouchables, and The Irishman.
A Night At The Opera
If you are into The Sopranos, then jokes apart, visit Palermo, its capital, as September’s when the opera season kicks off. There are plenty of tour companies that will show you around.
The city offers you a bike ride to explore its unique artistic and architectural heritage. Witness the historic episodes of the Arabic, Norman and Byzantine empires, and what they left.
The local guide will also introduce you to Palermo’s winding streets and alleyways, passing by landmarks such as the Teatro Massimo, the Cathedral of Palermo, and the Quattro Canti.
Sicily is much quieter than usual in September, and offers a bearable climate during the day and much cooler weather in the evenings.
Hike Up Mount Etna
If you have the stamina it might be worth taking a hike up the 3,357m of Mount Etna, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in Europe or explore the volcanic archipelago of the Aoelian Islands.
Taormina is where you can visit a Greek-Roman theatre. Other Greek ruins worth seeing include the Valle dei Templ (Valley of Temples) in Agrigento, which is regarded as one of world’s finest archaeological examples of ancient art and architecture. Also, enjoy the street food tradition at the market.
Japan Is One of Life’s Best Countries To Visit
If you like singing, then there’s nothing like a good karaoke in Tokyo and believe me, I’ve tried one. Thank God it was only the family listening, Elvia would not have been amused.
Karaoke As You’ve Never Heard It Before
Simply book a karaoke room for a family, order your food, and away you go. Luckily the room is sound-proofed, and there are no windows or chandeliers.
Kimono, Chopsticks And Ceramic Bowls
Once you’ve done singing in this city of 13 million people, explore the shops and get your partner a nice kimono and for yourself some good-quality chopsticks and ceramic bowls for your next sushi meal. And while you’re at it, try the rice wine, otherwise known as sake.
Bullet Train To Big Buddha
When we went to Japan a few years back, there was a heavy downpour, so we never quite made it to Osaka. But instead the bullet train was able to take us to Kamakura to see the Big Buddha.
Mount Fuji Is Not Far From Tokyo
Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is a popular tourist destination and it’s only 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo.
Its tallest peak is 3,776 meters, and is regarded as one of Japan’s three sacred mountains. If you are looking for wildlife and open spaces, Hokkaido offers you plenty of opportunities for hiking.
Grab A Ramen Or Genghis Khan Lamb Barbecue
Its capital city Sapporo, home to two million residents, will amaze you with its tasty cuisine. Top of the menu apart from the katsu, ramen and wagu beef is its well-known Genghis Khan lamb barbecue. Don’t forget to wash it down with sake or a Japanese beer.