Missing summer already? Take a quick trip this September to bring back those vacation vibes.
It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone so fast, and truth be told, we’re already ready for another vacation. So we’ve done a little research to find a few getaways perfect for a short break this September, from a Pacific Northwest retreat to beach trips from the East Coast to Central America to a jaunt to a European capital city. Since September heralds shoulder season for many destinations, all of these trips are pretty friendly on the wallet, costing about $700 for flights and accommodations.
4 Nights in Victoria, British Columbia for $660
While Vancouver might be the most famous city in British Columbia, its neighbor Victoria, the capital of the province, is certainly worthy of a long weekend trip. Stroll the charming downtown and take in the elegant architecture of Parliament before heading to the docks to catch a whale watching tour. After spending the day with orcas and humpbacks, kick back and relax with a cocktail at the Fairmont Empress (try a color-changing one made with Empress 1908 gin, a local spirit).
Throughout September, flights from New York are as low as $260, while flights from Los Angeles come in around $330. If you happen to be based in Seattle, you can even take a ferry to Victoria for $140 round-trip if you book at least a week in advance. Many Airbnbs right in the heart of downtown come in under $100 per night, so including transportation, you can spend about $700 for a four-night stay.
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3 Nights in Panama City for $730
A number of major airlines and hotel chains offer package vacation deals that combine airfare and accommodations, and this September, Marriott has some great offerings to Panama City. The Central American metropolis on the Pacific might be best known for the Panama Canal, but it’s a city with a vibrant culinary scene, a colorful walled Old Town called Casco Viejo, and impressive parks, like the Metropolitan Natural Park, a protected section of rainforest where you can see all manner of wildlife.
Through Vacations by Marriott, you can stay at the luxurious JW Marriott or the trendy W Panama for three nights for about $730, inclusive of airfare from New York. And if you’re after a resort-style vacation at the beach, you could head two hours southeast of Panama City to The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, an Autograph Collection property, for a little R&R—it’s also $730. The same packages are available from Los Angeles for $650, and from Miami for just $470.
2–4 Nights in Montauk, New York for $700
In August, Montauk and its neighbors, the Hamptons, can be pretty much off-limits for anyone whose vacation plans include the word “budget,” but as soon as Labor Day passes, the sky-high rates pass, too. And September often still has weather warm enough for swimming at the beach, making it ideal an ideal time to visit for more budget-minded travelers. Spend the days at the beach, the town’s eponymous brewery, or biking to the lighthouse, all with fewer crowds, too.
In September, both Airbnbs and hotels can cost between $150 and $200 per night, making for a pretty affordable weekend trip. If you’re already based in New York, a Long Island Railroad ticket to Montauk costs about $50 round-trip, meaning you could spend up to four nights there within a roughly $700 budget. If you’re catching Amtrak in from Boston, Philadelphia, or Washington, D.C., tack on anywhere from $100 to $400 for a round-trip ticket—you might have to cut down your stay to just two nights.
3 Nights in Copenhagen for $680
If jet lag doesn’t phase you, why not take a quick jaunt to Europe this September? Copenhagen has ideal fall weather by this time, with daily highs in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit). Break out your best sweater as you meander through the colorful streets, sip coffee in chic cafés, or tour the royal palaces like Christiansborg and Amalienborg. You could also visit the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park, or head just outside of the city to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
With the growth of low-cost airlines in recent years, budget flights to Europe have become commonplace, and even major carriers have had to drop their prices to compete. This September, you can fly to Copenhagen for just $378 from New York, $448 from Los Angeles, and $408 from Boston. Pair these flight deals with one of the many $100 per night Airbnbs, and you’ve got a trip to the Danish capital for about $700.