We know finding cheap flights is daunting, but all hope isn’t lost. September is historically a shoulder month, which means flight and hotel prices are starting to come down before they spike again for the Christmas holiday season.
With summer vacation winding down and families settling back into their routines, peak-season demand begins to ease. That can give travelers more opportunities to find lower prices.
What’s great about traveling in September is that the weather is still comfortable in many places before the seasons change in both hemispheres. Beach destinations haven’t cooled off yet, while European cities are finally shedding the peak-summer crowds. In North America, cities are enjoying what’s left of patio season. And if you missed out on a European summer, September offers another opportunity to experience the continent with lower prices and fewer visitors.
Here are the best places to travel this September for less than $700 round-trip.
Toronto, Ontario For Less Than $250 Round-Trip
If you’re not keen on visiting Toronto during the fall and winter, September is likely your last chance to be comfortable before the temperatures drop in the fall. Toronto has something for every kind of traveler, but its food scene is reason enough to visit.
Kicking off the excitement in Toronto is the Toronto International Film Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of film lovers to the city from Sept. 10 through Sept. 20.
City travelers can escape to more than 50 museums and attractions with the City Pass, or catch a neighborhood favorite festival, the Cabbagetown Festival on Parliament Street. Meanwhile, nature lovers can venture around Ontario’s capital by hiking in Rouge National Urban Park. Adventure travelers can also kayak along the Humber River or bike in Humber Bay Park.
Round-trip flights from Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington, D.C., are less than $250 on Skyscanner. Nashville is the cheapest departure city. Use Sept. 15–22 on Google Flights for a round-trip ticket for less than $215.
Mexico City, Mexico For Less Than $300 Round-Trip
If there’s one place that’s getting all the attention this year, it’s Mexico City. There’s so much to love about it year-round. September marks the tail end of the rainy season, so travelers who don’t mind a little rainfall will find it one of the best times to visit, since visitors don’t pick back up again until October.
The nation commemorates its Independence Day on Sept. 16, marking the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence in 1810 against the Spanish Empire. Main celebrations such as El Grito de Dolores begin on the evening of Sept. 15. If you plan your trip accordingly, Mexico City museums offer evening activities on the last Wednesday of the month. Arrive by 6 p.m and plan for an evening of performances, workshops, and other activities.
And as if this isn’t enough, you can’t leave without an explosive culinary experience that will leave an impression on your taste buds and time in Mexico City. You can do this by heading to one of the many festivals, such as the Pulque and Mezcal Gastronomic Festival, or by booking a food tour.
Round-trip flights from Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, and Miami are just a few departure cities with round-trip flights for less than $300 on Skyscanner. Houston is the cheapest option. There are plenty of days you can use this September for a round-trip flight for less than $260 on Google Flights.
Bridgetown, Barbados For Less Than $500 Round-Trip
Barbados’s Crop Over Festival may be over, but the excitement that comes from being on the island is far from finished. There’s still plenty to do in a place that holds the secrets to longevity, as Barbados consistently ranks among the countries with the highest per capita number of centenarians in the world.
The first thing on your itinerary should be a trip to one of the award-winning pristine beaches. Barbados’s shorelines consistently rank as some of the best in the world. Beyond the beaches, hiking through nature is a fun way to enjoy time away from the screen, with lush green forests and boardwalks. It’s also customary to make time to experience the Oistins Fish Fry Market. The legendary, lively outdoor spot is perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and dancing to calypso music.
On Skyscanner, round-trip flights are running for less than $500 from nearly every major U.S. airport, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Boston is offering the lowest option among the departure cities. Use Sept. 18-26 as your travel dates in Google Flights for a round-trip ticket for less than $450.
Madrid, Spain For Less Than $700 Round-Trip
One of September’s biggest advantages is experiencing Madrid without the crowds. As peak summer winds down, travelers may find more availability and better rates at hotels and other accommodations. September in Madrid is magical, when the city comes to life with city stages, galleries, festivals, and events.
DCODE music festival takes place every September, celebrating top alternative, indie, pop, and rock artists. Then, there’s the Apetura Madrid Gallery Weekend, where the best museums in Madrid extend their hours to hold free events to kick off the art season in Madrid. Expect guided tours, outdoor sculpture exhibitions, and even activities for children.
According to Skyscanner, round-trip flights from Chicago, Detroit, Durham, Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington, D.C. are less than $700. Boston is the cheapest. Use Sept. 17-25 as your travel dates in Google Flights for a round-trip ticket for less than $650.
Rome, Italy For Less Than $700 Round-Trip
It doesn’t take much to enjoy Rome. Whether it’s your first time or one of many visits, Rome has an energy that remains unmatched. It’s one of the few cities in the world that seamlessly blends its history with modern Italian flair. You can begin your day exploring Rome’s rich history and world-renowned architecture, then end the night on a high note at the Romaeuropa Festival at venues like Teatro Argentina and Auditorium della Conciliazione, or catch a vibe at a DJ set at one of many scenic rooftop lounges.
This September, round-trip flights from Boston, Los Angeles, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. are less than $700 on Skyscanner. The cheapest option leaves from New York City. Use Google Flights and enter Sept. 9- 17 as your travel dates for a round-trip ticket for less than $630.
Please note that flight prices reflect the time of publication.
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