September

A great time to travel to Austria, September is washed with fiery autumn hues sweeping across the landscape, and pleasant weather. Visit beautiful castles, tuck into traditional Wiener schnitzels in Vienna, and enjoy the thriving wine culture.

Russia is as intriguing as it is controversial, with spectacular architecture, rich history and a contrastingly cosmopolitan capital, Moscow. The Golden Autumn, as declared by the poet Pushkin, is perfect for enjoying the culture of Russia.

Denmark, the birthplace of Lego and home to more bicycles than cars, is also comprised of the Danish Archipelago. Enjoy the pristine coastline year-round, sample local pastries, salty liquorice and admire world-renowned Danish architecture.

Scotland has no shortage of history-laden castles, spectacular natural landscapes and a healthy dose of whiskey to wash down good food. If a crowded line-up of music festivals doesn’t take your fancy, perhaps it’s the Scottish Highland Games.

France is well endowed with historical landmarks, Gothic architecture, gourmet food and wine. From the magnificent French Riviera to the sweeping Alps, the natural landscapes beg to be discovered.

With a fascinating cultural history, ancient ruins and architecture, Turkey’s beautiful natural landscape also lends itself well to days spent savouring Turkish cuisine, while soaking up the views. Also enjoy shopping and unmissable art in Istanbul.

On the Namibian coastline, a cold Atlantic Ocean laps against some of the highest desert dunes in the world. It’s also home to the world’s largest cheetah population, a scattering of German colonial architecture and a semi-buried diamond mining town.

Although landlocked, Uganda houses Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. The “Pearl of Africa”, as remarked by Winston Churchill, is a treasure trove of natural resources, lush national parks, rare animal species and is host to numerous vibrant markets.

Made famous by the namesake movie, it’s not just lemurs that put Madagascar on the map. Apart from its exotic flora and fauna, the ‘eighth continent’ has an exquisite coastline of beautiful beaches, a hiking friendly interior and delicious cuisine.

September is a perfect time to visit Morocco, with pleasant weather making way for exploring the medinas of Marrakech, sampling local cuisine in open-air cafes, admiring exquisite architecture and spending time in the varied natural landscape.

The rich cultural heritage of Ghana is preserved in the castles, museums, artisanal handicrafts, food and folklore of the country formerly known as the Gold Coast. Discover the diverse wildlife at the plentiful national parks across the country.

The archipelago duo, Sao Tome & Principe has a history as colourful as the island locale, with untouched beaches, azure water, green forest thickets and volcanic rock. Explore historical sites, colonial architecture and a coffee-loving café culture.

Postcard perfect, palm-fronted beaches and coral reefs come to mind when considering Fiji. The watercolour-washed archipelago is the ideal place for picking fruit hanging ripe from the trees, sampling Indo-Fijian food and escaping into nature.

Top of technology, South Korea is famed for adopting new trends and tech. Rich cultural heritage juxtaposes modern city life, where traditional hanok houses dwell alongside high-rises in Seoul, and top fashion flaunts alongside Handbok from times gone by.

The Y-shaped Vanuatu island group is loved for pristine stretches of shoreline, a warm, welcoming culture, excellent diving, snorkelling and delicious, freshly prepared food. Cascading waterfalls and lush rainforest await inland for adventurers.

Scattered with notable religious and historical landmarks, Israel is also known for its beaches, the salty Dead Sea in the Jordan Rift Valley, hiking opportunities across the country, a burgeoning wine culture, foodie scene and vibrant nightlife.

More to it than a profusion of beautiful temples, Cambodia’s rich Khmer culture, idyllic islands, beaches and varied landscapes are all draw-cards of this destination in Southeast Asia. Bustling markets by day are replaced by an exciting nightlife.

Home to the Himalayas and a plethora of UNESCO World Heritage sites, Nepal is spectacular for its natural landscape, flora and fauna. Colourful festivals abound, accompanied by unique cuisine and a diverse culture.

Canada’s untouched wilderness ranges from crisp coastline and lakes, to expansive forests housing grizzly bears and maple trees. Hike, mountain bike and zip-line your way through the many national parks, or take in the scenery from aboard a kayak.

From theme parks and malls to museums, music and food, the USA boasts a wide array of attractions. The beaches are as well-frequented as the forests, alpine lakes and canyons, which are the ideal place to hike and enjoy the great wilderness of America.

Discovered by Christopher Columbus, Honduras is adorned with quiet beaches, colonial architecture, spectacular natural landscapes and biodiversity. Visit nearby Mayan ruins at Copan and regularly indulge in beachside seafood grills.

Dotted with ancient ruins and surrealist art, Mexico is a historical treasure trove. Visit the sweeping coastline of Tulum, take Calakmul jungle treks, snorkel and dive off Guadalupe Island, and venture into arid desert all in one destination.

From hiking the Blue Mountains to phosphorescent lagoon dips, Jamaica’s more than its beautiful beaches, reggae music and Jerk Chicken. Visit Portland to dive the Blue Lagoon, bobsled at Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios or board a bamboo raft in Rio Grande.

Apart from just coffee and bananas, Costa Rica is a biodiverse meeting point with volcanoes, hot springs and rainforests to be explored. Take advantage of great weather on the Caribbean coast and sunbathe, swim or snorkel from the pristine beaches.

The dry season in Bolivia sees mostly blue skies and sunny days, perfect for a cable car tour of La Paz, boat rides on Lake Titicaca in Copacabana, or traversing the distinctive, desolate Salar de Uyuni, or salt flats.

At the heart of South America, Paraguay enjoys mild weather this month, making way to explore the history and untouched beauty of the country. Walk the streets of Asunción and its colonial architecture or shop and eat at Encarnación waterfront.

Swathes of rainforest cover Suriname, which is known for unspoiled natural beauty and its capital Paramaribo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk its streets with an evident colonial history and take a tour of Brownsberg Nature Park.

Winter in Uruguay is the perfect time to dip into its northernmost hot springs or discover the colourful, historic Old Town of Colónia del Sacramento, with its vintage cars and colonial architecture. Visit Montevideo around the Plaza Independencia.

The hint of Spring in Brazil brings an opportunity to spot wildlife in the wetlands of Pantanal, sunbathe on Copacabana beach, explore colonial architecture and baroque churches in Salvador or soak up the atmosphere.