The best holiday deals in September

Forget back to school and bag a bargain trip instead

Explore Catalonia's exquisite countryside (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

If you want a last blast of summery weather, you don’t have to go very far to bask in the sun. September is one of the most pleasant months to travel, as prices start to drop from their August highs but the weather is still marvellously warm. Here are a few ideas if you want a late-summer getaway, as well as some suggestions if you’re planning ahead for December.

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Spain

The Catalan countryside and its coastal fishing villages are a joy to explore once the August crowds have dissipated. Discover its medieval villages and wildlife-rich forests on a six-night walking holiday with Headwater. You’ll trek along coastal paths, through pine forests and into tranquil villages such as Peratallada. Six nights cost from £989pp for selected dates in September, and the price includes B&B accommodation, four evening meals and luggage transfers. Flights are extra but can be arranged.

Morocco

If Marrakech is a bit hectic for you, soak up the laid-back atmosphere of Essaouira instead. Life is lived at a slightly slower pace in this attractive fishing port, where you can explore the medina and the souks before hitting the beach. Riad Chbanate is a beautifully renovated eight-room riad in the medina, where you can watch life go by from the hot tub on the roof terrace. Fleewinter has four nights’ B&B from £297pp for dates throughout September, including airport transfers but not flights.

Essaouira has a laid-back vibe (Getty)

Suffolk

Head to the Suffolk coast for a few days in genteel Aldeburgh – home to superb seafood and a huge beach to match. From there it’s a pleasant stroll up the coast road to the fairy-tale village of Thorpeness. Rural Retreats has September availability in its charming three-bedroom cottage at 7 Brudenell Street, just a few steps from Aldeburgh’s shingle beach. It has two bedrooms and a single room, and dogs are welcome. Four nights from 17 September costs £796.

Toronto

Summer lingers for a while in Canada’s largest city, but usually without the heavy humidity of August. Toronto’s mosaic of cultures makes it a fascinating and fun place to visit, with practically every country in the world represented in its restaurants. Discover the city, with a quick trip south to Niagara Falls, on a five-night break with Canadian Sky. The price of £939pp includes flights, accommodation and transfers, for selected dates in September.

The Toronto skyline (Tourism Toronto)

Book now for December

South Africa

Take advantage of the new direct flights launched by British Airways to Durban with this 13-night holiday organised by Rainbow Tours. You’ll explore the Drakensburg Mountains and Zulu war battlefields before visiting Hluhluwe Game Reserve and finishing with a few days in Durban. Prices start at £2,695pp and include flights, accommodation, some meals and car hire, for 17 December departures.

Berlin is the ideal city break in the lead up to Christmas (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Berlin

Berlin is hard to resist at any time of year, but there’s an extra sparkle in December when the city sets up its 50-odd Christmas markets. Even if you’re not a fan of markets, Berlin’s galleries, bars and general vibe are enough of a draw on their own. Fred Holidays has three nights’ B&B at the Leonardo Royal Alexanderplatz from £425pp, including flights, luggage and transfers.

Valletta is wrapping up its year as capital of culture (Elena Petrova - Fotolia)

Malta

Enjoy Malta’s mild climate with a pre-Christmas jaunt to Valletta, which will be winding up its year as a European City of Culture. Valletta Vintage, offered by i-escape, has five self-catering apartments that celebrate the Fifties in their clever yet comfortable design, and also feature roof terraces with fabulous views. Three nights from 8-11 December cost from £129pp, room only; flights are extra.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk