The Most Unique Places to Travel in September 2025 (According to Travel Editors)

If you’ve been itching for one last getaway before the year’s end, September might just be your golden ticket. It’s that sweet spot where summer crowds have faded, airfare is refreshingly affordable, and the weather is still playing nice in many corners of the globe. From wine festivals in historic castles to rare wildlife sightings, here are five destinations our travel editors can’t stop talking about for September 2025.

1. Budapest, Hungary – For a Wine Festival Hosted in a Castle

Hungary may not always be the first name that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be. September is prime wine season here, and Budapest celebrates in style with the Budapest International Wine Festival (Sept. 11–14, 2025) held right inside Buda Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the Danube.

You’ll sip award-winning Hungarian wines like Tokaji and Bull’s Blood while enjoying panoramic city views, folk music, and gourmet street food. Bonus: Budapest’s thermal baths are still comfortably warm this time of year, making it a perfect cultural-meets-relaxation trip.

Travel Tip: Stay near the Castle District for easy festival access, and take a Danube river cruise for a romantic view of the city at night.

2. Madeira, Portugal – For Grape Stomping in the World’s Oldest Wine Region

Sitting in the Atlantic just off Africa’s coast, Madeira is a subtropical dream. Thanks to new direct flights from the U.S., it’s now easier than ever to reach this Portuguese island. September marks the island’s Wine Festival (Aug. 25–Sept. 8, 2025), a celebration of Madeira’s centuries-old wine-making tradition.

The highlight? Grape stomping yes, the old-fashioned barefoot kind plus colorful parades, live music, and traditional folk dancing. Beyond the festival, expect dramatic cliffs, lush levada walks, and charming seaside villages.

Travel Tip: Book a guided vineyard tour to taste Madeira’s signature fortified wine and learn about its unique aging process. Don’t skip a scenic drive along the Encumeada Pass for jaw-dropping mountain views.

3. Great Bear Rainforest, Canada – To Spot Rare Spirit Bears

Deep in British Columbia lies the Great Bear Rainforest, one of the planet’s largest intact temperate rainforests. September is the magic month for spotting the Kermode bear, better known as the “spirit bear” thanks to its rare white fur. Fewer than 500 exist, and the annual salmon migration draws them out into the open.

The region is also home to wolves, bald eagles, and breaching humpback whales making it a dream for wildlife lovers. You’ll need to take a small-boat tour or stay at a remote lodge to truly experience it.

Travel Tip: Access is typically via Vancouver or Prince Rupert, followed by a seaplane or boat. Pack waterproof gear this is still a rainforest, after all.

4. Custer State Park, South Dakota – For the 60th Anniversary of the Buffalo Roundup

Each September, over 1,300 buffalo thunder across the prairies of Custer State Park during the annual Buffalo Roundup (Sept. 26, 2025). It’s a true Wild West spectacle, complete with cowboys, cowgirls, and plenty of Americana charm.

Beyond the event, the park offers scenic drives through granite spires, hiking trails, and wildlife ranging from pronghorn to prairie dogs. Early autumn also paints the Black Hills in beautiful golds and reds.

Travel Tip: Arrive early on roundup day viewing areas fill up fast. Pair your visit with a trip to nearby Mount Rushmore or the Crazy Horse Memorial.

5. Breckenridge, Colorado – To Be the First to See Fall Foliage

Breckenridge isn’t just a ski town—it’s also one of the earliest spots in the U.S. to see autumn colors. In mid-to-late September, golden aspens ignite the mountainsides, creating postcard-perfect hiking and biking conditions.

The town itself is steeped in mining history, with Victorian-era buildings housing boutique shops, cozy cafés, and craft breweries. Cooler nights mean crisp mountain air, perfect for stargazing.

Travel Tip: Rent a bike for the Blue River Rec Path or take the Boreas Pass Road for unbeatable leaf-peeping. Layers are essential mountain weather changes fast.

Why Travel in September?
Lower airfares, mild weather, fewer crowds, and unique seasonal events make September the ultimate underrated month for travel. Whether you’re sipping wine in a medieval castle, stomping grapes under the sun, or watching rare wildlife in remote rainforests, these destinations prove that the ninth month of the year is far from sleepy.