From the romantic streets of Paris to the historic ruins of Rome to the historic cobbled lanes of Prague, Europe offers an unparalleled blend of culture, history and natural beauty.
While every season has its unique charm, September stands out as an exceptional time to visit Europe. That’s because September marks the start of the shoulder season in Europe, giving you the best chance of getting the best of Europe for the best value. Here’s why:
One of the most compelling reasons to visit Europe in September is the significantly reduced crowds. The peak summer months of July and August see a massive influx of tourists, leading to crowded attractions, long lines and a generally more hectic travel experience. By September, however, the majority of summer tourists have returned home, and the destinations are much quieter.
With fewer crowds, you can enjoy popular attractions without the overwhelming throngs of people. Imagine strolling through the Louvre in Paris, wandering around the Colosseum in Rome, or taking in the views from the Acropolis in Athens with more space and tranquillity. Overall, travelling in September means shorter lines, less waiting and a more relaxed experience overall.
September also provides a better opportunity to discover Europe's hidden gems. Smaller towns and lesser-known sites, which can be overshadowed during the peak season, become more accessible and enjoyable to explore. Whether it's a quaint village in the French countryside or a hidden beach in Greece, you can experience these places in a more intimate and authentic way.
The weather in September is another significant advantage. The heat of July and August begins to taper off, giving way to milder and more pleasant temperatures. This makes sightseeing and outdoor activities far more enjoyable.
And Europe delivers plenty when it comes to outdoor activities. From hiking in the Swiss Alps biking the Dutch countryside, enjoying scenic walk along the Cinque Terre in Italy or exploring the castles of Scotland, you can do it all without the summer heat.
Did we mention city tours also become more comfortable in September? Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Prague, the canals of Amsterdam, or the architectural wonders of Barcelona, the cooler weather ensures you won't be exhausted by the heat.
Traveling to Europe in September often means better flight availability and more convenient options. As the peak travel season winds down, airlines typically have more seats available, and you might even find more favourable flight schedules. With more flights to choose from, you can plan your trip with greater flexibility.
In addition to better availability, you may also find that airfares are lower in September compared to the peak summer months. Airlines often reduce prices to fill seats, providing an excellent opportunity to save on your travel expenses. This means you can allocate more of your budget towards other aspects of your trip, such as accommodation, dining, and activities.
Traveling to Europe in September often provides the best value for your money. With the combination of lower accommodation prices, discounted airfares and fewer tourists, you can enjoy a high-quality travel experience without breaking the bank.
Importantly, hotel prices tend to drop in September as the demand decreases. This means you can stay in premium accommodations at a fraction of the cost you would pay during the peak season.
Restaurants and attractions may also offer better value during this time. Many establishments run special promotions or discounts to attract visitors, providing an opportunity to savour Europe’s culinary delights and cultural experiences without the high-season price tag.
September is also a month filled with local festivals and events across Europe. From the Oktoberfest in Germany to the Grape Harvest Festival in France, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions. These events often come with lower prices for entry and activities compared to the peak tourist season, allowing you to experience Europe's rich cultural heritage in a more affordable way.
From fewer crowds to milder weather, better flight availability and more value for money, September is clearly a fantastic time to visit Europe.
And, if you book a package tour with Trafalgar or Costsaver in June, you can get a discount of up to 15% of the package price. Plus you can lock-in the current exchange rate with the operators’ Rand Price Guarantee (i.e. the price you see now is the price you pay!). And if you see a deal you like, take advantage of Trafalgar and Costsaver’s Free 3-day booking hold, which allows you to lock in space for your preferred trip and departure now with no obligation for three days.
To make European travel deals even more accessible, Trafalgar and Costsaver both only require a R3,000 deposit to secure your booking, and you can pay off your travel with their Part Pay Program. As a bonus extra, they allow you to change your travel plans up to 60 days before your trip.
Last but not least, if you’ve travelled with Trafalgar or Costsaver before, you can save an additional 5% with their Global Tour Rewards programme.
So, if you're considering a trip to Europe, think beyond the typical summer months and take advantage of everything September has to offer, including these great perks from Trafalgar and Costsaver.
Trafalgar and Costsaver are offering up to 15% discount on select tours for Europe this September. Options include:
6 Nights Jewels of Italy package with Costsaver, now priced from R24,200 pps. Package includes seven days travel across two countries and six cities, six nights accommodation, six breakfasts and two dinners. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
9 Nights Imperial Highlights package with Costsaver, visiting Prague, Slovakia, Vienna, Salzburg and Budapest, now priced from R28,800 pps. Package includes 10 days travel across five countries and eight cities, nine nights accommodation, nine breakfasts and three dinners. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
14 Nights Best of Spain package with Trafalgar Tours, now priced from R66,980 pps. Package includes 15 days travel across two countries and 16 cities, 14 nights accommodation, 14 breakfast and seven dinners. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
10 Nights Irish Experience package with Trafalgar Tours, now priced from R53,125 pps. Package includes 11 days travel across two countries and 15 cities, 10 night accommodation, 10 breakfasts, one lunch and five dinners. Full package details and Ts and Cs here.
All package prices are Rand Price Guaranteed – the price you see is the price you pay! Only R3,000 deposit required at the time of booking, plus you can get a free 3-day booking hold; lock-in your preferred trip and departure for three days before payment is due.
Contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for bookings/more info on these and other deals for Europe this September.