Your September Travel Plans

Getting Back to My Passion

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to talk about wellness and longevity—honestly, probably a bit too much! I’m the person reading every book, scouring every article, and listening to every podcast on the subject. For me, it isn’t just about the number of years; it’s about the quality of those years.

While I’d love to be as lucky as some of my family members who live well beyond the average, my goal is to live as healthily and happily as possible for as long as I can. If that means trading a few years at the end for more "life" in the middle, I’m okay with that.

To me, this isn't just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle. I’m a certified Wellness Travel Specialist, and I’m currently working toward my Pilates instructor certification. While I might pick up a class here and there, this certification is really for me. It’s about self-improvement and "walking the walk" toward the healthiest life possible. My husband and I even work with a concierge physician for preventative care alongside our GP.

I know this might seem like overkill to some, but it’s what I truly enjoy. Merging this passion with travel was always the dream when I first started my certification.

As often happens, life got in the way, and distractions kept me from focusing on my primary niche. However, after a year of hard work and a little bit of "good crazy," I’ve successfully brought on two new independent contractors to my team (I’ll be officially announcing the second one soon!).

This growth is a huge win. It allows my team and me to continue serving all of my wonderful clients with their worldwide travel needs, while giving me the space to finally focus on my heart’s passion: Wellness Travel.

Going forward, you’ll see more consistent updates from me, including:

• Wellness & Longevity Tips: Insights from my latest "research" binges.

• Wellness Travel Inspiration: How to rejuvenate while you explore.

• Expanded Destinations: We’re adding many more domestic locations to our portfolio, alongside our favorite global cities.

P.S. Costa Rica is Calling!

I’m practicing what I preach next week! I’ll be heading to El Silencio Wellness Resort in Costa Rica, and I can’t wait to report back on the experience, so stay tuned . . .

Now on to some exciting ideas for what to plan next.

4 SMART PICKS FOR EARLY FALL GETAWAYS

September doesn’t always have to be synonymous with ‘back-to-school’, friend.

It can also look like:

☀ “I booked a trip to French Polynesia!” or

🍷“We’re going wine tasting in Sonoma!”

I know it's hard to picture those warm, lingering September days when half the country is buried under snow and ice, but they’ll be here faster than you think.

If you’ve overlooked September in the past, consider this your invitation to rethink early fall travel. In many places, it’s when peak-season crowds start to thin, the weather is still working in your favor, and everything feels just a little more relaxed.

The catch? The secret’s out. More travelers are catching on to this shoulder-season sweet spot, which means the best hotels, room categories, and well-paced itineraries tend to disappear first.

Planning for September travel now means:

📌 Access to “planned ahead” pricing without sacrificing the experience

📌 More flexibility with routing, pacing, and accommodations

📌 Better availability at sought-after hotels and resorts

📌 A smoother overall trip (which is kind of the whole point)

Now… let’s talk about what destinations you can consider for September.

AMALFI COAST | THE EUROPE PICK

I know, I know — the Amalfi Coast, in September? How predictable. But also… how perfect! September is technically still high season, but the summer frenzy is starting to give way to a slower season sweet spot before October rolls around.

Amalfi in September | Choose From:

● Cooking classes with panoramic coastal views

● Seasonal menus and outdoor dining at their best

● Swimming and boating while the sea is still perfectly warm

🔁 Alternative Option: If you're not feeling Italy, Scotland is perfect for early fall landscapes and city-and-countryside itinerary pairings.

FRENCH POLYNESIA | THE SUN & SAND PICK

While everyone else is settling back into an end-of-summer routine, you could extend the season by boarding a flight to French Polynesia. Dry season is in full swing, the seas are calm, and the islands feel serene without peak-summer demand.

French Polynesia in September | Choose From:

● Lagoon snorkeling with crystal-clear visibility

● Visiting a vanilla plantation and sampling the real thing

● Spotting humpback whales during migration season

🔁 Alternative Option: If the longer flight isn't up your alley, consider Bonaire for reliable weather and world-class diving out of the way of hurricanes.

BRAZIL | THE FAR FLUNG PICK

Sure, visiting in September means missing out on the world-famous Carnaval — but trust us, there’s still so much to experience across this enormous country. September brings comfortable weather, lighter crowds, and a pace that makes exploring far more enjoyable.

Brazil in September | Choose From:

● Vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo

● A rejuvenating jungle stay complete with waterfalls and wildlife

● Warm, relaxed beach days without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds

🔁 Alternative Option: If Brazil is already checked off your bucket list, Cappadocia is especially lovely in September — perfect if balloon-filled mornings and surreal scenery are more your pace.

SONOMA | THE CLOSE TO HOME PICK

If there's one trip to plan early for September, it's Sonoma! Harvest season is magical, and everyone knows it (hint, hint: booking early is crucial). Vineyards are buzzing, the scenery is golden, and the overall vibe feels elevated.

Sonoma in September | Choose From:

● Harvest-season tastings with vineyards at their peak

● Long outdoor meals and unhurried afternoons in wine country

● Wandering between boutiques and small-town shops

🔁 Alternative Option: If winery hopping isn't in your wheelhouse, consider Jackson Hole, Wyoming for crisp air and dramatic scenery.

Don't be shy! If one of these destinations piqued your interest, you can reach out with any questions you may have

👉 P.S. A quick travel reminder: starting February 1, 2026, travelers without a REAL ID or passport for domestic flights will need to use the TSA’s ConfirmID process. It comes with a $45 fee per instance and is valid for 10 days. If upgrading your ID has been sitting on your to-do list, consider this your nudge!

Happy dreaming!

Elaine