Savvy travelers know that taking a trip in September promises two things: fewer people on the beach, and weather that’s just as good (if not better) than sizzling July and August.

Whether you’re taking a trip with your other half — perhaps Grandma and Grandpa are watching the kids? — or your best friends, here’s four pins to drop on your world map this month.

South Africa

Spring has sprung in the southern hemisphere, and Cape Town celebrates their lovely mild weather with a jam-packed social calendar. The eclectic menu of things to do reflects the rich culture of the city; for art-lovers, theTutankhamun Exhibition is running until the end of the month at GrandWest, plus there’s everything from jazz concerts to Open Book — a 3-day literature festival showcasing the best local authors — peppered all throughout the month. For the ocean-minded, you’ll catch the end of winter’s huge swell in Western Cape, and whale watching is in full swing. As always, sunrise hikes up Lion’s Head or Cable mountain are the most invigorating way to start your day, while the sunset skies over the Twelve Apostles will take your breath away night after night.

Where to stay in Cape Town

Tuscany

Florence? Chianti? Siena? …. All of the above? In September, summertime is still alive and well in Tuscany, which means restaurants, spas, andwineries are still operating full-throttle, yet crowds are much more manageable. We recommend getting a taste for as many Tuscan delights as possible: stay in Florence for a few days and tour the Duomo, Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio, fill up onpizza and gelato, and take a cooking class atMama Florence. Afterward, head toward the countryside for leisurely days of wine tasting through Chianti, meals à la private chef, and day trips to nearby towns packed with rich history.

Where to stay in Tuscany

Mexico

So you want the Caribbean — but you’re avoiding hurricane season at all costs. Problem solved: to Mexico, you go! Riviera Maya provides the turquoise sea and pretty sand you love, plus a host of things to see and do when your Vitamin D levels have been wholly replenished. History lovers in particular, expect to be enchanted: from the majestic ruins of Tulum City to the sprawling ruins of Chichen Itza (don’t miss the autumn equinox that takes place here), stepping back in time to the mystical side of Mexico is a must. For a slice of adventure, dive into the area’s unique freshwater cenotes. Or, combine your love of history with watersports by visiting the Musa Isla Mujeres, an incredible underwater museum to explore just off the coast of Isla Mujeres.

Where to stay in Riviera Maya

Napa Valley

Oenophiles will argue there’s never a bad time to visit Napa Valley, and they might be right, considering the area is home to 400 wineries with open tasting rooms. Here, your palette is in for more than incredible sauvignon blanc’s and pinots — September’s bountiful produce means mouthwatering delights for foodies too.Downtown Napa’s restaurant scene is booming with renowned chefs cooking up everything from chicken and waffles to osso bucco with risotto, and the Napa Farmer’s Market at Oxbow market is still in full swing until the end of October. But if you want to taste the area’s offerings in a big way — perhaps you have something special to celebrate? — get your hands on tickets to V. Sattui’s Harvest Ball, which includes a six-course Italian feast prepared by Michelin-starred chef Stefano Mesanti. Dinner is served on V. Sattui’s beautiful terrace, where live music will set the festive tone and champagne and wine will flow freely between each course.