Budget international trips to enjoy sceneic locations: How September makes foreign travel affordable

September has quietly emerged as a preferred month for travellers in India, sitting between the summer holidays and the busy festive season. With fewer crowds, cheaper flights, and pleasant weather across several international destinations, it has become a popular time for those seeking short, meaningful getaways. Young professionals, solo explorers, and students are particularly driving this trend, choosing flexible and affordable trips over the heavily booked festive weeks.

Industry insights from Heniel Rupaarelia, Founder, Managing Director at ETrav Tech Ltd. indicate that international travel ccan sometimes be more cost-effective than domestic travel in September. Round-trip tickets to destinations like Bali can range between Rs 18,000 and Rs 25,000, sometimes only slightly more than domestic fares to Goa or Kerala, which frequently cross Rs 15,000. This has pushed many Indians to explore overseas destinations instead.

Booking behaviour also highlights changing preferences. Nearly one-third of international trips taken during this period last less than five days, signalling the growing popularity of short, purposeful breaks. Meanwhile, last-minute bookings have risen by 15–20%, reflecting a more spontaneous approach to travel.

UAE Beyond Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah

The cooling weather in September makes the UAE’s quieter emirates inviting. Ras Al Khaimah, located in the north, offers a mix of sandy beaches, desert stretches and the dramatic Jebel Jais mountains. Travellers can try adventure activities like ziplining, mountain drives and hiking, or visit historic sites such as Dhayah Fort and ancient rock carvings. The city can be accessed via Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, which has limited international connectivity. From Dubai, the emirate is around a 1.5-hour drive by road using highways E311 or E611, with taxis and buses available.

On the eastern coast, Fujairah presents a scenic mix of mountains and beaches. September’s milder temperatures are ideal for diving, hiking and exploring the Al Bidya Mosque, the UAE’s oldest mosque. With domestic and limited international flights, visitors can fly into Fujairah International Airport or travel by road from Dubai using intercity buses like the E700, taxis or private cars.

Vietnam’s Hidden Retreats: Phu Quoc and Ninh Binh

Vietnam in September offers cultural immersion and natural beauty. The Mid-Autumn Festival brings lively street parades with lanterns, lion dances and mooncakes, giving travellers a glimpse of local traditions.

Phu Quoc Island is a serene alternative to Vietnam’s bustling cities, with quiet beaches, turquoise waters and opportunities for snorkeling and diving. The island is accessible by air through Phu Quoc International Airport, or by a combination of road and ferry from Ho Chi Minh City via Rach Gia or Ha Tien.

Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” is known for its limestone karsts, rivers and rice fields. September’s greenery after the rains enhances boat rides and hikes. Travellers can reach Ninh Binh by train or road from Hanoi in about two to three hours, as the region has no airport.

Northern Thailand’s Cultural Side: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai

Northern Thailand in September is known for its misty mornings and cultural festivals like Um Phra Dam Nam and the Phanom Rung sunrise event.

Chiang Mai is a hub for temples, cultural exploration and eco-tourism. Visitors can explore the Doi Suthep Temple, the Old City or join ethical elephant sanctuaries. The city is accessible by air via Chiang Mai International Airport, or by train and bus connections from Bangkok.

Chiang Rai, quieter than Chiang Mai, is famed for its White Temple and Blue Temple. September is a good time to visit the Golden Triangle region, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar. The city is served by Mae Fah Luang International Airport and can also be reached by road from Chiang Mai.

Bali’s Quiet Escapes: Sidemen Valley and Menjangan Island

Bali’s cultural richness is on full display in September, especially with the Galungan festival, when villages are decorated with bamboo poles and offerings.

Sidemen Valley, often compared to Ubud before mass tourism, is a tranquil rural destination with rice terraces, views of Mount Agung and village life. Travellers usually arrive via Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, located about 50 to 60 km away, followed by a road journey.

Menjangan Island, part of West Bali National Park, is popular among divers for its preserved coral reefs. Visitors can reach the island by road from Denpasar to Labuhan Lalang port near Pemuteran, followed by a boat ride. Entry permits and guides are required, as it lies within a protected national park.