Hey First name / friend!

 

Planning for September might feel like a future you problem if you're still working on summer plans, but trust me—blink, and it’ll be here.

 

September is one of the best months to travel, with perfect weather, fewer crowds (getting bigger each year though), and that sweet spot between summer rush and holiday madness. But to take full advantage, a little advance planning goes a long way.

 

If you're thinking, “Is it really time to start planning for fall when I'm still sweating the summer plans?”—I get it! But as your trusted travel advisor, I can tell you that the best trips come together when you plan ahead. Here’s why:

 

1️⃣ More Choices, Less Settling: The most sought-after hotels, villas, and experiences book up fast, especially in dreamy destinations like Italy and Morocco. Getting something on the books 6+ months out = best chance for first dibs.

 

2️⃣ Smarter Spending: Booking now means better rates on flights and accommodations (plus, more time to spread out payments and budget for those once-in-a-lifetime experiences).

 

3️⃣ Less Stress, More Excitement: Imagine having your fall getaway locked in while everyone else scrambles for last-minute plans. Future you will thank you.

 

So, where should you go? To narrow down your options, I’ve rounded up four incredible destinations with a Mediterranean mood that are perfect for September 2025—whether you're craving mountain air, island vibes, or a picture perfect village on the sea. Scroll on to check out these swoon worthy destinations. 🥳

 

Sardinia isn’t just about beaches—head inland, and you’ll find a rugged, soul-stirring landscape of mountains, shepherd trails, and centuries-old traditions. September is prime time for exploring without the summer crowds, breathing in the scent of wild rosemary and myrtle.

 

Experience: Sardinian bread-making isn’t just a skill—it’s an art form. Join a hands-on session, where you’ll learn to craft carasau, the island’s signature crispy flatbread, from a local nonna.

 

Stay at Su Gologone: A character-filled retreat with hand-painted ceramics, local textiles, and a deep sense of place. Sleep in a room wrapped in Sardinian craft, wake up to mountain air, and dine under an open sky.

A Moroccan beach escape? Yes, please. Tamuda Bay blends North African soul with Mediterranean ease, offering a sun-drenched September escape that’s equal parts exotic and effortless. Think golden beaches, sapphire waters, and a dash of Andalusian history.

 

Experience: Ride horseback along the shore at sunset—an unforgettable way to see the coastline, with the scent of jasmine and sea salt on the breeze.

 

Stay at Royal Mansour Tamuda Bay: This is Morocco reimagined—highly clever stylings that blend Andalusian, French, and Moroccan influences into a distinct atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. A beautifully designed retreat on the sand, where arches frame the sea, zellige tiles catch the light, and the details tell a story. 

Formentera is the Balearics’ last holdout, a place where overdevelopment will never sink its teeth in. The beaches are quieter—not just in September, but always—which is exactly why people come. Beyond the limestone cliffs and blindingly blue waters, the island has a history as distinctive as its landscape. Once entirely run by women, its independent spirit lingers in the rhythms of daily life, in the quiet confidence of a place that’s never needed to shout to be noticed.

 

Experience: Set sail for Espalmador, a tiny uninhabited island just offshore where the water is shallow, the sand is blindingly white, and the only soundtrack is the wind cutting through the stillness.

 

Stay at Teranka: A place that understands Formentera’s quiet power. Thoughtfully designed with natural tones, contemporary art, and floor-to-ceiling views of the sea, it carries the island’s history forward with a largely female-led art collection. No excess, no flash—just the kind of effortless beauty Formentera has always had.

Puglia’s magic isn’t just in its beaches—it’s in the tiny towns where whitewashed alleys lead to turquoise waters and nonne hang laundry while gossiping from balconies. Gagliano del Capo, tucked between cliffs and olive groves, is the kind of place where you sip espresso in the piazza and chat with locals like you’ve been coming here for years.

 

Experience: Take a traditional gozzo boat out for a morning swim in the grottos, followed by an aperitivo as the sun paints the cliffs gold.

 

Stay at Palazzo Daniele: Less hotel, more aristocratic daydream, this 19th-century palazzo is a moody, art-filled escape where high ceilings and frescoes meet modern minimalism. You’ll feel like a guest of old Italian nobility—if nobility had excellent taste in contemporary design.

P.S. Once you've picked your jaw up off the floor, tell me–which of these destinations is calling your name? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to help you start planning!

 

Not looking to travel next fall? Feel free to forward this newsletter to someone who might be dreaming of the Mediterranean 😊