Beat the Rush: Holidays in September Without the Kids

Britain’s recent heatwave has got everyone in full summer mode but you might already be thinking of extending your summer past August. Those of us without kids might be glad to see the end of crazy queues and crowded beaches, both at home and abroad. It’s an ideal time to book your September break, so we’ve picked five destinations that you can enjoy once the kids are back in school.

Munich

17^th September sees the start of Oktoberfest in Munich, and this is one party that definitely isn’t child-friendly. Head to one of the infamous beer tents and drink by the stein whilst listening to Bavarian folk music and chowing down on pretzels larger than your face. There are events scheduled all over Munich until 3^rd October, when Oktoberfest shuts its doors for another year. The highlight has to be the opening ceremony when the landlords and brewery owners arrive in town with a large horse-drawn procession. Proust!

Rhodes

There are hundreds of Greek islands that are perfect for a romantic couples-only break come September. However, we recommend Rhodes as it has some of the sandiest beaches in the country. Party-animals will find the famous Faliraki beach here with its strip of bars and nightclubs, while Kalithea and Kolymbia are perfect for those seeking seclusion. Once you tire of the beach, there are plenty of activities on offer such as a Medieval Segway Tour of the Old Town or a hike through the beautiful Valley of the Butterflies.

Budapest

If you believe the focus of a child-free break should be rest and relaxation, you can’t go wrong with Budapest. The city destination is known for its thermal baths, which reach temperatures of 33°C and have been a feature since the Roman times. The Sźechenyi Bath is the city’s largest, consisting of 18 separate pools, and is easily accessible by public transport. Many of the baths host special programs and you’ll find regular night parties on Fridays and Saturdays at the Rudas Bath.

Ibiza

Whether you want to stroll through the stalls of the hippy market or dance the night away in one of the super-clubs, September is always a great time to visit The White Isle. The scores of teens celebrating their GCSE or A-Levels are now back in education, and the island is far more chilled out for it. If you’re looking to dance the night away, September also sees several closing parties taking place. This year, Carl Cox leaves Space after his 15^th season at the iconic club. The closing party, which takes place on 20^th September, is set to be epic. If rock’s more your thing, don’t miss Wolf Alice perform at the Ibiza Rocks closing party on 14^th September.

Barcelona

As the nights start to draw in and the bustling streets of Las Ramblas start to die down, September sees Barcelona with its Gaudi-esque moments become almost ethereal. Sure, the city with its many beaches and visitor numbers might be a great place to take the children, but it’s even better for an adults-only break. Try to seek out some of the many secret bars dotted around the city – El Armario on Carrer de la Riereta has patrons first climbing through a wall and then the owner’s wardrobe to access the intimate bar. If all that sounds a bit too much like hard work, you could just enjoy a cold sangria on a sunset harbour cruise instead.