Patience is a virtue, and perhaps it doesn't get rewarded better than when you patiently wait to travel. So you waited the whole summer long - all pasty limbs and gritted teeth - as friends and family took off to far flung climes to take a late summer break and enjoy off peak rates. It is time to enjoy and enjoy you are sure to in our top ten late-summer getaways.
Morocco
City lovers will enjoy getting lost in vibrant Marrakech with its whirlwind of chaotic mosques, splendid mosques and stately palaces. If the beach is more your thing, popular resorts such as Agadir offer sea and sand and myriad bars and clubs to keep you entertained by night. For a traditional Moroccan experience, head up into the Atlas Mountains, with their stunning scenery, to visit Berber towns. Or climb aboard a camel and ride into the desert to have dinner in a Bedouin camp.
Greece
Greece is always idyllic, even more so in Spetember. Check out Corfu where the first two weeks of September are blissful - think hot days and warm evenings. If you want the beaches to yourself, go in the last two weeks of September, the tavernas are quieter and the evenings are a little cooler, making this ideal for those very selfish moments we all chave every now and then – think major down time while enjoying the sun sea and sand.
Egypt
Red Sea in September = warm sea, warm air! September is the perfect time to visit Egypt, the heat is not as uncomfortable as in July and August and of course you get to avoid crowds and hoardes of other tourists. Check out the Red Sea; perfect for lounging on the beach, diving and seeing the historical sites of Luxor and Cairo.
Dubai
Hardcore sun worshippers who can cope with sizzling heat and sometimes heavy humidity should consider Dubai for a late summer or early autumn break. The city swelters in September, with temperatures in the high 30Cs, who said you had to travel during peak season for major sun anyway?
If it gets too hot, you can retreat to an ever-growing number of malls or visit sights such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Away from the beaches, souks tempt with gold, spices and other delights.
Malta
Exotic Malta is jam-packed with history and its toasty temperatures allow you to bask your way through balmy days. Although the island doesn’t have many beaches, sandy spots can be found at Golden Bay or Mellieha. However, many of the hotels have such fantastic pools and great views that you’ll have prime tanning opportunities right at your doorstep.
China
The ideal time to visit China particularly Shanghai is in September and October when the peak tourist season has passed and you can enjoy mild temperatures, neither too hot nor too chilly, while exploring the cosmopolitan city. The city is less cramped and it's a great time to experience a cruise on the Huangpu River.
Croatia
With fewer crowds on the beaches and warm temperatures September is an ideal time to visit Croatia. Whether you fancy a city break in Dubrovnik, a foodie break in Istria or an island escape in Dalmatia, there are plenty of possibilities and opportunities to top up that tan of yours.
Cyprus
Cyprus has long hours of sunshine in September with temperatures still hitting the 30Cs. Beach lovers can get their fix at resorts with long sandy stretches such as Lara Bay, Ayia Napa and Protaras, or if you’re feeling active you could take a day out exploring the spectacular Troodos Mountains. No matter what you go for you’re bound to get the best of the end of summer vacation with all the mid-summer perks.
Balearic Islands
Temperatures in the Balearic Islands sit around the mid-20C mark well into late summer. Sleepy Menorca offers undisturbed R&R, while party - island Ibiza is winding down with closing parties through September and early October. Majorca is a photogenic option with its beautiful scenery, while Formentera offers powder white sands, harbour-side restaurants and a seriously laidback pace.
You’re completely spoilt for choice with this array of perfect late summer getaway destinations, catering to a variety of needs you’re bound to find the perfect last minute holiday at one of these islands.
Tanzania
While other far-flung destinations like the Caribbean, Thailand and India are experiencing hurricane and monsoon seasons, southern Tanzania boasts perfect sunbathing weather in September. With unspoilt white sand beaches and lagoon forests to explore, you can enjoy a relaxed or adventure-filled break in southern Tanzania.
