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5 Cheap places to travel in September 2025

Fall is ideal for budget travel. Find five cheap places to travel in September, with great deals and tips to save money with Holafly.

Updated: May 28, 2025

If you’re a budget traveler, September is a fantastic time to take a trip. It’s the sweet spot between peak summer crowds and the off-season lull, with great hotel and flight deals that make it one of the cheapest times to travel. So, where to visit in September?

We’ve curated a list of five cheap places to travel in September, highlighting their daily costs and offering insider tips for your trip. Plus, we outline smart ways to save money as you travel with a Holafly eSIM.

Woman on a bridge facing a mountainous lake with boats. Holafly logo on the top left corner and an aeroplane illusatration on the bottom right corner.

1. San Juan, Puerto Rico

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $150

Aerial view of the city and port of San Juan, Puerto Rico at dusk.
San Juan retains the USD and is an inexpensive vacation spot for US travelers. Source: Shutterstock.

Why it’s a steal: San Juan can bring big savings in September due to a lower demand after the summer rush. The lack of currency exchange due to Puerto Rico being a US territory also contributes to a cheaper summer vacation.

Visit in September for cheaper accommodation prices, with hotels and Airbnbs often dipping to $80 per night. Prices also tend to be lower in September, with round-trip tickets from US cities like New York, Miami, Orlando, and Philadelphia often in the $200-$350 range. 

For cheap food, you can enjoy delicious local cuisine like mofongo (a mashed plantain dish) and alcapurrias (savory fritters) for under $10-$15 per meal at local “chinchorros” or food trucks. Explore Old San Juan’s colorful streets and the key historic buildings, including the El Morro fortress. As the weather’s still pleasant, nature lovers can take a ferry to Culebra Island and Flamenco Beach, one of the world’s most picturesque beaches. 

Insider tip: For an outdoor adventure, pack some snacks and take a bus (super cheap!) to El Yunque National Forest in the late afternoon.

2. Lima, Peru 

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $60-$80

Central plaza in Lima, Peru during the day with people standing in front of a church.
At the tail end of the Andes dry season, Lima offers great deals for travelers in September. Source: Shutterstock.

Why it’s a steal: If you want a cheap South American country to visit, Peru is the way to go. Fall comes at the tail end of the Andes dry season and is in Lima’s shoulder season, making it a cheap and off-peak vacation option

The strong conversion from the USD to the Peruvian Sol means Lima is a cheap September vacation destination, and you can make the most of affordable accommodation prices. Hostels start at $10-20, while budget hotel rooms cost around $30-50.

Lima’s culinary scene is also cheap and world-renowned. Dishes like ceviche and lomo saltado (sautéed beef) cost $5-10 per meal. You can also explore this vibrant city’s historical sites and art galleries on foot or head to the bohemian Barranco district to people-watch.

Insider tip: Lima often has a “garúa” (misty showers) in winter, but September still sees pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor dining and city sightseeing on foot. 

3. Bangkok, Thailand 

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $30-$60

Wat Arun temple, Bangkok, Thailand at dusk.
Thailand’s excellent USD to Thai Baht conversion offers cheap accommodation and food if you’re after a budget vacation. Source: Shutterstock.

Why it’s a steal: You can save big in Thailand, as it’s the monsoon/rainy season, so it’s one of the cheaper places to travel in September. This can bring heavier showers, but also lower prices.

Thailand’s rainy season can deter some tourists, but it’s a budget-conscious traveler’s dream. For example, round-trip flights from LA or San Francisco cost between $600 and $800.

The Thai Baht (THB) also offers excellent value against the USD ($1 to 32.85 THB). With this great conversion rate, you can nab accommodation deals for $15-30 per night, and feast on local dishes like Pad Thai and curries for just a few dollars. You can also visit historical buildings like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, or take a leisurely stroll through Lumpini Park for outdoor activities that cost between $6 and $15.

Insider tip: Plan your temple visits and indoor attractions for the afternoons as the rains roll in around this time.

4. Split, Croatia 

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $100-$120

The main promenade of Split, Croatia in the evening, with mountains in the background.
One of the cheapest countries to visit in Europe, Croatia is a great September vacation spot. Source: Shutterstock.

Why it’s a steal: Split, Croatia, is one of the cheapest places to visit in September. Peak season and the summer rush have ended, which means fewer tourists, warm weather, and access to low-season deals.  

This shoulder season blends warm days and fewer crowds, allowing you to save money without peak prices or summer tourists. You’ll find round-trip tickets from New York or LA for $500 and $700, and apartments or budget hotels are also a bargain at $50-$80 per night. This once again proves Croatia to be one of the cheapest places to visit in Europe in September.

You can see historical buildings, like Diocletian’s Palace, a Roman historical site, or enjoy the outdoor dining along the Riva promenade, with meals around $15-$20. For a cheap, sandy beach day out, the Mediterranean Sea remains warm for swimming and spending the day with fewer tourists. The affordable ferry trips to nearby islands like Brač or Hvar make for a great day trip, costing $5-$10.

Insider tip: Renting a scooter can be a good way to take a scenic drive and enjoy a day trip to explore the surrounding coastal areas and other outdoor activities. 

5. Seoul, South Korea 

Average daily cost (excluding flights): $70-$90

Evening aerial view of Seoul, South Korea.
September is considered the shoulder season for tourism in Seoul, so great deals are on offer for budget travelers. Source: Shutterstock.

Why it’s a steal: Seoul in September is also considered the shoulder season for tourism, so good hotel deals and the lack of summer crowds are in store. 

South Korea makes the list of cheap places to travel in September,  and a great escape from the peak summer craziness, making it one of the best places to travel in September. Its capital, Seoul, offers a vibrant atmosphere alongside money-saving elements, like hotels that cost around $30-50 per night. Seoul also has a great food scene; local markets offer meals for $5-10, making local cuisine accessible and affordable. 

If you’re a history buff, popular destinations like Gyeongbokgung Palace or Changdeokgung Palace have stunning architecture. You can also take a leisurely stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village at no cost. 

Lastly, Namsan Park is great for cheap outdoor activities and city views, appealing if you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast. 

Insider tip: Use the T-Money card for seamless access to public transport. Many outdoor attractions offer free entry on specific days. Also, check for cultural or local festivals in the city’s public access points. 

Stay connected during your cheap September vacations with Holafly

Thailand is one of the cheapest countries to visit year-round, and a cheap September vacation spot. Croatia and Puerto Rico are also some cheap places to travel in September. Still, your overall expenses depend on how you choose to travel. One of the easiest ways for budget travelers to cut costs is to use a Holafly eSIM.

Holafly allows you to stay connected during your September trip in 200+ destinations worldwide – with products that include an eSIM for South Korea, eSIM for Croatia, and the eSIM for Peru.  

If you’re planning for a longer trip abroad, opting for a monthly Holafly Connect plan will cost you just $39.90 for 10 GB of data, $49.90 for 25 GB of data, or $64.90 for unlimited data and unlimited hotspot sharing. 

Explore the cheapest places to visit in September with Holafly and stay connected hassle-free!

I’m a communications professional with over 17 years of experience in the social justice sector. Eight years ago, I started working as a freelance content writer and strategist. Over the course of my career, I’ve had the chance to work with a mix of social enterprises, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate clients. I have lived and worked in Australia, Austria, Mexico, and Indonesia. I love crafting content that resonates across cultures and tells a meaningful story.

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