A holiday in September? Yes please! Raise your hand if you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram in August, feeling a pang of jealousy as your friends post envy-inducing photos of their sun-soaked vacations. Yeah, me too. Now raise your hand if you’ve been the one on holiday in Europe in August or July, and kind of hated it for so many reasons. Yes, me too. We’ve all been there, caught in the FOMO trap – the Fear Of Missing Out. Booking ourselves on holiday because everyone is going on vacation to Italy in August, and we don’t want to be the only ones not doing it.
But guess what? Having just spent two weeks in Venice this July, I am now convinced it’s time to not care about the FOMO frenzy and embrace a different kind of trend: JOMO – the Joy Of Missing Out. And to be honest, I wish I had booked my holiday in
Let’s be real, Summer travel, especially in popular European destinations like Italy, can be a bit of a circus. The crowds, the heat, the overpriced Aperitivo experience… it’s enough to make even the most zen traveller lose their cool. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my vacation sipping a chilled glass of rosé on a peaceful terrace than elbowing my way through a sweaty throng of tourists.
That’s where JOMO comes in. It’s the liberating feeling of knowing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be – away from the chaos, embracing the slower pace, and having authentic experiences that actually make you happy.
And to quote mindfulness guru Deepak Chopra, “JOMO is the antidote to FOMO.” It helps us prioritise the things that make us happy, thus leaving us with joy. Honestly, being in Italy is always a wholesome experience. But like this July, it proved to be a very exhausting, mind-numbing experience due mostly to the scorching temperatures, the lack of air conditioning in most places, and just the crowds. My goodness, the crowds!
If you’re trying to figure out the best time for a holiday that’s actually relaxing and stress-free, I’d definitely say September is the way to go. Think about it: the kids are back in school, and the weather is still warm (but not sweltering). September is typically milder and more comfortable than the often scorching temperatures of July and August. So you experience some ample sunshine and warmth without the oppressive humidity or risk of extreme heat. Not to mention this is the summer holiday peak period is over and prices are starting to drop. This translates to reduced rates for flights, accommodation, and activities, allowing you to maximise your budget and indulge in a wider array of experiences.
Plus another cool thing is, you get to witness the stunning transformation of nature as summer fades into fall. Think golden sunsets, crisp air, and vibrant foliage. Some places start to get those beautiful fall colours, while others are just recovering from the summer heat. So everything looks lush and vibrant. And don’t forget about the unique events and festivals that happen only in September! You could be at harvest celebrations, cultural festivals, food and wine events… there’s always something fun going on.
So, if you’ve been dreaming about your next vacation, especially in Europe, but are always put off by the crowds, September is your golden ticket. It’s your chance to escape the tourist hordes and experience a more authentic, intimate side of your chosen destination.
Imagine strolling through charming villages without having to jostle for space. Savouring a leisurely meal at a local bistro without fighting for a table. And how about truly immersing yourself in the local culture without feeling rushed or overwhelmed? September offers the luxury of time. Allowing you to linger over a café au lait in Paris. Explore hidden corners of Tuscany, or hike the breathtaking trails of the Scottish Highlands without the usual summer frenzy.
And oh yeah! Feeling so relaxed on your holiday in September, you’ll fully appreciate the beauty of JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out). Because truth be told, isn’t it better to sip that Aperol Spritz in a peaceful piazza? And especially surrounded by locals, than to fight for a selfie at a packed tourist attraction?
