13 Late Summer Ideas to Try This September

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While many people in the United States say goodbye to summer after Labor Day, don't panic. If you feel like the season has passed you by in a blur of subway delays and almost-going-to-the-beach days that turned into actually-just-watching-Netflix days, it's not too late.

Technically, summer ends September 21, so there's plenty of time left for exploring local beaches, hiking in a National Park, or just reading that novel you've been meaning to get around to.

September is the perfect time to live out the rest of your summer fantasies, as many of the school vacation crowds have disappeared, and both hotels as well as airlines are more likely to be offering deals.

It's also a great opportunity to start planning travel for shoulder season (the few months between peak seasons in any given destination when prices go down and travelers can score big). So why not head to Cape Cod for the fall solstice, or book a trip to Vermont before all of the foliage-lovers take over most of New England?

Because summer definitely isn't over just yet.

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Take a Spa Day

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Indulging in spa services can make any day feel like vacation. Some of the best destination spas are located in the U.S., and readers this year chose Westglow Resort & Spa in North Carolina as the best domestic spa. (It's hard to argue with those relaxing Blue Ridge Mountain views.)

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Watch a Baseball Game

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Nothing says summer like America's favorite pastime. And whether it's a major league game or a local one, it's a great excuse to sit outside drinking a beer and rooting for the home team.

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Explore a National Park

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National Parks are some of this country's greatest treasures, offering travelers the chance to reconnect to nature in a protected ecosystem. With many of the summer crowds gone and the temperature dropping, taking a hike is more enjoyable than ever.

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Try a New Activity

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Trying something out of your comfort zone can help shake off the end of summer blues. Why not try surfing, the most summer-y hobby around?

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Plan a Staycation

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Taking in the sights of your local city (or just your neighborhood) can be the perfect way to recharge before autumn kicks off. To really feel like a tourist in your own home, spend the night at a hotel you've been admiring or a quirky B&B (though it helps if you don't do dishes).

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Read a Book

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Most of us have that one book on our shelves that we've been meaning to read all summer and definitely thought we'd get to by now. If you need some reading inspiration, check out an awesome summer beach read or a book inspired by your state.

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Take Advantage of Late Summer Flight Deals

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Airlines such as Southwest and Delta have been offering end of summer flight deals with one-way tickets lower than $40. Even Qantas has gotten into the late summer spirit by selling round-trip tickets to Australia for less than $840.

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Visit a Local Beach

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Some of the best beach towns are located right here in the U.S., and with temperatures in much of the country remaining warm throughout September, it's not too late to get sand on everything you own.

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Start Planning Your Holiday Travel

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Nothing beats the disappointment of one vacation ending like planning the next one. Thanksgiving is only a few months away, and October is the best time to book travel for turkey day, so September is the perfect moment to hash out your family plans.

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Plan a Shoulder Season Trip

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Shoulder season is the sweet spot between peak tourist seasons, meaning travelers can take advantage of lower-cost flights and hotels. Autumn is shoulder season for most of Europe, including Paris and Rome.

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Sip a Cocktail at a Rooftop Bar

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Savor the warm (but no longer humid and sweaty) days at one of the best rooftop bars in the country.

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Get Your Thrills at a New Attraction

Busch Gardens Williamsburg InVadr Coaster

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A crop of new amusement parks and rides have opened this summer, with everything from old fashioned roller coasters to "Wonder Woman" attractions.

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Take a Scenic Drive Through New England

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In September, the hordes of leaf-peepers have not yet arrived to Vermont, but the breweries are still pouring out great craft beer and the trails are open for hiking. Now's the perfect opportunity to take a traffic-free drive through New England.

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