Hack Your Leave: Uncover Secret Staycations Right on Your Doorstep This September

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Comments

While the Southern Hemisphere transitions into the warmth of early summer and the Northern Hemisphere edges into the crisp tones of autumn, September can be the perfect time of year to get away, if only for a couple of days. Smart travelers are bypassing logistics-heavy itineraries in favor of effortless exploration on their doorstep. 72%* of global travelers state they would book an overnight or short stay close to home, what many would know as a staycation – broadly defined by minimal transit time (under two hours by car) and maximal relaxation. As year-end approaches and unused annual leave lingers, Booking.com is highlighting stunning getaways located just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s busiest cities – helping travelers transform remaining vacation days into unforgettable mini-trips.Santa Elena, ColombiaTucked away in the Antioquian highlands, Cabaña con Jacuzzi en Santa Elena is a private, compact mountain cabin that offers a serene escape from the high-energy pulse of Medellín. Only 45 – 50 minute drive from central Medellín, it features a private jacuzzi terrace with panoramic views overlooking the dramatic ridgeline, the property blends rustic-modern interiors with an open fire and BBQ grill. September offers perfectly balanced weather, making it an ideal window for couples looking to explore nearby ecological treasures. Active weekenders can use this as a base to hike through the iconic Piedras Blancas Ecological Park or venture into the Arví Nature Reserve (Parque Arví) – a sprawling cloud forest sanctuary celebrated for its rich biodiversity, ancient trails, and native orchid species. Here, travelers can mountain bike through protected pine forests or visit traditional silletera flower farms that showcase the true cultural heritage of the region. After a day of outdoor exploration, the outdoor jacuzzi serves as the ultimate recovery ritual.Bowral, Australia As the Southern Hemisphere heads into the lush warmth of early summer, Sydney travelers can escape to the historical elegance of the Southern Highlands. Built in 1928, Links House Bowral seamlessly combines vintage English country style with sophisticated modern amenities. Surrounded by immaculate manicured gardens, open fireplaces, and intimate sitting rooms, it provides a deeply romantic, nostalgic base tailored exclusively for adults. The property sits just minutes away from the vibrant early spring blooms of Corbett Gardens, while September offers an uncrowded window to experience the region’s premium boutique wineries and farm-to-table dining scene. Considering 69%* of couples travelers prioritizing ease of travel and accessibility, a seamless 90-minute drive south from Sydney transforms a standard weekend into an upscale gastronomic retreat before the end-of-year rush fills your calendar.The Catskills, USA An effortless escape from Manhattan, these secluded woodland cabins are nestled among nature in the tranquil heart of the Catskills. Designed specifically as a digital-detox retreat, Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills features warm timber interiors, a signature picture window looking straight into the forest canopy, private outdoor fire pits, and modern couple-centric comforts, delivering an authentic off-the-grid atmosphere without sacrificing modern couple-centric comforts. September marks the beginning of the spectacular autumn foliage transition, creating an intimate setting for outdoor recreation where travelers can spend their days hiking surrounding mountain trails, gathering around the campfire, or admiring the changing leaves. By securing a car right from the city, travelers can transition from the urban grid to lakeside tranquility in under two hours, making the most of their well hard-earned long-weekend away. Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, UK Situated in one of the most picturesque, historic market towns in Gloucestershire, The Architects Home is a newly renovated, architect-designed Cotswolds home offers a stylish, peaceful weekend respite just 1.5 hours out of London. Characterized by its seamless blend of contemporary design, warm natural textures, and light-filled open spaces, the property provides a luxurious home-away-from-home ambiance tailored for quiet reflection and relaxation. The home serves as an ideal base for a relaxed, food-centric couple’s long weekend, situated right on the doorstep of Chipping Campden’s famous high street, cozy traditional pubs, and scenic walking trails into the surrounding countryside. For a touch of grand historic exploration, travelers can enrich their itinerary by booking tickets to tour the magnificent nearby Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short, scenic drive away.*Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised 32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.​While the Southern Hemisphere transitions into the warmth of early summer and the Northern Hemisphere edges into the crisp tones of autumn, September can be the perfect time of year to get away, if only for a couple of days. Smart travelers are bypassing logistics-heavy itineraries in favor of effortless exploration on their doorstep. 72%* of global travelers state they would book an overnight or short stay close to home, what many would know as a staycation – broadly defined by minimal transit time (under two hours by car) and maximal relaxation. As year-end approaches and unused annual leave lingers, Booking.com is highlighting stunning getaways located just a stone’s throw from some of the world’s busiest cities – helping travelers transform remaining vacation days into unforgettable mini-trips.Santa Elena, ColombiaTucked away in the Antioquian highlands, Cabaña con Jacuzzi en Santa Elena is a private, compact mountain cabin that offers a serene escape from the high-energy pulse of Medellín. Only 45 – 50 minute drive from central Medellín, it features a private jacuzzi terrace with panoramic views overlooking the dramatic ridgeline, the property blends rustic-modern interiors with an open fire and BBQ grill. September offers perfectly balanced weather, making it an ideal window for couples looking to explore nearby ecological treasures. Active weekenders can use this as a base to hike through the iconic Piedras Blancas Ecological Park or venture into the Arví Nature Reserve (Parque Arví) – a sprawling cloud forest sanctuary celebrated for its rich biodiversity, ancient trails, and native orchid species. Here, travelers can mountain bike through protected pine forests or visit traditional silletera flower farms that showcase the true cultural heritage of the region. After a day of outdoor exploration, the outdoor jacuzzi serves as the ultimate recovery ritual.Bowral, Australia As the Southern Hemisphere heads into the lush warmth of early summer, Sydney travelers can escape to the historical elegance of the Southern Highlands. Built in 1928, Links House Bowral seamlessly combines vintage English country style with sophisticated modern amenities. Surrounded by immaculate manicured gardens, open fireplaces, and intimate sitting rooms, it provides a deeply romantic, nostalgic base tailored exclusively for adults. The property sits just minutes away from the vibrant early spring blooms of Corbett Gardens, while September offers an uncrowded window to experience the region’s premium boutique wineries and farm-to-table dining scene. Considering 69%* of couples travelers prioritizing ease of travel and accessibility, a seamless 90-minute drive south from Sydney transforms a standard weekend into an upscale gastronomic retreat before the end-of-year rush fills your calendar.The Catskills, USA An effortless escape from Manhattan, these secluded woodland cabins are nestled among nature in the tranquil heart of the Catskills. Designed specifically as a digital-detox retreat, Postcard Cabins Eastern Catskills features warm timber interiors, a signature picture window looking straight into the forest canopy, private outdoor fire pits, and modern couple-centric comforts, delivering an authentic off-the-grid atmosphere without sacrificing modern couple-centric comforts. September marks the beginning of the spectacular autumn foliage transition, creating an intimate setting for outdoor recreation where travelers can spend their days hiking surrounding mountain trails, gathering around the campfire, or admiring the changing leaves. By securing a car right from the city, travelers can transition from the urban grid to lakeside tranquility in under two hours, making the most of their well hard-earned long-weekend away. Upper Slaughter, Gloucestershire, UK Situated in one of the most picturesque, historic market towns in Gloucestershire, The Architects Home is a newly renovated, architect-designed Cotswolds home offers a stylish, peaceful weekend respite just 1.5 hours out of London. Characterized by its seamless blend of contemporary design, warm natural textures, and light-filled open spaces, the property provides a luxurious home-away-from-home ambiance tailored for quiet reflection and relaxation. The home serves as an ideal base for a relaxed, food-centric couple’s long weekend, situated right on the doorstep of Chipping Campden’s famous high street, cozy traditional pubs, and scenic walking trails into the surrounding countryside. For a touch of grand historic exploration, travelers can enrich their itinerary by booking tickets to tour the magnificent nearby Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a short, scenic drive away.*Research was commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2026. The sample comprised 32,800 respondents across 34 markets surveyed in January 2026.