September is the new New Year And it's time to take another vacation

If there’s one thing we poor little human beings just can’t help but do, it’s putting ourselves under pressure, creating imaginary checkpoints, pivotal moments where we tie up loose ends and take stock, where something ends and something else begins, where we "start over." Because we need it, because it helps us gather the little energy we have left, because few things give us as much satisfaction as buying a planner, making resolutions, telling everyone: I’m going to be a different person. Leaving New Year’s Eve aside – which institutionally marks the end of a year, but does so at an inconvenient time, right in the heart of winter – the real new beginning has become the month of September. Because the school year starts, because we come back from vacation, because summer ends and autumn begins, because it’s Virgo season – the zodiac’s most meticulous sign – and because we need a second chance after January, and it only makes sense to set it here. Right before Christmas.

Summer 2025 was vacant

This difficult yet hopeful restart (and the huge expectations we place on it) is not helped by the fact that this has been – according to just about everyone, but clearly pinpointed by Vox – the summer of nothing. No unifying theme, no strong pop phenomenon (Barbie, Brat, main character) to give a tone to a season that tends to feel empty, of suspension and waiting. A perfect time to recharge and indulge in the frivolous, sure, but also – now that our routines aren’t there to distract us – the moment when the weight of existence and a crumbling world lands on us. No distraction, no summer anthem. Just doomscrolling, the horrific news of the ongoing genocide in Gaza at the hands of Israel, maybe a little time by the sea, partial rest, and a lot – a whole lot of anxiety.

What do we expect from September?

So: what do we expect from September? If we haven’t practiced escapism through pop culture, how do we think we’ll be able to pick up our lives again? Maybe the solution is to just let it go. But not in an anhedonic way – in a conscious way. Summer is a necessary break, September is simply the return. That’s it. No expectations, no resolutions, just using the energy we (hopefully) recovered to take back our lives without damage or backlash, without countdowns. The importance of not pressuring ourselves and not giving in to the myth of productivity (and thinness, and work, etc. etc.) is central. If it didn’t work at New Year’s, why should it work in September?

Where to go on vacation in september 

And what if the solution was to leave? More and more people are deciding (life and work permitting, which isn’t easy) to shift or extend their holidays, going on short trips even in September. The options are endless. September, in fact, tends to be a little less expensive, and destinations multiply. The sea is still beautiful, especially in places where free beaches beat the lidos, like Sant’Antioco Island in Sardinia. The mountain climate is still mild, perfect for hikes. City tourism is ideal, if you can dodge the (possible) rain. Some suggestions? In Europe, Porto, Lisbon, London and Berlin are always great options, whether for a weekend or a few extra days. A literary tour is always a possibility. Or a weekend in a spa might soothe the nerves, just like a bike trip. One example? ZEM Wellness Clinic in Altea, Spain, offers a tailored program for those who want to get back in shape, regenerate, and face the return with new energy. We also recommend a luxury stay at Albereta Relais & Châteaux in Erbusco. In reality, any excuse to take a break is valid: love football? Find a match in a new city and get tickets. Love shopping? Go hunt for the most exclusive, unique vintage boutiques. Enough with arbitrary divisions of the year, enough with the anxiety. The whole year is ours, and it needs to stay that way.