Here are our recommendations of where you can travel to in the next few months from September 2021 onwards.
As destinations continue to open up around the world, here is our list of where to travel if you’re itching to get away between September and December this year. Each country will have its own requirements for entry but our experienced travel experts will be on hand to guide you throughout the process to ensure that you can enjoy getting back to travelling and making the most of your holiday.
Looking ahead to adventures in 2022? There’s no better time to start planning ahead of the anticipated ‘surge’ in travel. Book in a Zoom call or better still meet our travel experts in person.
Destinations open to tourism for you and great to travel to over the next few months.
From October this year, the whole island of Mauritius will be open to travellers and a holiday there has much more to offer than just beaches. Covered in lush vegetation and exotic flowers, the island has dramatic mountains and a vibrant culture, mixed with some of the finest beaches and aquamarine lagoons in the Indian Ocean. With direct flights available the journey couldn’t be easier and in no time you’ll find yourself on an incredibly diverse volcanic island.
| When To Travel: | October, November, December |
| Where To Stay: | The Residence offers understated elegance along one of Mauritius’s most pristine beaches. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show a negative PCR test. |
One of our favourite journeys is an exploration of the west coast of Saint Lucia, from its bays and beaches to its rainforests and waterfalls. Owing to the islands’ volcanic nature, a spectacular array of colourful coral reefs, fascinating caverns and unexpected trenches are all discoverable in the silent underwater paradise too. It strikes the perfect balance between idyllic relaxation and muddy and adventurous escapades.
| When To Travel: | November, December |
| Where To Stay: | Ti Kaye Resort – a true Saint Lucian treasure, nestled along a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and away from the hustle and bustle of the island. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show a negative PCR test taken 5 days or less before arrival. |
Iceland – a land of black-sand beaches, verdant valleys, active volcanoes, spurting geysers and spectacular waterfalls. Travel in September to take advantage of the lingering warm summer temperatures, long daylight hours (but also dark nights) so you get to experience incredible sunrises and sunsets without too much disruption to your sleep and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
| When To Travel: | September, October – great for Northern Lights |
| Where To Stay: | Torfhus Retreat – it boasts an enviable location, in the middle of nowhere, yet is within easy reach of many key sites. Switch off and escape the world, surrounded by the swirling green heavens of the aurora. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show your full proof of vaccination. |
A fascinating vestige of French colonization in America, Quebec has compelling culture, history and wilderness. The autumn colours rival those found in New England and for wildlife enthusiasts, La Maurice National Park offers rich pickings. Combined with a whale-watching excursion on the Lawrence River and time spent visiting the UNESCO city of Quebec, this holiday is perfect for travel in October and November. Alternatively, take a self-drive holiday in the Maritimes, following the iconic Cabot Trail encompassing wild and spectacular roads along Canada’s Atlantic coast or visit Churchill in the Canadian Arctic, a temporary home to polar bears in October and November.
| When To Travel: | September, October, November |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show your proof of vaccination via your NHS Covid Pass. |
For a thousand years, the Silk Route, the greatest land-based trading highway the world has seen, wound its way from China, through Central Asia to Europe. Today, it is the independent state of Uzbekistan that contains some of the most interesting sites and this trip is designed to visit the great cities that survive from this legendary era. Travel from September to November or book early for Spring 2022 and join our expert-led tour in April 2022.
| When To Travel: | September, October, November |
| Need To Know: | For entry, a negative PCR test is required to be taken no more than 72 hours before arrival to Uzbekistan. |
Croatia – a summer holiday destination long into September and October. Fewer crowds and balmy temperatures make for a great opportunity to explore the islands. Discover hidden coves, perfect for swimming and snorkelling and restaurants serving the freshest selection of seafood. While Dubrovnik is the most famous town, the coast and islands support a number of smaller versions which, dating back to the late 16th century, are complete with Venetian architecture and original cobbled streets.
| When To Travel: | September, October |
| Where To Stay: | Villa Dubrovnik – overlooks the crystal blue-turquoise waters of the Adriatic and the Old City of Dubrovnik or a boat like MY Callisto allowing you to explore the Dalmatian coastline. |
| Need To Know: | Present either a negative COVID-19 antigen test, which must not be older than 48 hours or a negative PCR test, no older than 72 hours on arrival. |
Get in touch, by phone on 01285 880980 or email to start planning your trip and we’ll guide you throughout the whole journey.
A visit to Tromso in Norway sees you reaching the dizzy heights of 69 degrees north, closer to the top of the world than Siberia and Alaska. At this time of year, the Gulf Stream brings in warm water to the fjords of Northern Norway meaning the temperature is warmer than other parts of the Arctic. And the fjords at this time are full, tail to tail, blowhole to blowhole, of whales. The other good news is that 69 degrees north is the perfect latitude for the Aurora Borealis and we know the best lodges in which to stay to experience this spectacular astral phenomenon. Our Arctic expert, Sue was there a few years ago and is on hand to start planning your trip.
| When To Travel: | September, October, November, December |
| Where To Stay: | Andoy Friluftssenter – hosted by founders and owners Ingvild and Nigel Turrell. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show your full proof of vaccination. |
Escape the world with a stay amidst unspoiled wilderness, spending days in search of wildlife, fishing, walking and mountain biking – Scotland really does have it all. Many of our clients have travelled to Scotland this summer on our guided, 4X4 self-drive adventure. The feedback has been exceptional and so this winter, we are offering a shortened version of these tours, in both the Scottish Highlands and Snowdonia. Prices will start from £1,495pp – please register your interest early as places are limited and we expect there to be a high demand.
| When To Travel: | September, October, November, December |
| Where To Stay: | Alladale Wilderness Reserve – a year-round, quintessential Scottish highland experience. |
Easy to get around, Jordan offers the perfect introduction to the culture, people and history of the Middle East. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra to the amphitheatre at Jerash, and the adventures served up in the lunar-like Wadi Rum to the incredible underwater world of the Red Sea, it’s little wonder that Jordan has always been a favourite of Steppes’ clients.
| When To Travel: | September, October, November |
| Where To Stay: | The Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is made up of three properties set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools and the Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea occupies a wonderful location on the shores of the Red Sea, ensuring it makes the most of the sea views. |
| Need To Know: | All passengers need to register on the ‘visit Jordan’ platform and follow instructions to either book a PCR test on arrival or claim a waiver by uploading evidence that they are fully vaccinated. |
Travel to Spain in September or October to escape the summer heat and the crowds, especially in fascinating cities like Seville and Cordoba. The Basque region is always a firm favourite, famous for its food, wine and spectacular scenery, however for the wildlife enthusiasts, we recommend exploring the Cantabrian Mountains with an expert naturalist in search of Iberian wolves, brown bears and wildcats – a trip in conjunction with The European Nature Trust.
| When To Travel: | September, October |
| Where To Stay: | Corral del Rey – located in the heart of Seville’s old quarter, tucked away in the narrow streets of Barrio Alfalfa or if in Cantabria then Tierra del Agua – located in the heart of the Redes Natural Park, perfectly located for exploring the wilderness and wildlife. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, a pre-travel declaration form is required with either a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination. |
Morocco is a great destination for a taste of the exotic, luxurious indulgence, incredible cuisine, ancient ruins and beautiful scenery. Hire a car and explore on a self-drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Southern Morocco, Taroudant and Zagora, and disappear into the incredible views, unfollowed by the crowds.
| When To Travel: | September, October |
| Where To Stay: | Stay at The Royal Mansour or Kasbah Tamadot and take advantage of four nights for the price of three (valid until 21st December) with the added advantage of fully flexible booking conditions. |
| Need To Know: | For entry, you will need to show your proof of vaccination. |
Saudia Arabia opened up to fully vaccinated travellers and October onwards is the best time to travel given its arid desert climate. Although dominated by the rolling sands of the Empty Quarter, a journey to Saudi Arabia will have you exploring beautiful oases and dramatic mountain-tops, ancient cities, beaches and rivers. No trip to Saudi would be complete without a visit to Madain Saleh. Accessed from the oasis town of Al-Ula, Madain Saleh, Petra’s twin, was Saudi’s first World Heritage site.
| When To Travel: | October, November, December |
| Need To Know: | Proof of status required. All visitors (except those in exempted categories) must complete a Registration Immunisation Information Form before travelling to the Kingdom through the Muqeem Portal. |
Our experts are here to guide you through the requirements of travelling safely and also for UK travellers going to Green and Amber List destinations – in short, it’s quite a bit of testing.
If you are double vaccinated you will now not need to self-isolate after visiting countries on the Green or Amber List. It’s worth noting you will need to have had your second approved vaccination at least 14 days prior to travelling.
You must take a Covid-19 test three days before returning to the UK and have proof of a negative result. You will also need to book a test for day two after your return as well as complete a passenger locator form.
CHB Medical is a government-listed COVID-19 testing provider. They can help you and your loved ones to travel safely with fast, reliable and cost-effective COVID-19 testing. We have found them to be efficient, courteous and professional. Their service offering a home visit by UKAS accredited healthcare professionals to undertake testing (ideal for family groups) is particularly helpful. If using their postal service, for peace of mind we suggest you consider their express direct courier service, especially if your trip falls over a weekend or national holiday. For more details click on this link www.chbmedical.co.uk/pcr/pcr-test-kits/ and deal with CHB Medical directly. If you use the code ‘Steppes10’ you will receive a 10% discount off their standard rate of £99 per test.
We can also recommend other testing providers should you need them.
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