The best places to travel in September

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Ecuador has always been popular among backpackers and nature lovers, but it's only recently that the boutique hotels have arrived. The Hotel de Parque, which opens this month, is a stunning new option in Guayaquil's historic district.

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September is considered part of shoulder season for Rome, meaning there won't be giant crowds but the weather is still nice enough for locals and tourists to walk around. Check out the world-renowned fashion, food and architecture during your stay.

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September brings Paris back to life after the August annual holiday. Take a walking tour centered on food, and stay at a wonderful hotel like the Hotel Plaza Athenee or the iconic Ritz Paris, which re-opened this summer after a five-year overhaul.

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Mexico City is bustling year-round, but September's weather is fantastic for exploring the city. Since the destination is a popular business hub, travelers should fly in the middle of the week for the best deals — you can find direct flights for less than $400. Check out some of the best restaurants (Pujol, Quintonil and Biko) in the world, the fashion scene and the great art. (The Frida Kahlo home is a must-see.)

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There are tons of things to do, from visiting lighthouses and forts to dining at some of the best restaurants in the country. Stay at the expanded Restoration or the new Spectator hotel, and make a weekend out of the historic tours, hearty Southern food and souvenir shops.

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If you want to sample the freshest wines during the wine harvest, Travel + Leisure recommends heading to Okanagan Valley. The region produces pinot noir and riesling, and wineries are opening up fantastic farm-to-table restaurants as well. Try the Sonora Room at Burrowing Owl winery and Miradoro at Tinhorn Creek Winery.

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San Diego used to be known mostly for its fish tacos, but now inventive chefs are offering much more. Try the oysters that have been raised specifically for restaurant Ironside Fish & Oyster and delicious doughnuts from VG Donut & Bakery. Visitors can also take a day trip across the border to Tijuana and head to Javier Plascencia's Mision 19 for some unique Baja Californian cuisine.

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Instead of heading to crowded New York City, go to the Catskills for hiking, delicious comfort food at Phoenicia Diner, and design-centric hotels. September means you will see plenty of leaves changing color. The latest opening is Scribner's Lodge, in a building that dates to 1966.

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Fall is an ideal time to visit Hong Kong -- the humidity drops and the temperature cools. Go for the delicious and cheap food, as well as the green spaces.

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Georgia's capital is a must-see destination for architecture buffs — the region straddles Europe and Asia, and its architecture influences include Persian, Soviet-era and art nouveau. Stay at the Rooms Hotel Tbilisi, which has wonderful design and delicious restaurants.

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Hotel rates in Portalnd drop significantly after Labor Day, yet the weather remains nice through the end of the month. This is the perfect time for a Portland food trip with lobster rolls, fries at Duckfat, incredible coffee and pastries at Tandem Coffee Roasters, and, maybe even some lobster ice cream.

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The Canyon Lodge & Cabins (the park's largest lodging area) has opened five new lodge buildings with more than 400 rooms, conveniently located only half a mile away from the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. The park is stunning in the fall, and cooler temperatures are guaranteed to make your hikes and picnics even more pleasant.