As the main summer holiday season usually ends in early September, this can be a great time to make your own travel plans.

The “shoulder season” in September and October sits between the peak holiday time of summer and the off-peak time of winter.

Choosing this autumn window for your holiday means you can often avoid the crowds and usually enjoy a more ambient temperature than the full-on heat often experienced in August. Plus, it can mean it’s easier to visit major attractions without endless queueing.

Read on to discover four destinations that you might like to consider exploring in the coming months.

1. Malta

Malta is one of the best Mediterranean destinations to visit in the autumn months, as the temperatures have dropped from the summer highs. But if you like swimming in the sea, you’ll still find it warm and pleasant after the summer months.

Popular swimming spots include The Blue Lagoon, Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa. Visiting in the shoulder season means the beaches should be less crowded than during the peak months.

The capital Valletta is recognised as a world heritage site. Tiny and compact, it’s easy to navigate and explore on foot. Here, you’ll find history in every corner, with beautiful Baroque buildings lining its streets. If you’re an art lover, then a trip to St John’s Co-Cathedral, to see the Caravaggio masterpiece ‘The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist’ is a must. You can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

Plus, you could take a stroll around the ancient city of Mdina, often known as the “silent city”. This medieval walled city features narrow streets and impressive views, making it both atmospheric and peaceful.

2. Rajasthan

Rajasthan translates as Land of Kings, and is India’s largest state. As the monsoon rains abate during September and October, temperatures become more comfortable, and you’ll find the landscape to be green and lush.

Plus, you’ll find it much easier to explore, with fewer visitors crowding the region. Visit the famous “pink city” of Jaipur, with its colourful bazaars selling textiles, jewellery, and intricately handcrafted souvenirs.

For a more tranquil experience, take a trip to Udaipur, which features peaceful lakes, sunset boat cruises, and the elegant City Palace.

If you’re a history buff, then a visit to Jodhpur is a must. Its imposing Mehrangarh Fort dominates the skyline above the maze-like Blue City. Meanwhile, Jaisalmer is on the edge of the Thar Desert; here you’ll find picturesque desert camps and a golden sandstone fort.

Rajasthan also has a deliciously distinctive cuisine. Local delicacies include laal maas (spicy lamb curry) and sweet ghewar, made from flour, ghee, and sugar syrup. Venture out to one of the region’s rooftop restaurants to sample the culinary delights while enjoying spectacular views.

3. Portugal

If you’re looking for a destination a bit closer to home, Portugal is a great choice for the autumn months.

The Algarve enjoys pleasant temperatures at this time of year, with the Atlantic Ocean still warm from the summer sun. Once the school holidays end, the region tends to quieten, and you can enjoy leisurely coastal walks, long, lazy lunches overlooking the sea, or a boat trip to the famous Benagil Cave.

If you’re looking for culture, then the capital Lisbon may be more your style. The Alfama district is steeped in history, with Lisbon Cathedral, São Jorge Castle, and the São Vicente de Fora Monastery all offering glimpses into the country’s past.

Meanwhile, Porto in the north is home to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest wine regions. Here, you can take a vineyard tour, enjoy a wine tasting, or try one of the area’s sightseeing river cruises.

4. Albania

A somewhat hidden gem, Albania is emerging as one of Europe’s most engaging destinations, and is great if you’re looking for something a little different.

The capital, Tirana, is fast becoming a vibrant city filled with café culture and a fascinating history from the country’s relatively recent communist past.

It’s easy to walk around on foot, especially in the cooler, more temperate weather found in the autumn months.

Skanderbeg Square stands at the heart of the city, and is bustling with vibrancy and life. The National History Museum and the Bunk’Art museums tell the story of Albania’s communist past.

If you’d prefer to be outdoors, take the Dajti Ekspres cable car up Mount Dajti for beautiful views across the city and surrounding countryside, or stroll around the peaceful Grand Park of Tirana and its picturesque lake.

The region’s food scene is also flourishing, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants in Tirana. Enjoy the traditional Albanian dish tavë kosi (baked lamb with rice) or freshly grilled seafood and modern Mediterranean cuisine.

Another big attraction of Tirana is that it’s highly affordable, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions generally costing much less than other European capitals. This gives you the best of both worlds: a beautiful and fascinating city break, without breaking your budget.