BF and I find ourselves wanting to get away for a week or so in September. Where would you say we go?

Requirements:

• Easy to get to from NYC
• Not terribly expensive
• Good mix of things to do - whether sitting around on a beach or sightseeing
• Interesting things to do

Ideas we've had so far in this vein:

• Iceland
• Amsterdam/Netherlands
• Buenos Aires (long flight, but still just one flight)
• Hawaii
• Cruise up the Atlantic into Nova Scotia
• Costa Rica

What do people recommend?

Buenos Aires is prolly the cheapest place of all those mentioned (airfare notwithstanding), but it's the wrong time of year for BA. Won't be freezing, but may be a bit chilly. I think BA is one of those cities better enjoying in warm weather, unlike NYC which has much to offer all 4 seasons.

Of the other choices, I'd say Iceland or Amsterdam. Neither are cheap, but they're your shortest flight options.

Domestic I would consider Seattle (still beautiful summer weather), Chicago, San Diego. International Barcelona and actually Rio has really nice weather in September (but that destination has gotten as expensive as NYC.) Barcelona you could go down to Sitges for a few days, its about 30 minutes by train.

How about Montreal and/or Quebec City?

Cape Cod is great that time of year.

I second the Quebec City idea or even Toronto.

Currently in the Mayan Riviera..

So why not the Mayan Riviera?

I'd go to the Dominican Republic

Mrs. Deubster & I have been taking our primary vacations in mid to late September for years. Pesky children are in school, hotels/beaches/attractions are less crowded, the weather is still fine in most areas of the northern hemisphere, and bargain fares and hotel rates are often available.

We love Hawaii in late September - the only drawback is it's too early for either whale watching or spectacular Oahu north shore waves. OTOH, it's the least rainy time of year there.

We've also done Maine in late September for the leaf-peeping, catching the tail end of the lobster season before all the shacks close for the year.

Agree also with the Barcelona/Stiges suggestion.

The Pacific Northwest is lovely in September. Seattle has already been mentioned. I'll add my recommendation for Vancouver. Both cities have a lot of rain year-round but September seems to be the driest month out in that neck of the woods (I don't know what the weather almanac says, just basing that on my experience), nice blue skies and comfortable temperatures. There are plenty of really interesting day trips to be found from either city. Of the two, Seattle is probably the more affordable, especially with the current US-to-Canadian exchange rate, but with a little homework you can find plenty of low-cost ideas for entertainment in either city as well as reasonable prices on meals. Accomodations in Vancouver can be quite expensive so if your travels take you there, look into air-and-hotel packages or hotel packages with added amenities such as free wifi (if you don't already get that from hotel status). The Experience Music Project in Seattle is one of my favorite attractions anywhere.

Thanks for all the ideas. I think Mr. Gfunk is kind of set on Iceland now that I've mentioned it. So...who has been there? What do you recommend?

i live in new york city and recently went to costa rica. it was two flights. one to miami and one to liberia, costa rica. the weather was great, the people were so accomodating, plenty to see and do. one of the best vacations i've taken in a while. i highly recommend it for a quick get away.

jet blue also flights direct to san juan costa rica.

I'll second that - Vancouver is generally very nice in September.

You can fly to YVR non-stop from EWR on AC or JFK on CX, of, if you want to save a few shekels, fly into BLI or SEA and drive north.

Hawaii kicks into a bit of a lower season in September..

some deal definitely to be had going there..