Ahhhhh. That’s the feeling of a deep breath released, tense shoulders relaxed just a bit and a deeper sink into a comfortable chair. It’s unlikely most of us have experienced many moments like that in the past few months, but I hope, as we enter fall, those moments become more frequent for all of us. It’s the feeling of release when you reach the top of a summit on a hike, when the plane wheels touch the runway or when you dig your toes into the sand on a beach day. Unfortunately, for me, at least — although I’m sure my fellow intrepid travelers will agree — travel typically brings me many of those moments and, with less travel, they’ve been fewer and farther between. But the minute I saw this month’s cover, I felt that “ahhhhh” feeling wash over me. Couldn’t you picture yourself right there, content with your feet in the warm sand, staring at the horizon peacefully?

The cover also brought to my mind the lyrics to the Earth, Wind & Fire song, “September.” As this is our September issue and that beautiful blue, cloudless sky on the cover invites us in, I was humming to myself and mouthing (silent singing is best in my case!), “Hey, hey, hey, ba de ya, say do you remember? Ba de ya, dancing in September. Ba de ya, never was a cloudy day.”

While I have been mostly grounded since a business trip to Chicago in February, by the time you read this letter I will have enjoyed a beach escape to Cape May, New Jersey. I look forward to feeling that same ahhhhh moment in a few weeks when I finally dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean. How have you found your moment amidst all the chaos of this year?

And luckily for us, we can escape each month in the pages of Global Traveler. Join us this month as we visit Dubai, Sedona, Montréal, Gdańsk, New Orleans, Alentejo, Sardinia, São Paulo, Tahiti and Bali. We take a closer look at North American destinations next month, bringing you inspiration for closer-to-home journeys this year.

Whatever your situation, wherever you are in the world and wherever you may visit this month, I hope you find your ahhhhh.

As of publication, the destinations and venues mentioned in this issue were planning to reopen or are currently operating, but many may have restrictions or limitations in place to address current public health concerns. Always check in advance to confirm current requirements and restrictions.