As long as I can remember, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with September. I love the cooler and drier air, the bright blue sky and the still-warm days September brings to New England, but the longer shadows and diminishing hours of sunlight herald a sense of melancholy. On one hand, I look forward to the fresh start that comes with this back-to-school time of year. On the other hand, I cling to the waning days of summer with all my might.

Perhaps that’s why I tend to travel in mid-September. Having a trip on the calendar helps ease the transition from the lazy, hazy days of August to the crisp fall foliage of October. This month, my husband, Kevin, and I will be in Sonoma celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary. We’ve spent previous anniversaries in Provence, Los Cabos and Jamaica — and closer to home in Bar Harbor, Maine; Hilton Head, S.C.; and even at some of our favorite hotels in Boston.

Whether you’re traveling this month on business, seeking rest and relaxation or celebrating a milestone, you’ll find plenty of ideas in this issue of Global Traveler. Debra Bokur sheds her cares during a walking tour in Portugal, and Hilary Nangle explores Dublin with a close friend. J.D. Brown kicks back on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Tim Leffel learns that nightlife in Ankara these days is of the in-by-10-early-evening variety, and Sharon King Hoge digs deep to offer advice — and well-timed words of caution — for business travel to Caracas. Diana Rowe takes a day off in Phoenix, and Ron Bernthal explores Charlotte’s business landscape and profiles Berlin as a meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions destination.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.