August 11, 2004 -- September is an exciting month for international festivals. From some of the most famous like Oktoberfest in Munich to the more obscure Indra Jatra in Nepal, it is certainly a month when traveling will give you the opportunity to experience rich and diverse cultural traditions.
Munich, Germany
Oktoberfest is the world's largest public festival. From September 18 to October 3, Oktoberfest 2004 is expected to attract more than 6 million visitors, who will consume over 1.5 million gallons of beer! There is also a multitude of cultural activity and entertainment in amongst all this beer-drinking.
Discount flights are available to Munich on Expedia (www.expedia.com) for September departures including roundtrip airfares from New York on Alitalia from $526, Lufthansa from $534 and Delta from $599. All prices include taxes.
Gate 1 Travel (800/682-3333; www.gate1travel.com) has a Fly Drive special that provides a budget option if you are willing to do a bit of driving whilst in Germany. For $439 per person + taxes, this package includes roundtrip airfares from New York to Frankfurt, 7 days Hertz economy manual car rental, unlimited mileage, local government taxes (V.A.T.) and USTOA Travelers Assistance Program. Car insurance is additional.
Euro Vacations (877/471-3876; www.eurovacations.com) has a 3-night Munich package in September starting at $1, 172 including all taxes, roundtrip airfares from New York on Air France, 3 nights at the Kings Center Hotel in Munich and daily breakfast.
Tuscany/Umbria/Piemonte, Italy
Italy has a plethora of unique and historical festivals in September. Perugia celebrates with the Festival of Classical Music (www.perugiaclassico.it), the town of Asti hosts a Palio -- a 700 year-old horse race with 800 + participants in traditional costumes which marks the end of a weeklong wine festival (third Sunday of September), and one of the most traditional medieval festivals, La Giostra del Saracino (Saracen Joust) takes place in the Tuscan city of Arezzo (on the first Sunday in September). This 13th century jousting competition features pageantry, men in armor, horses, flag tossing, pomp and ceremony -- a uniquely Italian experience. For a complete list of festivals and events in Italy, visit www.enit.it.
The cheapest flights to Italy this fall are through 1 800 Fly Europe (800-359-3876; www.1800flyeurope.com). They have a 7 day Fly Drive package to Rome from Boston and Philadelphia for $637 + taxes. This price includes roundtrip airfare, 7 day car rental (with unlimited mileage, theft protection and airport surcharge) and cell phone rental. Add $10 for New York/Washington, D.C. departures, and $80 from Chicago, Los Angeles or San Francisco. For airfare only, prices start at $469 + taxes from Boston and Philadelphia. Valid for departures from September 8 through October 31. Must be ticketed by August 15, 2004.
Mexico City & Guadalajara
Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16 -- an event of epic proportions in the capital, with crowds upwards of a million people packing the Zocalo, or main square. It is also the month of the International Mariachi Festival in Guadalajara (September 4- 14), a distinctly Mexican tradition of music and showmanship. And what autumn equinox (September 21) would be complete without a pilgrimage to Teotihuacan pyramid outside Mexico City to celebrate Aztec seasonal rituals.
Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) has discount roundtrip flights to Mexico City on Mexicana. Prices start at $229 from Miami, $290 from Chicago, $335 from San Francisco and $343 from New York. Flights to Guadalajara from New York range from $480-$490 on Delta, Aero Mexico, American Airlines and Continental. All prices are inclusive of taxes.
Kathmandu, Nepal
September marks the Hindu and Buddhist festival of Indra Jutra (the rain god) and is a celebration of traditional and classical Nepalese dance. The festival continues for eight days with much rejoicing, singing, dancing and feasting. People from all over Nepal gather at the Hanuman Dhoka in Kathmandu. In 2004, the festival commences on September 27. For further information, please e-mail info@ntb.wlink.com.np.
Flights to Kathmandu are not cheap, in fact they are among the most expensive you can take from the United States. Discount Flights (www.discountflights.com) has September fares starting at $1,197 + taxes. of approximately $120 from New York, on Cathay Pacific.
Himalayan Tours (800/421-8975; www.himalayantours.com) has a 12 day super saver India and Nepal package that departs New York, Chicago or Los Angeles on September 24 for $2,472 including taxes. It includes roundtrip economy airfare, hotels with daily American breakfast, transfers to and from airports, baggage handling, sightseeing tours as per itinerary by coach or car, Taj Mahal trip, elephant ride tour in Jaipur, and local English speaking guides. (www.himalayantours.com/classic.india.nepal.html).
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is a sensational place to spend September. The weather is mild in the early spring, and there are a number of cultural and sporting events/festivals in full play during the month, including the Asian Food Festival (Melbourne is recognized as having some of the top Chinese restaurants in the world), Melbourne Spring Fashion Week, Melbourne Fringe Festival, the Melbourne Art Fair 2004 and the sporting highlight of the year -- the Australian Rules Football AFL Grand Final (the Australian version of the Superbowl held this year on September 25). Although you may not be able to secure tickets to the actual game, live sites with giant TV screens are set up throughout the city and activities surrounding the event extend for an entire week. For further information regarding events in and around the city visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au.
Qantas (www.qantasusa.com/webDeals/206) has recently released its web only fares for travel to Australia in August/September and the prices are so low, you'll forget about the 14 hour + flight that awaits you. Roundtrip fares to Melbourne start at $798 + taxes of approximately $120 from Los Angeles and $1,098 + taxes from New York. Other departure cities are available at additional cost. There is a 7-day minimum and a 30-day maximum stay qualifier. For an extra $100, you can enjoy a stopover in Los Angeles, Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, or (southbound only) in Fiji. This deal expires August 20, 2004. For accommodation options in Melbourne go to www.visitmelbourne.com.