As summer edges into September, savvy travelers know it's the perfect time to explore Europe’s most enchanting destinations – minus the crowds and peak-season prices. It’s a time when vineyard harvests, seaside sunsets, and historic streets can be enjoyed at a slower, more authentic pace. Tuscany and Montenegro top the list this year, not just for their natural beauty and rich history, but for the growing ease with which families can live, work, and learn abroad.
If you've ever dreamed of immersing yourself in the essence of a place – without the chaos of peak-season tourism – this is your sign.
Tuscany: Sunlit Vineyards and Cultural Depth
Tuscany in late summer is pure poetry. The region’s iconic hills glow gold, grapes hang heavy on the vine, and the cities breathe again after the height of tourist season. Florence, Siena, and Lucca welcome visitors with fewer lines and more room to roam. Village festivals celebrate the vendemmia (grape harvest), and the countryside feels like a painting come to life.
Travelers can savor local wines in Chianti, take scenic drives through Val d’Orcia, and enjoy uncrowded galleries, piazzas, and trattorias. In short: it’s Tuscany at its finest.
Montenegro: Adriatic Calm and Mountain Air
Montenegro is a hidden gem that truly sparkles in shoulder season. Along the Adriatic coast, towns like Kotor and Perast retain their old-world charm, but without the summer rush. The beaches are warm, the sea is crystal clear, and the coastal trails and national parks invite you in with cooler breezes and open skies.
Inland, places like Durmitor National Park offer dramatic landscapes, peaceful hikes, and cozy mountain villages. It’s the perfect time for both adventure and relaxation – where you can paddleboard in the morning and hike through forests by afternoon.
While Many Families Head “Back to School”… Why Not Head Abroad?
Traditionally, September is the time families settle into routines and head back to school. But what if there were another way?
Boundless Life offers just that – an alternative path where families can travel the world without pressing pause on education or careers. Boundless Life is a first-of-its-kind program that allows families to live, work, and learn from inspiring destinations like Tuscany and Montenegro. With fully furnished homes, coworking spaces for parents, and innovative educational centers for kids aged 1.5 to 14, families can make shoulder season not just a travel experience – but a lifestyle shift.
Whether you’re staying for three weeks or nine months, Boundless Life ensures that your children receive a globally-minded education while you stay connected professionally. The growing community includes more than 1,000 families from around the world – many of whom return again and again.