THE 5 BEST AND CHEAPEST PLACES TO TRAVEL TO THIS COMING DECEMBER

Atlantic City, New Jersey:

America’s playground down on the Jersey Shore, A.C. is like the East Coast’s answer to Las Vegas.

 It has long been a beach and resort destination for those in New York and

Philadelphia looking for a quick getaway, and its glitzy casinos, wide beaches and famous boardwalk keep visitors coming in droves every summer. Gambling may be a big draw, but A.C. is, first and foremost, a beach town and heading there in September lets you squeeze some much-needed beach days out of the end of summer. Stroll the boardwalk, learn to surf or take in one of the region’s tastiest food festivals: 40 different local restaurants are on hand at the Atlantic City Seafood Festival happening September 8 and 9.

Piedmont, Italy

You had us at Barolo. This region, on the Italian side of the Alps, is responsible for one of our favorite wines, a full-bodied red made of 100 percent Nebbiolo grapes. Besides the vino, Piedmont is also famous for top-notch chocolate (Turin), risotto rice (Vercelli) and more than 160 types of cheese—it’s a true foodie paradise. If you tire of eating and drinking all day—and you won’t—you can always explore the medieval villages and hilltop castles of this mountainous chunk of Italy. September is a particularly good time to visit because it’s the beginning of truffle season but not as crazy packed as the prime month of October—and nowhere in the world is the expensive ($1,000-plus a pound!) and delicious delicacy so admired as in the Piedmont region. Experience Piemonte, a knowledgeable travel specialist that offers in-depth and customizable experiences in the region, can organize for guests to go on a truffle hunting excursion (with just a man and his dog) in the wine region of Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Quebec City, Canada

Winding cobblestone streets, imposing city walls, castle-like old world architecture—strolling through the streets of this 410-year-old city, you’ll swear you’re in Europe. Nope. It’s Canada. Québec City is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sites that people actually live in and it’s the only walled city north of Mexico. Speak the French language (or québécois) and eat French food without ever having to cross the pond. Québec is always popular in the summer, but the crowds clear out during the fall shoulder season. Fewer tourists also means lower prices. You can fly for less than $300 from many major airports in the U.S. according to Skyscanner. And as a bonus, you’re likely to catch the beginning of the fall foliage season the region is famous for.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With ten miles of beach along South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, it’s no surprise that Myrtle Beach is a top destination for families every summer—in fact, 15 million people visit each year. They may go for the sun and the sand, but they stick around for the small-town charm of southern city, which boasts a great oceanfront boardwalk, a lively downtown, lots of amusement parks, and more than 100 quality golf courses. And while Myrtle Beach is a pretty affordable family vacay destination year-round, nightly hotel rates average $86 in September. With outside temps in the mid-80s and water temps in the mid-70s, the weather is still amazing and will have a forever summer vibe all month long.

Shanghai, China

You’ll need more than a weekend for this getaway, but you won’t regret planning a trip to China’s largest mainland city. Modern and bustling, home to 24 million people and the country’s cultural, financial and tech industries, Shanghai is not for the faint of heart. Our musts? Take a stroll along The Bund on the Huángpǔ River and visit the Yùyuán Gardens and Bazaar in the Old City; you should also check out the city’s neighboring ancient water towns. According to Skyscanner, you can get there this month with options under $400 from some U.S. hubs.