|
by Elysabeth Teeko
Colorful & Cool is the new Hot
Crisp air and the return to school signal fall each year. Many believe that this ends vacation season and relegates any plans until the following year, but fall is one of the most opportune times for traveling- especially if you can fit it in on a break with your kids.
The stifling heat and throngs of tourists of summer give way to cool breezes, clear skies, and even clearer streets. No matter where you are or where you would like to be, you can get the best value for your money if you travel in fall.
Here are few places that should definitely be on your list.
New England
(http://photomas.net/pmaspages/neriver.htm)
The fall foliage is legendary, and rightly so. The hues of oranges, reds, and yellows burst through the landscape, particularly in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
One of the greatest feelings that many southerners miss out on is watching the leaves turn, getting that brisk chilly feeling and being able to wear a sweatshirt in October. Your children will appreciate seeing the awesome colors of fall that they may not see at home.
Blue Ridge Mountains
(http://www.city-data.com)
If you haven’t take a ride along the Blue Ridge parkway, then you haven’t seen America. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway connects Great Smokey National Park in Tennessee to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Along the way, a maze of natural beauty and charming country towns abound.
Florida
(http://www.freewebs.com/clearwaterbeachbyowner/)
If fall foliage and cooler weather is not what you’re after, then head to the beaches of Florida. Fall offers rock-bottom prices due to spotty weather, but the majority of time the sun is shining as high as the prices are low.
While you’re there, you can also fit in a small trip to Disney or Universal. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a new area to explore… I’m pretty sure your kids will love it.
Sun Valley, Idaho
(http://www.gogreennow.com/ )
For those in the Pacific Northwest, sunshine can seem like a long lost friend. But a short flight away is Sun Valley, Idaho. As the name suggests, the sunshine is abundant.
Once summer is over and before the mass of skiers arrives in winter, Sun Valley’s “fall slack” offers low hotel rates and is awash in clear skies and bleached aspens.
Sedona, Arizona
http://www.wildnatureimages.com
A perfect place for an active vacation, Sedona offers miles of horseback riding as well as mountain biking trails. The wealth of Arizona’s natural beauty comes to a high in the fall when the red rocks are framed by the season’s abundance of color.
The Grand Canyon National Park is another great place in the area to visit.
San Francisco
(http://www.unionstreetinn.com/)
This is a great destination year round, but as the fog clears and skies are blue, fall offers one of the most beautiful times to see the sights in one of America’s most intriguing cities.
Not to mention, the weather will be perfect- not too hot, and not too cold.
Europe
Europe is a budget breaker for most families, but with great fall deals, any family can travel to Europe at a fraction of the cost of a summer vacation.
Off-season airfare and the availability of hotel coupons are a great way to give your family a dream vacation to a place that many families won’t see in their lifetime due to work and budgetary restraints.
Germany
(http://www.deshow.net/)
Crisp skies and fall colors are everywhere, but you have the added bonus of great food and ambiance. If you prefer a culturally significant and historic adventure, head to Munich. If you prefer modern architecture and a glimpse of the new Germany, make Berlin your destination.
Italy
(http://www.bugbog.com)
Long after the summer crowds go home, fall is when the real Italy truly comes alive. The oppressive heat is gone, life is getting back to normal, and Italy is more inviting. The lack of crowds, as well as milder weather, makes this an opportune time to travel with children.
If you’re looking to get into the ‘fall vacation club’, try picking through some of the above locations and finding a beautiful place to take your family.
Seek out the colorful cool or lingering warm destinations and let your kids return for winter with a warm feeling in their heart.
Leave a Reply