Fall Break
While battling the summer heat swimming or sitting by an air conditioner, very few are thinking of fall get-aways.
But now is the time to be planning Autumn vacations.
Fall is not the least expensive period (most places) to travel. But, it sure is easier on the pocketbook than “family vacation” months June – August.
Kids are back in school so the large family units are not traveling. However, in areas that are seasonal (Alaska, beach resorts, etc.) their workforce may be returning to college. Service levels may drop or services may be non-existent. Expect seasonal restaurants to start running out of certain items the closer to the end of the season.
As always, a little due-diligence can pay off.
So Where Do You Want To Go?
September.
The Lower 48.
Fall is festival time. Google fall festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
Bourbon festivals, cranberry harvest, and even a head start on Octoberfest are a few fun things to experience in September
The Northern States are the first to receive fall-like weather and temperatures.
Although it’s too early for the “fall colors” in New England, it’s a great time to explore there. Think smaller crowds and hikes are better in “brisk” weather.
When was the last time you went to a football game at your college? Time for a tailgate weekend?
A little Further Away.
As I said before, Alaska is starting to close shop. I would avoid the interior as they lose staff first and focus on Anchorage and SE Alaska. There may be some good deals on cruises but they are going to be few at this late date. With each week, the weather gets unpredictable.
Hawaii is coming off their summer rates so hotel prices are dropping, some. Cost of food, gas, and beverages remains high as they still have to be ship everything in. Weather and water temps are ideal.
Other Continents.
September is a great time to visit most of Northern Europe. The hot days of summer are disappearing. This is good news to Americans who would not understand their air-conditioning. Also, much of Europe has gone back to school and work. Festivals and harvesting have begun for several crops including France’s wine grapes.
By mid-September, the Mediterranean has (usually) seen its last blistering day and is a delight for all the senses.
In Central America, it is the end, or getting near the end of the rainy seasons. If you are going to the rainforests, rain is good. September is also the month for the fall equinox, an important day at many Mayan sites.
The countries of South America north of the equator are also experiencing less brutal heat. Even Peru, while south of the equator, is experiencing great hiking weather for its famous and challenging trails such as the Inca.
October.
The Lower 48.
Festival time is in full bloom. Google October festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
Everyone is German, or at least drinking beer. Trees are turning in the northern states and more crops are coming in. You might find the number of Pumpkin Festivals surprising.
Some of the “must-play” golf courses have lower (I did not say cheap) rates towards the end of the month. For courses in the south, that’s not bad news. Maybe now you can add “that” golf shirt to your collection.
Balloons are going up in the southwest.
A little Further Away.
Alaska has the “Gone Fishin” sign out and everyone is hibernating, somewhere sunny. Expect rain. Salmon fishing is over. The bears who eat them are also hibernating. Trout fishing is great. Denali Park stops the mandatory school bus tours mid-September. In October guests can drive their own car as far as mile marker 30. That’s neat. Your car should be more comfortable than the seats on the park’s buses. However, it’s still the same one road in, and then 30 miles back on the same road. With minimal wildlife sightings and limited visibility if it is raining. Not my first choice to see the “spectacular” that is Alaska.
Hawaii is still in the shoulder season.
Other Continents.
Northern Europe temps have dropped, and there is a chance of rain. Sweaters in the day, a light jacket at night. If you plan to be outside all day, this might be worth considering. If you are on a museum quest and will be inside most of the day does it matter? Expect to find lower airfare, hotels and smaller crowds at museums and sites.
The Mediterranean countries are enjoying warm days with sweater evenings. Although rain does occur, it’s usually not for long spells. Having said that, I had three days of non-stop rain in the Greek Isles in June. That’s why we pack like travelers.
Speaking of the Greek Isles, many of the Mediterranean islands “Close for the season” in October. If you want to be a tourist, don’t go. Many of the souvenir and jewelry stores close. The over-priced beach clubs and dance clubs are empty. If you are a traveler, this is incredible news. The scooters-from-hell flying at you from all directions are almost non-existent. When the crowds depart, they leave the locals behind. They desert the archeological sites and restaurants. You can actually experience the islands through their people and cuisine.
Central and South America are still experiencing similar weather as September. As the big ball continues to shift, temperatures are warming in the southern hemisphere.
November.
The Lower 48.
Outside festivals in the north are slowing down. Look for film festivals. In the south, outdoor weather ranges from sweaters to swimsuits. Google November festivals in _______ (city or state you wish to visit.)
The southwest is warm but not oppressive. The snowbirds have not descended as heavily as they will in December. Get out there and hike all those parks you said you were going to visit in Utah and Arizona. See the beautiful landscape of New Mexico.
Prices near Florida’s beaches and in Hawaii are starting to creep back up again. Do you need one last tan to get through the holidays? Also, look at cruises to the Caribbean. Early November may find some decent pricing before they soar into stupid-expensive pricing over the holidays.
A little Further Away.
Alaska in November?? Are you crazy? Yes, but regardless, it can be a GREAT time to visit Alaska for one thing. The Northern Lights. While often can start seeing them in late September. But by November, with shorter days of daylight, there are even better chances of seeing them.
NOTE: The Aurora Borealis is like Alaska wildlife. There is a strong chance of seeing them, but there is no guarantee. Now the BEST part of doing this in November is that the Polar Express has not come to Alaska yet, dumping 100 feet of snow and plunging temperatures well below what a human should be out in.
Other Continents.
Northern Europe is in festival season. It will be rainy. Christmas markets are popping up everywhere. From the freshly fried olibollens at one of Amsterdams 20+ markets to the Neapolitan Cribs (hand-carved nativity scenes) in Naples Italy, there are hundreds of markets and traditions starting in November and leading up to the end of December.
The southern hemisphere is coming into their summer. The monsoons of India and Asia have passed. Temperatures (and prices) are rising.
So there are many things to do. What are you waiting for?