October 16, 2007
Possible Fall vacation destinations: New England, Oregon, Jamaica
I wonder if anyone here is planning a fall vacation because I found several articles with some tips for your travel plans:
This article previews the fall issue of Town & Country Travel, which argues that Fall is the right time to vacation. The feature visiting Bora Bora, Mexico City, Nairobi, New England, and Northeastern Italy.
While Bora Bora would be great, a more realistic plan for most of us might be New England. I would include some city and some country, not unlike my summer trip to Boston and then on to Vermont.
If you need to hit the beach in the fall, Jamaica might be an option. The author talks about Jamaica but stayed in an all-inclusive. That's not bad, but it doesn't really qualify you to talk about the actualy country outside the resort in most cases. I know when I went to Punta Cana, I learned next to nothing about the Dominican Republic. Same thing when I went to Cebu actually even though on that trip we left the resort twice...
Another quick note on Jamaica: everyone I know prefers Aruba. I don't see it making any difference if you're staying on a resort the whole time but that's what I heard anyway.
And here's a very interesting article on Oregon. I've never been there but it's certainly on my list. I actually learned recently that an old friend moved to Bend, Oregon. They love it there and enthusiastically recommended I visit, noting that the outdoor activities were great and varied. Anyway, this article talks about variety too:
Inspired, this year we looked into Oregon and realized it's a Midwesterner's vacation paradise: in the northwest quadrant of the state, there are mountains (including a dormant volcano, Mount Hood), the Pacific Ocean, wine country and, of course, Portland. Another huge plus: a fraction of the crowds you'd get during a comparable California trip. What started out as a wine-trip idea quickly became a full-blown vacation plan, with a wine stop just one of many detours we'd take. Another bonus: All of these places were within a few hours' drive of each other -- about a tank and a half of gas in a Chevy Tahoe rental.Well that's about all I have to write but why not end with a discussion question? I haven't gotten a comment in over 2 days so I'm starting to feel a bit lonely...
Where are you going this fall?
Posted by James Trotta at October 16, 2007 1:29 PM | TrackBack
Just returned from a fabulous cruise to Greek Islanads, Egypt & Turkey. This is a good time of year to visit, as temperatures are more bearable, and tourism numbers are down, which means less people at all the hot spots. Highly recommend it!
Posted by: Linda Bator at October 16, 2007 3:18 PMI don't have any specific fall vacation plans, but can comment on Aruba vs. Jamaica. Having lived in Aruba for 10 years and finishing high school there, am of course partial to this island. Been to Jamaica, but as far as beaches and weather, Aruba is by far the best choice. Although somewhat expensive now, still probably more reasonable than Hawaii and other beach destinations. Lots of excellent hotels, resort activities, good food, music, drinks, etc. But, you can also explore the interesting geology of the island, the more remote coves, take in the water activities, or just do nothing but watch the pelicans dive and lounge around. Since Aruba is very small, it's easy enough to drive the entire island (about 19 miles long and 6 miles wide). Or, you could do nothing at all but lounge around..definitely worth considering for a fall vacation.
Posted by: Sharon at October 16, 2007 4:53 PMNo plans this fall, but we did do, a few years ago, the obligatory fall New England trip. We drove from Washington DC to Boston to visit friends. From there we drove to Bar Harbor and spent two days in Acadia National Park, which I think is gorgeous. I would move to Maine any day! Then we drove across Vermont and New Hampshire, including a harrowing drive up Mount Washington in the snow, to Fort Ticonderoga. We crossed Lake Champlain on a three-car ferry and toured the fort with an impressively costumed Native American guide. It was a wonderful trip, and one I would repeat every year if I could.
Posted by: Jill at October 17, 2007 1:25 AMThis summer I spend two weeks in the Portland Oregon area. My highlight was crossing into Washington for an awesome visit to Mt St Helene. This was the best part of our vacation. Walking the ridge trail at the last Visitor's Center on Spirit Highway was magnificient.
Posted by: Ann Arch at October 17, 2007 2:55 AMNot doing an early fall trip so I'm not sure if our destination plans could really be considered a "fall trip". We are planning on going to Quebec City in early December. Understandably it will likely be very cold and snowy. We live in the south so this will be a change for us. Also, we have been told that Quebec City has a very good Christmas season flavor. We are looking forward to the French food and the hoiliday atmosphere.
Posted by: Ed at October 17, 2007 5:14 PM