Beech Tree News Network

Since the schools are closed for fall break, many of our Butler County neighbors have taken this opportunity for a fall vacation and are traveling. I hope they enjoy their time away and come home rested. With the cooler weather, fall could be an excellent time to travel.

Fall vacations have advantages. One website (http://travel.usnews.com/Miami_Beach_FL/When_To_Visit/) said that planning a vacation to Miami, Florida, during the fall can be a gamble because of hurricane possibilities. Yet, such a vacation between September and November can be a money saver and includes leftover heat and humidity with less-packed beaches. Another website (http://www.farecompare.com/travel-advice/cheap-airline-tickets-dead-zone...) identified “dead zones” – times when not many people choose to fly – as the cheapest flying times. One of those “dead zones” is in the fall. A different travel website (http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/americas-best-cities-for-fall...) stated that, “And for travelers, autumn offers added incentives: summer crowds have dissipated, hotel rates have wafted downward, and in many cities, the best local experiences are ready to shine.” So, a fall vacation could be a better financial choice.

I asked friends and family whether they have taken or plan to take a fall vacation and if so, would they travel or stay home. Their replies are listed below:
•    We are taking a fall vacation now. We are headed south for a week to Cruisin the Coast 2016. My husband fell in love with this event last year, so we decided to go again.
•    I plan to stay home and enjoy the weather.
•    I’m on vacation every day! I’m not planning on a trip anywhere at the moment – too much fall work to do! I don’t want to end up like the proverbial grasshopper, not ready for winter.
•    Staycation with my kids!
•    Went to the beach.
•    I’ve taken a summer-to-fall vacation. It’s been amazing. I have given birth to and begun the most beautiful journey of my life with my precious little miracle. I’ll be sad to see this vacation end.
•    Normally, we vacation in the summer. My most memorable fall vacation was when we took our kids to Disney World on fall break when they were 10 and 12 years old. It was great to board a plane at the Nashville airport at a chilly 50 degrees and get off at the Orlando airport 1 ½ hours later to a nice 85 degrees. That’s the best part of fall vacations!
•    We just had a fall beach vacation!
•    I don’t normally take a fall vacation; but this year, I’m going with my son to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for a couple of days.
•    No fall vacation this year.
•    We went to Gulf Shores and to Cincinnati and had a blast both places. Fall is my favorite!
•    I won’t take a fall vacation because we don’t get fall breaks at UK.
•    We have taken vacations in the past during the fall, but this year we are staying home. I hope to go camping a couple of days and enjoy the weather. We will take the boat out fishing and enjoy a campfire at night. It’s a beautiful time of year.
•    I plan to stay home and enjoy extended home time. No schedule, no timeframe – just enjoying my home.
•    No fall vacation, but I wish I had one and could go somewhere fun!
•    I will be going on an island hopping adventure with a group which has been dubbed the “church ladies.” We will visit three of the barrier islands off the east coast.
•    Yes, we went to my cousin’s wedding in Orange Beach, and my whole family got to be together.
•    I’m leaving tomorrow for Columbia, Missouri, to see a family friend who is in assisted living.
•    We’re just going to stay around here this year. Love the changing leaves and outdoor activities with friends and family!
•    We usually go to the cabin several weekends during the fall and on fall break, but this year we are busy. Our oldest daughter got married, so we went to the beach. Our youngest daughter has never flown, so we have a trip to the Bahamas planned. We also want to spend time at the cabin in the coming months: we like riding 4 wheelers and playing cards there. I love fall almost as much as I love summer and spring!

Whether for travel or a staycation, fall is an excellent time to take a break. Ann Drake said, “I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin and crisp sunburnt leaves (http://www.quotegarden.com/autumn.html). The vivid fall colors and the cooler temperatures will be welcome.