Cut Days, Not Fun
Can’t afford a week-long vacation? Get-a-way for long weekend! Many travelers have opted to cut down on the number of days they spend away rather than cutting out vacationing entirely. There are great long weekend deals to be found. Many hotels and resorts offer attractive Thursday through Sunday packages. Several cruise lines offer very affordable 3-day excursions to exotic ports of call, often departing on a Thursday or Friday.

You can create a “Vacation Month” by stringing together random consecutive weekend excursions. A picnic in a park, cheap seats at a football game, a fall foliage drive, a day of apple picking, or vineyard tour done several weekends in a row, can make you feel like you had a vacation even if it’s just cold cider and donuts at a road side stand.

Whatever day-trip excursions you plan, be sure to go the extra mile with tasty food, play things like balls, games, and toys, and fun-loving friends. Make it special and it’ll be fall vacation-worthy.

Rustic Reminisces
Remember that camping trip you took as a kid? With budgets tighter than ever, camping has increased in popularity again. Fall is a great time to go camping. Camping is a great way to rediscover wonderful destinations right in the backyard of your home state. Cool weather makes a campfire that much more cozy. Many state parks offer campsites with electric and water access right at your fingertips. Can’t face sleeping in a tent? Camping facilities often include cabins that sleep up to 8 people.

I Love Parks has detailed listings of State Parks near you.   The National Park Service has information on camping in national parks like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, The Great Smoky Mountains and many other scenic national treasures.