The Savvy Traveler » Fall Travel

Find Fabulous Fall Colors in National Parks

Jennifer — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:51:41 +0000

Cataloochee Creek, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Courtesy of the National Park Service.

Every year, millions of Americans look forward to autumn and the opportunity to take in the beautiful fall foliage. As deciduous trees across the country begin to shed their leaves, “leaf peeping,” as it is known, becomes a pastime of many travelers.

The national parks offer a serene setting and unmatched views to enjoy this majestic transformation. Our parks preserve hundreds of tree species, which, into November, vibrantly paint the mountains and hillsides and fields with fresh shades of red, orange, yellow and purple.

“Visitors come from miles away each year to experience fall foliage in our national parks. It is truly a spectacular time of year,” says Mark Wenzler, director of Clean Air and Climate Programs for the National Parks Conservation Association. “Unfortunately, many of the trees people come to see face threats like air pollution, most of which is caused by exhaust from coal-fired power plants and automobiles. It is essential we do everything we can to protect our national parks for our children and grandchildren to enjoy, as well.”

Here are a few national park sites beloved for their brilliant fall foliage, but also facing air pollution issues:

Although nearing the completion of this year’s season, Acadia National Park in Maine is well-known for its beautiful fall foliage. Timing varies each year, but peak colors are typically seen in early to mid-October. The park offers nearly 40,000 acres of Maine coastline for visitors to explore the remarkable foliage and views. Leaf peepers come to see the bright yellow birch leaves, the deep red maple foliage, and the orange hue of the white ash. At an elevation of 1,530 feet, Cadillac Mountain allows visitors to enjoy fall foliage at the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard.

Despite the undeniable beauty throughout the park, Acadia’s forests are threatened by harmful air pollution. To reduce pollution from your car, consider carpooling in the fall, as the park’s shuttle system stops operating after Columbus Day. For more information about fall foliage at Acadia National Park, please see: http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee, North Carolina) usually experiences a fall foliage season that lasts several weeks. Park trees change colors at various times, depending mostly on elevation. At mid and lower-level elevations, the color display typically reaches peak between mid-October and early November. The park attracts leaf peepers, who want a glimpse of the nearly 100 native tree species, most of which are deciduous. Some of the more vibrant trees include hickories, sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum and red maple.

The fall foliage display at Great Smoky Mountains remains one of the best in the country, but park forests face air pollution threats like acid rain, which weakens trees by damaging the leaves and limiting the nutrients available to them. Visitors might consider alternative transportation options to lessen their own impact at the park, as automobile emissions are a contributor to air pollution. At Cades Cove, one of the more congested areas of the park, NPCA has partnered with the nonprofit Cades Cove Heritage Tours to offer a guided shuttle service for visitors. For more information about fall foliage at Great Smoky Mountains, please visit www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit.

Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is known for its extensive cave system — the longest in the world. However, visitors have ample opportunity to explore other features of this national park, as well. Mammoth Cave preserves the forested Kentucky hills, which offer numerous trails for hikers to explore and observe the vibrant fall foliage. Oak, tulip poplar and sassafras are among the trees that scatter park forests and attract leaf peepers annually.

Unfortunately, the park’s beloved deciduous trees are threatened by acid rain year-round. Consider carpooling to the park, and using park trails to explore its changing forests. Mammoth Cave offers trails for every level of hiker. For an updated webcam shot of fall foliage at the park, please visit http://nature.nps.gov/air.

Each of these parks is downwind of dozens of coal-fired power plants, which are the major cause of acid rain and ozone which damage their trees. Fortunately, many electric utilities are now offering their customers the choice of green energy alternatives to coal, like wind and solar power. After returning from your fall leaf peeping trip, consider switching to green energy to help protect the beautiful scenery you just enjoyed.

For additional information about reducing your own carbon footprint to help protect our national parks, as well as the tools to actually do so, visit the new interactive Do Your Part! for Climate Friendly Parks Web site, sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association in support of the National Park Service’s Climate Friendly Parks program at www.doyourpartparks.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Savvy Traveler’s Guide to Planning an Affordable Autumn Getaway

Jennifer — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 01:26:33 +0000

Myrtle Beach

America’s wavering economy along with swelling gas prices have tampered with vacationers’ travel plans throughout the summer, leaving many travelers in the lurch. As wallets continue to tighten and stress levels rise, Americans are realizing just how much they need and deserve a vacation getaway that for now seems to be tossed on the backburner.

But despite fuel costs and financial worries, there is good news on the horizon for determined vacationers! As the seasons transition, Americans don’t have to throw in the towel on travel for the rest of the year. Simply learn to travel smarter by taking extended weekend getaways during the autumn shoulder season.

There are many ways to cut costs and allow for a fabulous fall trip. Here are some insider tips that will help you de-stress and recharge, while getting the most for your travel dollar:

Structure a Budget

First and foremost, figure out what you can realistically afford for your next trip, and stick to your guns. Create budget estimates for each vacation day, from meals to attractions, and even highway tolls. By understanding how much you have available before leaving home, you’ll save yourself the headache of ATM overdraws and never-ending credit card bills once you return from your trip.

Make a Smart Destination Choice and Create a Realistic Timeframe

Choose a destination that is close enough to reach quickly and cost-efficiently, but is a world away in ambiance. Do your homework and peruse through guidebooks, travel blogs, Web sites and newspaper and magazine reviews for destinations that provide climate-friendly options in which to spend a relaxing long weekend.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Select a hotel with an in-room kitchen efficiency so you don’t have to eat every meal in restaurants (that gets expensive!), and find a nearby grocery store so you can stock up with a few provisions. You’ll be amazed at how much money eating cereal for breakfast and packing cold cuts for lunch can save you each day. If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, check out beach homes, condos, timeshares and villa rentals, which can turn out to be a much less expensive option, per person.

Now is the time to also look for deals and offerings such as free nights, complimentary parking, or special incentives (like gas cards). With fewer people traveling these days, many hotels are offering attractive deals to get visitors in the door.

Research Affordable Activities

Seek out a destination with lots of activities that are free or highly affordable. When researching things to do or see in a destination, find attractions that will stretch your dollar the farthest. Savvy travelers will also plan in advance to save money through online coupons and deals. As a bonus, you’ll reduce stress while on vacation because your itinerary is already set.

By following the above tips, you’ll surely find and enjoy a long weekend break that fits within your budget. One terrific place you might wish to consider when putting these tips to the test is the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina. Known best as an affordable, budget-friendly vacation destination with a vast variety of accommodations, meals and attractions to suit every visitor, this is a great option for the smart traveler. Here’s why:

Location and Weather
Boasting a mild climate and perpetually temperate weather, Myrtle Beach is a great destination choice year round, especially in the autumn. Its pristine coastline, affectionately called the Grand Strand, is the star attraction here. Stretching for 60 miles, travelers have access to all kinds of public beaches and oceanfront access, from state parks to picturesque waterways — the perfect oasis away from the stress of everyday life.

Quality Accommodations with Perks
With a variety of accommodations from which to choose, including many updated and spacious beachfront condos with kitchens and additional seasonal promotions, Myrtle Beach offers great deals for saving money on food and lodging costs.

A Variety of Affordable Activities
Whether it’s hitting Myrtle Beach State Park to enjoy the pristine beach for pennies or even popping a quick game of miniature golf — Myrtle Beach is the Miniature Golf Capital of the World — there are plenty of options to have fun on a budget in Myrtle Beach.

For further incentives, vacationers can get a great bang for their buck at Myrtle Beach’s acclaimed attractions. At Brookgreen Gardens, a beautiful nature oasis on the site of four former rice plantations, your entry ticket is good for an entire week. And if you visit Hard Rock Park — the world’s first 140-acre, music-themed amusement park — on the day of a big-name concert, you’ll be admitted free to that evening’s concert.

The moral of the story? If you’re itching to use some of those precious vacation days for an extended weekend this fall, choose a destination that has it all within reach. With the right combination of budget-friendly activities, great weather, and a mix of fun and relaxation, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable and much-deserved getaway.

For more information visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle1 (888-697-8531).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Myrtle Beach Autumn Packages:

Hotel Blue Fabulous Fall Super Saver

Fabulous Fall Super Saver includes oceanfront accommodations and discounted prices for bowling at Hotel Blue’s sister resort. (Bowling and entertainment center located one block away.) $38-53 per night. Sunday to Thursday. Excludes Nov. 26-29, 2008. For more information, visit www.hotelBluemb.com or call (800) 843-3466.

Springmaid Resort

Buy three nights of the Bed & Breakfast package at Springmaid Beach Resort and get the fourth night and breakfast free. Enjoy this great deal, plus Springmaid’s all ocean view rooms, six pools (two heated) , two lazy rivers, fitness center, onsite restaurants, full sized in-room refrigerators and microwaves, plus the famous Springmaid Pier.

Bed & Breakfast package includes:
- Nightly lodging (Sunday through Thursday)
- Daily hot buffet breakfast
- Free admission to Springmaid Pier
- Resort miniature golf course discounts

Rates from:
$44/person 8/31-10/2/08
$39/person 10/5-10/24/08
$34/person 10/26-11/26/08

Rates based on standard resort room, double occupancy. Limited availability. Restrictions apply. Friday/Saturday and holiday rates available — additional charges apply. For more information call (866) 764-8501 or visit http://www.springmaidbeach.com/specials.html.

Marina Inn Fall Family Fun

Five Nights of Fall Family Fun for $999. Includes accommodations in a Grande Guest room for five nights, 1/2-day boat rental on a 22-foot FunDeck Boat, four general admission tickets to Hard Rock Park or four “Ticket to Play” passes that include top rated attractions at Broadway at the Beach and full breakfast each morning in Waterscapes, the Marina Inn’s signature restaurant. No blackout dates! Valid through December 31, 2008. For more information call (877) 913-1333 or visit www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/familyfun.

Get the Most Out of Family Road Trips

Jennifer — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:36:02 +0000

Get the Most Out of Family Road Trips

School is back in session, but there’s still time to sneak in a weekend road trip to enjoy the autumn weather with the family. Take a look at your area on a map and find a creative route within three hours of your house – close enough to explore without spending all your time in the car, but still far enough to be a mini vacation getaway.

The majority of Americans are realizing that domestic road trip travel is easier on the wallet than expensive airline tickets and overseas accommodations – even with high gas prices – and are opting for driving-distance destinations. According to the Travel Industry Association, 59 percent of Americans who are currently planning a road trip will not change their travel plans despite rising gas prices. So consider exploring the surrounding museums, amusement parks and state parks that tourists from all over world come to see but you haven’t taken the time to visit.

Here are some tips to help make your next road trip memorable, easy and cost effective:

Car Time is Quality Family Time

Everyone needs a little relaxation and fun with family and friends, as well as entertainment to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Road trips are a great way to spend quality time with those you care about — sing your favorite songs, share stories and play your favorite road trip games like I-Spy, 20 Questions or Name that Tune.

Whatever entertainment your family shares – traditional road trip games, watching videos, browsing photo albums – you’ll want to schedule taking turns. Not only will this keep the peace between siblings, but it will help everyone pass the time by having fun together. Also, make sure to keep a cooler stocked with favorite beverages and snacks to keep the whole family happy and full along the way.

GPS with Media Entertainment is Fun for Everyone

Now imagine being able to finally throw away all of those cumbersome maps, shushing the opinionated back-seat driver who is always telling you where to go, and just being able to enjoy the open road chatting about the fun places and things you’re going to see. With the latest combined portable GPS and media entertainment devices, such as the 605 WiFi GPS from ARCHOS, you truly get the ultimate road trip companion that not only guides your vacation while on the way, but gives you and the kids instant entertainment when you arrive. Enjoy reaching your destination with ease with turn by turn directions, listening to music, watching movies on a 4.3-inch touch screen, browsing the Web, looking through your photos and more — all with one pocket-sized device.

Get the Most out of Every Tank of Gas

Few things have the potential to derail your road trip enjoyment like high gas prices. To ensure the adults relish their road trip, it’s more important than ever to improve gas mileage and reduce pain at the pump. Here are a few simple, helpful tips to help you get the biggest bang out of each gas dollar:

* Avoid jack-rabbit starting on acceleration. Stomping on the gas pedal uses about twice as much gas as a modest, gradual start – so leave the lead foot at home.

* Use cruise control whenever possible. This is particularly great for long distance drives, because consistent speeds and less fluctuation in acceleration really help stretch your gas dollar further.

* If you have removable roof racks on your car and you aren’t using them for your vacation, then be sure to take them off. Roof racks affect your car’s aerodynamics, dramatically decreasing your mileage.

* Use your air conditioning as needed – turn it on and off throughout the drive so that it’s not constantly running and sucking the horsepower and gas that your engine needs to run efficiently.

* Finally, make sure to plan ahead and know where you’re going. With GPS devices, such as the ARCHOS 605 WiFi, you will be sure to save gas because you won’t be dealing with getting lost and driving around in circles.

So take some time to brush up on your Name that Tune skills and get ready for some fun, stress-free road trips because great times are just a drive away.

For more information about ARCHOS and its products, visit www.archos.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent