With travel prices way up this summer and the number of airline delays and cancellations at record levels, some travelers have put vacations on hold. For those who did — and those who feel like they deserve a do-over — these great destinations with summer vibes make perfect fall vacations.
The Bahamas: Into The Blue
Fall is shoulder season in the archipelago known as the Bahamas, as families have gone back to school-year schedules and winter travelers are waiting until the holidays for their next escape. If spending as much time in that Bahamian blue water as possible is tops on your list of things to do, consider a fall getaway to the swimming pigs in the Exumas, or dive into Captain Bill’s Blue Hole, a spectacular natural pool in Andros’ Blue Hole National Park.
Wherever you go, indulge in the region’s most famous dishes, including johnnycakes, fish stew, and conch, well, everything. In Nassau, Tru Bahamian Food Tours offers a Historic Walking Tour that stops at several of the city’s most authentic restaurants to sample local foods while squeezing in time at the Government House, the National Art Gallery, and more of the island’s iconic landmarks.
Florida Road Trip: Orlando To Tampa
Only 80 miles and a 90-minute drive apart, Orlando and Tampa are perfect for a mini fall road trip. With kids back in school the crowds at the major theme parks thin out, but the thrills remain. Daredevils will want to check out the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at EPCOT and Iron Gwazi at Busch Gardens, now the tallest and fastest hybrid roller coaster in North America.
History lovers can take a tour of the 1910 cigar factory known as El Reloj in Tampa’s Ybor City, or visit Bok Tower Gardens just outside of Orlando. The latter features gorgeous landscapes, a bird sanctuary, and a “singing” bell tower complete with a carillon that plays free concerts several times per day.
Scottsdale, Arizona: Desert Dreaming
Fall in the desert is spectacular, with daytime highs reaching into the 70s and 80s. Pair that with cool mornings and evenings, and it's the perfect recipe for a fall vacation with some outdoor recreation. Luckily, Scottsdale is a mecca for that. Hike the trails at Camelback Mountain; visit the serene gardens, pathways, and unique architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and take a self-guided walking tour past charming shops and cafes in Old Town Scottsdale.
Adventurers love the hot air balloon rides over the Sonoran Desert with Rainbow Ryders, while foodies will want to squeeze in a visit to Old Town favorites like The Mission for Southwestern cuisine in a quaint adobe-style setting.
New Orleans: The Crescent City
Nicknamed the Crescent City for its perch along a bend of the Mississippi River, this Southern city is known for three things: food, history, and music — and lots of it. The best way to get to know the historic French Quarter is on foot, so you can feast your eyes on the French and Spanish colonial architecture, from the wrought-iron balconies to the charming brick facades.
Begin your walking tour in Jackson Square, a park and national historic landmark that’s home to the St. Louis Cathedral and several state museums. Across the street, Café Du Monde is ground zero for flaky beignets and café au lait (practically required indulgences in New Orleans). Next door, the stalls that fill the French Market are perfect for a stroll before making your way over to Preservation Hall, one of the most iconic jazz venues in the world.
No fall getaway to New Orleans is complete without savoring the city’s amazing restaurants. For casual po’boys, gumbo, and Creole-style cuisine, visit the Gumbo Shop; for fine dining, try the oysters baked with andouille sausage at Arnaud’s; and for an authentic jazz brunch inside a historic courtyard, the Court of Two Sisters is a must.