Taking the Kids: Calling all empty nesters -- nine trips to take
Perhaps you want to try an RV trip -- you will have plenty of options to rent one. (We're trying it ourselves next month.
Orlando bound-- Yes, without the kids. Even if you don't set foot in the theme parks (and there is plenty for adults, including Disney's new Star Wars Galaxy Edge and the new Harry Potter attraction at Universal Orlando), there is golf (more than two dozen courses), spas, bars serving up artisanal cocktails, shopping and an ever-growing food scene, including Magical Dining through the end of September, which offers three-course $35 prix fix menus at more than 120 of Orlando's best restaurants.
London lights. Low fall airfares and a strong dollar against the British pound means a good time to visit London. See a play every night. Visit the museums, like in Washington D.C., many are free. Visit London touts 101 autumn in London ideas, including Black History Month all October, Bonfire Night fireworks on and around Nov. 5, the Inspired by the East exhibit opening at the British Museum Oct. 10, a free lunchtime performance at the Royal Opera House or restaurant hop all October during the London Restaurant Festival.
Gather your favorite empty-nesters and rent a house somewhere that's shoulder season (the travel period between peak and off-peak seasons) -- Colorado, if you like the mountains, Cape Cod or Ocean City, N.J., if you like the beach. The weather will still be terrific, farmer's markets full of seasonal produce, there will be plenty of hiking and biking but the crowds will be gone and you might get a bargain. According to Vrbo, you can save as much as 29 percent this fall whether you want to head to Maine or Montana.
Try something you have never done like a whitewater raft trip. We were surprised to discover most everyone on our recent trip with OARS in Dinosaur National Monument was over 50 and seeking a way to enjoy the wilderness without carrying a heavy pack.
"This trip is cause for celebration," said Kurt Kutay, "and better to get away than be stuck at home getting used to the quiet!"
For more ideas, check out our just published Fall Getaways section on takingthekids.com.
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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)
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