Pennsylvania Spot is a Perfect Labor Day Weekend Getaway
Labor Day is upon us, and that means fall is almost officially here. One Pennsylvania spot has been named one of the best Labor Day and fall weekend getaways in America and certainly the best in the state. This is a quaint little area, and I’m glad to see it getting some press.
Pennsylvania: The Best Fall Weekend Getaway
The experts at Reader’s Digest have put together a tally of the best Labor Day and fall weekend getaways in every state. “Whether you’re craving an active mountain getaway, fun family activities, stunning architecture or thrilling end-of-summer adventures, we’ve got you covered,” they state. Reader’s Digest adds, “The three-day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up the swimsuits just yet.” That’s good to hear, because I’m not ready to put away my swimsuit now or ever.
So, which Pennsylvania spot has been named one of the best Labor Day and fall weekend getaways in America? It’s Lackawanna County. The experts at Reader’s Digest call Lackawanna County an “affordable getaway just west of the Poconos in northeast Pennsylvania.” They add that “fun options in the area include the chance to tour an 1860 coal mine and take a trolley ride through the mountains.” If you want to go here, they suggest staying at the Hilton Scranton right in the downtown area and checking out the Montage Mountain Resort, “where you can zipline, play mini golf, splash around an outdoor water park and more.” It sounds super fun, and I want to try it.
In a separate article, AAA names the top Labor Day destinations in America. No. 1 is Seattle, Washington, followed by Orlando, Florida. Anchorage, Alaska, and New York City are also at the top of the tally. They add that, “According to AAA booking data, overall domestic travel over Labor Day weekend is up 9% compared to last year, while the cost to travel domestically is down 2%.Other top Labor Day destinations include Orlando, New York, Boston, Las Vegas, Denver, Chicago, and San Francisco. For many families, Labor Day is the last hurrah before school begins.” In addition, “To make the most of those trips, AAA recommends identifying must-see sights and creating a flexible itinerary ahead of time.” What’s your favorite fall travel destination, especially when it comes to Labor Day weekend? Reach out to me and let me know.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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