Calling All New Empty Nesters

You got the kids to college – now go somewhere for yourselves

After searching for extra-long twin sheets, a deal on a mini fridge; after putting together loft beds and hanging bulletin boards in sterile dorm rooms; after the tears and goodbyes, it’s time for you empty nesters to do something for yourselves.

Of course, you are thinking about those tuition bills and frantic calls when your student suddenly needs extra cash for unexpected expenses, but you still deserve to get away and pat yourselves on the back for getting this far, whether you want to splurge or stay on a tight budget.

Fall is a great time to get away whether you want to take a road trip to see the leaves changing, hiking along the way, or head to Europe when it’s less crowded and airfares drop.

If you are a solo parent, consider a small group trip including Road Scholar some for women from Backroads or Women Traveling Together, among others.

You can also snare a bargain after Labor Day in popular summer vacation spots like Cape Cod, Corpus Christi, or the Caribbean, as long as you protect your travel investment with travel insurance, in case of tropical storms or hurricanes.

You earned it! Now take some time for yourselves!

Here are some suggestions:

BEER LOVERS - Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, the country’s largest drawing some 800,000 people to Cincinnati Sept. 18-21 including music, The Running of the Wiener dogs, the world’s largest chicken dance, a family day (Sept. 21), all varieties of local eats, many celebrating German heritage and more. According to Germanfoods.org, there are 150 Octoberfest celebrations in the US and Canada.

AUTUMN IN EUROPE - We just returned from a AMAWaterways river cruise on the Rhine River, starting in Amsterdam and ending in Basel with wine tastings, hikes, bike rides and tours of historic sites along the way.

The Rhine and Danube are among the most popular rivers, though there are many options. Croisi Europe, for example, has itineraries from Europe to the Mekong River in Viet Nam and South Africa. Check out the latest deals.

River cruises not only offer more active excursions these days but are also a good bet for solo travelers as the small ships and excursions make it easy to make friends. “I got on board knowing no one and now I feel like I know everyone,” one divorced one said on our AMAWaterways trip.

THE GATEWAY TO GRAND TETON AND YELLOWSTONE - Last fall, we spent some time in Jackson Hole, WY, the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. One highlight was the fantastic National Museum of Wildlife Art. In town, we loved the affordable Virginian Lodge, a short walk from Jackson’s town square, a big courtyard with a pool and hot tubs and offers including 20 per cent off on weekday nights. Outside of town and close to the national parks, Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa is offering a third night free during their value dates. Another deal valid until Oct. 12 includes an America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass (an $80 value.)

HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS Breckenridge, Colorado boasts some of North America’s earliest fall colors. Located at 9,600 feet above sea level, the area’s splendid groves of aspen trees begin their annual transformation to brilliant gold in early September. Aspen’s famous Maroon Bells are also a gorgeous place to hike.

Waterville Valley, NH for example, boasts miles and miles of hiking and biking trails with plenty of choices for those whatever your fitness level.

Check out Lake Tahoe deals. They include a Summer Renewal Stay with a $100 resort credit with a two-night stay that’s good until the end of September.

SCOTTSDALE IN FALL. Scottsdale is famous for its spas (more than 50), 200 golf courses, resorts, and eateries. The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, for example, boasts five restaurants, six pools, waterslides, golf, and a huge spa. go stargazing, enjoy moonlight yoga or visit the Desert Botanical Garden where you can enjoy sunset sound meditation with the melodies of singling bowls and gongs. Witness more than 1,000 Southwestern butterflies. F eel the rhythm of faraway places at the Musical Instrument Museum through immersive galleries. Scottsdale has long been touted as a spa mecca and is revered for its Sonoran Desert setting, said to have healing powers.

A DIFFERENT OCEAN CRUISE - Windstar Cruises known for its sailing yachts now features voyages during the local Mediterranean Season in fall and winter. Look for deals that can offer all-inclusive options, free air and last-minute cruise deals.

Bon Voyage!