Falling for Adventure
Now that record high temperatures are over, it’s time to get outside for a little exercise. Sure the baseball playoffs are calling, but set your TiVo and plan a trip to one of these adventurous destinations. Let’s face it, football tailgating has already added a few pounds so the fresh air and exercise will do you good. Christmas vacation is just too far away to stay sane in the cubicle until then. If it’s a weekend trip you’re after, don’t forget to try Kayak’s new Weekend Search tool.
Helen, GA
flights | hotels | cars
The mountain town of Helen, Georgia is known for more than just exquisite fall foliage, Native American history and frisky mountain people (cue Deliverance music). Get in touch with your adventurous spirit, or your inner hillbilly, and tube the ‘hooch (aka Chattahoochee River) with Alpine Tubing. If you’d like to be in charge of your trajectory, then navigate your way down the river on a guided Kayaking tour instead. Need to exercise your whole body, how bout some mountain climbing at nearby Mount Yonah or perhaps some mountain biking on the Unicoi State Park trail? All this adventure making you thirsty? Plan your trip during the infamous Helen Oktoberfest. From September 13th through October 28th and again from November 1st to November 4th you’ll drink authentic German beer and gorge on wursts at Festhalle. Drink up because you’ll need liquid courage to try your hand…err feet…at Polka dancing.
Budapest, Hungary flights | hotels | cars
Turning leaves and mountain adventure not quite your bag? Head to Hungary and experience a glorious fall holiday rich with history, culture, and scenic perfection. You’ll feel like a real csikos or at least the Hungarian John Wayne while riding horseback among the Buda Hills. Get the lowdown on some history while exploring the Castle cave which was used as an emergency hospital and as an escape route during several wars. If you’re feelin the need for speed, try an off-roading adventure in Budapest’s Adventure Park where you’ll ride an ATV through the northern forests’ steep ravines, canyons, ancient trees, pond and narrow bridges. Now that you’re sufficiently adventured-out, visit one of the traditional thermal baths at Rudas or Gellert Baths. Nothing says relaxation more than frolicking in warm water with naked Europeans.
Billings, MT flights | hotels | cars
No one loves a Rocky Mountain high more than us so head west for a fall adventure in Yellowstone Valley, Montana. Start with a hike through Pictograph Cave State Park where you’ll see historic rock paintings in the breathtaking sandstone caves. Backpack the nearby Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness where it’s unlikely there will be a cell phone signal for your boss to text you about your late report. For an adventurous day trip, explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton for some good hiking or cycling. You can’t leave Montana without learning to fly fish on the Big Horn River. The historic town of Billings has a lot to offer, so check out a rodeo at the city’s MetraPark and or a little culture at the Billings Symphony Orchestra and Chorale. Thirsty? Head over to The Brewhouse Garage Pub which serves several ales brewed from the waters of the Yellowstone River.
Martha’s Vineyard, MA flights | hotels
We’re not sure if Martha’s Vineyard even exists outside of the fall season; The two seem to go hand in hand. Skip the elbow rubbing hob knobbing with the celebutantes and head out to the five famous lighthouses like the East and West Chop Lighthouse and walk along the surrounding bluffs to get into the New England spirit. Then get adventurous with a kayak or canoe trip on Poucha Pond and Cape Pogue Bay on Chappaquiddick and recite some Keats or limericks about the nearby Nantucket. To really get your heart pumping, go on a whale-watching excursion on the nearby waters of Stellwagen Bank. Next, get off the beaten path with a hike along the rugged Aquinnah Cliffs or a workout along Chilmark Loop. For a walk on the wild side, explore the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary to get an up-close and personal look at wild turkey, geese, osprey, or horseshoe crab. Complete your trip with a tour of all the scandal and gossip of the island with the Vineyard History Tours followed by drinks and live music at the local favorite Ritz Cafe. It’s not a cafe where you’ll mingle with the island’s Buffy’s and Chandlers of the world, it’s a hole in the wall dive for good music, good brew, and a brawling crowd.
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New Weekend Search Tool Uncovers Best Fares for Weekend Travel
Just because summer is over and the boss is cracking down on your PTO doesn’t mean your traveling days are over until next summer. The “man” can’t touch your weekends! Kayak makes weekend travel easier and more affordable with the launch of a new “Weekend Search” tool that allows you to compare prices for upcoming weekends or all weekends within a month. Finally, a website has created an easy to use tool just for the weekend warrior.
Simply select “Weekends” on the flight homepage and tell us where you want to go and when. The results page features a Weekend Snapshot box displaying an overview of dates and prices for all five weekends. Use Kayak’s signature check boxes to compare prices for two or more weekends.
Livin on the edge,
Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders