No matter what type of scenery you enjoy, you will undoubtedly find something to make you happy if you take a fall vacation. A quick tip before you head out on the road: Be sure to use a voucher, much like a hotels.com discount code, to ensure that you’re saving a lot of money on your trip. That being said, let’s take a look at five of the premier fall vacation destinations.

Best Autumn Vacation Locations

1: Smoky Mountains, USA

The Smoky Mountain range, located between North Carolina and Tennessee, gets its name from a blue mist that surrounds the entire area during the fall months, creating a beautiful atmosphere that can only be experienced in person. Apart from the misty mountaintops, there are also endless trails, beautiful waterfalls, and the encompassing cloak of the colorful foliage. With over half a million acres of forest, there’s plenty to see on a Smoky Mountain trip.

2: Munich, Germany

Munich, Germany is the premier destination on the planet for beer lovers, and there’s no better time to experience this famous city than in the autumn months. Can anyone say “Oktoberfest”? And while that’s the largest festival around, it’s far the only one happening throughout the Munich region during the fall months. With the sounds, sights, food and refreshments, Munich is definitely a place to see this time of year.

3: Florence, Italy

For anyone who has ever been to Italy on vacation, you already know that there’s no such thing as a bad vacation spot in this historic and gorgeous country. However, some locations are simply better than others in the chillier months, and Florence is Italy’s premier spot once the summer subsides. With its huge art culture, lush fall gardens, and a slew of historic sites, anyone would be smart to carve out some time in their calendars to see this city.

4: Napa Valley, USA

California rivals France in terms of wine production, and thus Napa Valley becomes one of the hottest spots on the globe once the fall settles in and those grapes are harvested. There are over 250 wineries in this region, and they’re all putting out new, fresh and exciting products around this time of year. You can probably even find a Thomson discount code to save money on a trip like this. Just hurry up and get there before those other thirsty tourists show up!

5: Provence, France

Provence is the perfect autumn location due to its geographic positioning. It sits directly between the French Alps and the Mediterranean, so you’re completely surrounded by world-class views. And since most of France’s visitors file out in late August, there’s a lot of room to experience France personally once fall comes. It’s also a family-friendly destination if you want to bring the kids along.

Autumn vacations remain underrated by and large, with most people wanting to travel in the thick of summer. But the savvy traveler knows full well the benefits of taking a fall vacation. Let these destinations listed above provide some inspiration to you before you take your next trip.

Top 5 Fall Trip Ideas is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

Flights head to Reus Airport regularly throughout summer, with many low-cost fares available. Cut costs even further, along with stress levels, by pre-booking airport extras, such as airport parking. I can’t rave highly enough about this service, eliminating the need for expensive airport taxis and giving peace of mind throughout the stress of travelling, especially with children. Check out East Midlands Airport Parking when flying regionally, or Stansted Airport Parking from the capital, and see what great deals you can find.

The transfer from the airport is a short 15 minutes , depending on traffic and your hotel whereabouts, which is a great plus when the sun is beating down. The quicker you’re in resort, the quicker you can hit the beach!

The resort’s main beach is Platja Llevant, with golden sands, safe waters and plentiful water-sports. I’d recommend you try parasailing, the views are stunning and it’s great fun. If that’s not for you, then maybe a round of golf or a game of tennis is the order of the day.

Daytime activities do tend to be based around the beach, and this is the centre-point of the resort. However, there is a pretty promenade, perfect for a walk and a spot of people-watching – one of my favourite activities!

If you can, I’d recommend you hire a car and head to nearby Tarragona, to visit the old Roman Amphitheatre. This is a great place to visit for fans of history and architecture, and you’ll see some pretty scenery along the way.

So let’s talk shopping – another of my favourite things! Salou is great for a spot of retail therapy, and there is a weekly Monday market for something a little out of the ordinary to take home. Alternatively, nearby Barcelona is a huge, cosmopolitan city, and a shopper’s dream.

When you’re shopped out, beached out, golfed out, explored out, or whatever you choose to do, night-time offers something for everyone. There are many international restaurants around the resort, so there is something food-wise for everyone, however I’d recommend you do try some traditional Spanish food, with lots of fresh fish on the menu.

When your meal has digested, choose your evening’s entertainment from a huge range. If you want to party, you’re catered for, if you want to chill out, there are many quieter bars for you to sit and watch the world go by.

I think Salou is a great choice for a late family summer break, made even cheaper still with pre-booked airport extras, such as Luton Airport Parking Every penny saved helps go towards those all important holiday spends, making your holiday that little bit more fun.

For summer fun, not so far from home, Salou is the place to go.

Sunny Salou is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

It’s highly likely that you won’t have a headache deciding where to get started on your Asian trip. A quick look at any atlas will generally highlight an obvious location. If you’re heading there from Europe there are just a handful of gateway cities and you can’t go far wrong when you opt for any of these. Bangkok, Delhi and Kathmandu are names right out of legend, reeking of the unfamiliar, exotic and adventurous. They’re incidentally also the cheapest destinations by air because the closest to Europe. Australians, on the other hand, will usually enter Asia by way of Indonesia, at places like Bali. Americans get there often via London or European cities such as Frankfurt from the East Coast.

The important thing on a first visit to Asia is to take it gently for the first day or so, simply because of the culture shock that is often experienced by seeing unfamiliar levels of poverty and downright chaos in the crowded Asian cities such as Delhi. It can be a tough but necessary introduction to how the other half lives, but a necessary rite of passage. If you don’t feel like taking such an immediate plunge you might be better off heading for Bali or Malaysia as the first stepping stone to the East, as these are somewhat calmer experiences.

For a real treat and to get the most out of your limited time, consider heading for smaller towns rather than the main cities to begin with. Try flying direct to Phuket, for instance, rather than Bangkok. In the time it takes you to reach there, or alternatively Kuala Lumpur if you’re headed south, you’ll be able to soak up a whole raft of Asian experiences along the way and arrive full of street credibility.

Having a pre-booked hotel lined up for the first few nights is always a good idea, because the long flight can be exhausting and the first days should be taken relatively easy, to acclimatise you to the new atmosphere. Alternatively, try chilling out on some secluded beach or put your feet up in a small resort town. Diving right into the middle of a place like Delhi or Kuala Lumpur is not recommended for everyone.

Getting to Asia by air is the preferred option for most travellers, simply because getting there overland can eat up a sizeable chunk of valuable vacation time. Get an itinerary worked out in advance can save time, too, and this could be built on a backbone of the places you definitely will not want to miss. But be prepared to be flexible when you have the core pattern in place as there is great variability in the price of different routes.

Check overland routes, too before booking a flight, as once arrived a lot will depend on the ease of moving between destinations you want to see.

David Elliott is a freelance writer who loves to travel, especially in Europe and Turkey. He’s spent most of his adult life in a state of restless excitement but recently decided to settle in North London. He gets away whenever he can to immerse himself in foreign cultures and lap up the history of great cities.

First Time Asia Trip is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

1. Cove Park, Maui

Catering to first time riders, Cove Park has generally small, mellow waves and geographical conditions ideal for surfing. The water is quite shallow and as a result, small waves form far out and roll in until almost the shore. In the north end of Cove Park, surfing classes are held daily. Kihei is home to many surf schools, making this coastal area a great environment for gradually picking up and refining your skills. Though a great training ground for newbies, the water’s gentle waves will disappoint those looking for more of a challenge.

2. Waikiki Beach, Oahu

There is perhaps no beach more important to Hawaii’s surf culture than Waikiki. A surfing mecca, this is one of the best spots to ride your first wave. Even Hawaiian royalty used to enjoy surfing on Waikiki on early forms of longboards. Home to the famous Waikiki Beach Boys, these charismatic instructors revitalized surfing culture in the early 20th century. A statue of one of them, the legendary Duke Kanahamoku, welcomes you to the beach as a reminder of Waikiki’s glorious past. Today, the modern Waikiki Beach Boys carry on the legacy by offering surf lessons on Waikiki’s relatively gently waves.

3. Hanalei Bay, Kauai

This crescent-shaped beach is set against the backdrop of Kauai’s beautiful mountain ranges. Adored by residents and visitors alike, it has surf suitable for all levels, and attracts champions of the sport throughout the winter. Any surfer will tell you that when you wipe out, the last thing you want to be doing is hitting hard coral. In the summertime, Hanalei’s shallow, sandy bottom and gentle swells offer perfect conditions for beginners. Named the best beach in the United States in 2009, Hanalei Bay is less commercialized than Hawaii’s better known surf spots.

4. Sunset Beach, Oahu

Part of Oahu’s famed North Shore, Sunset Beach is home to many surf competitions throughout the winter months, including the Duke Kahanamoku Classic, named in honor of Hawaii’s famous “father of modern surfing.” With some of the longest waves in Hawaii, its giant reef break and complex swell interactions offer infinite possibilities for creativity. Massive barrel waves are suitable for experts only, but the wide sandy beach offers plenty of room for spectators. During the summer months, when the waves calm down, Sunset Beach becomes a popular swimming and snorkeling destination.

5. Ho’okipa Beach, Maui

Along with Honolua Bay, Ho’okipa Beach is the place to watch pro surfers in action. Strong currents and a rocky bottom can make Ho’okipa dangerous for beginners, so it’s best to observe from a safe distance unless you’ve got a fair bit of experience. Watch from a grassy cliff side viewing point overlooking the exciting “Pavilions” hotspot, or just lay out a blanket on the long, narrow, white sand beach. In the winter months, strong winds form massive waves with trailing whitecaps, a dramatic demonstration of the sheer force of the ocean.

Many vacation rentals and villas in Hawaii are in close proximity to amazing surfing beaches, and each has their own distinct character. If you look hard enough, you’ll find your match made in heaven! You don’t need to come face to face with 60 foot water walls at Peahi or the Banzai Pipeline to feel the rush of catching a wave – there are many nice beaches out there for novice and intermediate riders. Make sure to stay on top of surf conditions, as they can change dramatically from one season to the next. One thing’s for sure, Hawaii never fails to spoil those who come hungry for waves!

The Top 5 Beaches in Hawaii for Surfing is a post from: Adventure Bimbling

1. Babington House, Somerset

Britain’s hippest country house hotel set in 18 acres of grounds within the heart of Somerset. The vast range of facilities will appeal to both couples and families.

Those wanting to kick back and relax can head to the Cowshed spa for an organic beauty treatment and make use of the steam room, gym, aroma room and sauna. Families can spend some quality time together. With five tennis courts, a cricket pitch, croquet lawn and indoor and outdoor heated pools there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Alternatively take a bicycle ride around the grounds and explore the lake, walled garden and private church.

The Main House has a stylish restaurant serving traditional British food and a contemporary bar. There’s also a traditional stone Orangery, Library, Snooker Room, Study and pool room.

The Teeny House is open daily offering crèche facilities for residents and members.

2. Thai Square Spa, Covent Garden, London

My last experience of Thai massage was down a back street off the Koh San Road with a scrawny women vigorously tugging at my limbs. The Thai Square Spa is an entirely different experience. Adorned with gold Buddha’s and lotus flowers you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked off to the Orient without the long haul flight. Supplied with Thai fisherman pants, slippers and a cup of rose leaf tea you can relax in tropical paradise.

The spa uses Erb products. A premium natural skincare range made in Thailand and inspired by ancient Thai herbal remedies and rituals. Erb uses natural Thai remedies including herbs, flowers and roots to create a range of products that are dedicated to the wellbeing of the mind, body and soul.

3. Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, Wiltshire

The only place in the country where you can bathe in natural thermal waters. The waters contain over 42 different minerals and the water in all four baths is the optimum bathing temperature of 33.5 degrees. You can relax in the open air roof top pool and enjoy spectacular views over the city. Then enjoy one of the many treatments on offer. The Bamboo massage is highly recommended and involved a deep tissue massage with coconut oil and warm bamboo sticks.

The ‘Twilight for Two’ package is a superb evening which includes two 3 hour spa sessions followed a meal and drink for two at the Springs restaurant. (80 GBP per couple)

A superb day spa which can be enjoyed by couples or groups.

Wherever you head to relax and unwind, make the most of the many spa day offers that are frequently found on the internet.

The Best of UK Spa Breaks is a post from: Adventure Bimbling