Dean Costa, Author at Travel

The Fall Readaway: How to Plan a Book-Focused Weekend in the US

A readaway is a trip built around reading, rest and unhurried time rather than a busy attraction list. Expedia Group identified readaways in its Unpack ’26 travel trend report. For US travelers planning a fall weekend, the idea translates into a comfortable place to stay, a few books and an intentionally light itinerary. Choose comfort before choosing a famous destination Start with a place within a manageable journey from home. A nearby town, lakeside rental or small city can work if it offers somewhere you will enjoy spending several quiet…

Thanksgiving Flights 2026: What to Check Before You Book

Dean Costa

Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday, November 26, in 2026. If you are flying within the United States, start comparing your dates now, set fare alerts and decide what price fits your budget. No booking day guarantees the lowest fare, and a cheap ticket can become expensive once bags, seats and inconvenient connections are included. Use historical booking advice carefully Google’s 2025 holiday travel analysis found that Thanksgiving fares were lowest, on average, 35 days before departure, with a lower price window of 24 to 59 days. Those findings describe historical…

Beacon Fall Day Trip from NYC by Train: A Simple Guide

Dean Costa

Beacon in Fall: A Day Trip from NYC by Train Beacon, New York, works well for a fall day trip from New York City without renting a car. Take Metro-North’s Hudson Line from Grand Central Terminal, plan around Dia Beacon’s opening days and leave room for Main Street. The goal is a manageable mix of art, local stops and river scenery, rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. Start with the museum calendar Dia Beacon is housed in a former Nabisco factory and presents art from the 1960s to the present.…

Salem Halloween 2026: A Practical Guide to a Smoother October Visit

Dean Costa

For Salem Halloween 2026, arrange transportation and reserve your priority attractions before building the rest of your itinerary. October brings a busy mix of history, costumes and seasonal events. One important change: Salem says it will not provide its municipal October shuttle service in 2026, so do not rely on advice from older guides. Choose your day before choosing your activities If your schedule allows, consider visiting earlier in October or on a weekday. You may still encounter crowds, but you can plan around fewer competing weekend commitments.…

Fall Foliage Road Trips in the US: Where to Go in October 2026

Dean Costa

For an October fall foliage road trip in the United States, choose your route by elevation and current color reports, rather than a fixed peak date. Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and New York offer different seasonal windows, making it easier to find an autumn drive that fits your schedule. Shenandoah: build a shorter Skyline Drive itinerary Virginia’s Skyline Drive runs 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park. The National Park Service estimates about three hours for the full drive on a clear day, before sightseeing…