Trees are starting to change color in the Rocky Mountains this week, and next week, New England, the Eastern Seaboard and the Pacific Northwest will begin the annual change. Much of the Midwest will peak mid-October, and areas further south will see trees start to change toward the end of the month. Plan ahead to see the spectacle on a fall hike or drive; with COVID-19 still restricting travel, however, remember to check all local, state and county regulations, says The Points Guy, “and prioritize your health and safety, no matter where in the country you plan to travel.”
Tag: travel
Find out When Fall Foliage Will Peak
As of this week, 2021’s interactive fall foliage map shows the leaves nearing their peak fall colors in cool areas such as northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, as well as in the Rocky Mountain states of Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. Depending on your location, most people in the U.S. will several weeks to witness the change progress; simply use the map’s sliders to find your location and get ready for a walk in the woods or a scenic drive — or plan a trip to another region.
Why the Leaves Change Color
With fall officially underway, the leaves on many varieties of deciduous trees are starting to change color in northern climes. Why? Because chlorophyll production is declining, and as a result, the leaves lose their green color and reveal their true underlying color, says SmokyMountains.com. Beta-carotene produces orange leaves, anthocyanin produces reds and flavonols yellows. To protect themselves from winter’s harsh temperatures, perennial trees cut off leaves’ supply of water and nutrients to hibernate.
Celebrate Your Achievements With a Day Off
Conceived by union labor movements, Labor Day is “an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Celebrated since 1882 with parades and picnics, it marks the ceremonial end of summer, and offers a brief respite from the typical workweek to shop, travel and relax. Whether you decide to road-trip or venture no further than your own back yard, make the most of Labor Day by shutting down your screens and trying one of 23 suggestions from Country Living.
Packing for the All-American Road Trip
After a long #pandemic year, lots of people are anxious to get out of the house and #travel. They want to see new sights, visit friends and relatives, and generally shake things up a little bit after spending an extended time in quarantine.
While airline travel has become less daunting now that more than half of U.S. adults are fully vaccinated, rental cars are prohibitively expensive. That makes a #roadtrip in your own car a good option, even with gas at $3 per gallon.
Start with a clean, roadworthy car. If your car has unaddressed mechanical issues you think might affect your trip, you’ll want to get them checked out before you go. At the very least, you’ll want to check all tires and top off the fluids.
Once you’ve vacuumed the car’s interior and cleaned its windows, you can begin to pack. You and any companions will spend a lot of time inside the car during the trip, so bring only what you need and can keep organized.
Pack clothing and other items you won’t need until you reach your destination in the trunk, along with a roadside emergency kit. Inside the car, a cell phone mount, charger(s), and a small cooler for drinks and snacks are essential, says the travel blog A Dangerous Business.
If you start the trip with a fresh car, the main challenge will be to keep it organized for the duration of a trip. If you’re traveling with children, give each a bin, packing cube or over-seat organizer to keep their chosen road trip essentials in.
Good things to pack include sunblock, a blanket, bath towels, paper towels and cleaning wipes, and a refillable water bottle. Passengers might like to add a neck pillow, window shades, and other items that can help them travel in relative comfort.
To manage the trash you produce during the trip, have a garbage receptacle handy, and empty it whenever you stop for gas or a restroom break.
Thrift stores supplied by your generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org often have used items that can be repurposed for your road trip. Check them out before you go as a good source of inexpensive travel accessories.
Then, be on your way. Have a #safe and #orgnaized trip!