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3 Adventurous Ways to Watch the Leaves Turn in New England This Fall

fall foliage tours Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods
“Leaf-peeping” might be enough to get your Nana’s blood pressure up, but it’s hardly bold by most travelers’ standards. Mix things up this year with these three alternative and surprisingly adventurous fall foliage tours in New England.

Take to the Sky in Stowe (Vermont)

Take to the Sky in Stowe (Vermont)

Gliders guarantee all the fun of flying in a tiny prop plane without the pesky engine. Stowe Soaring offers scenic aerial tours of northern Vermont in purpose-built gliders that are similar to most small Cessnas. However, their exaggerated wing-length and ultra-light bodies guarantee a smoother flight than almost any other aircraft. The baseline for every ride is calm and quiet — ideal for fall foliage viewing. Pilots can also turn the ride into a heart-stopping experience full of drops, dips, and acrobatic maneuvers. Even first-time riders can take a turn at navigating the craft.

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Zip Through the Trees at Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)

Zip Through the Trees at Bretton Woods (New Hampshire)

It’s all well and good to look out at the pretty leaves from the highway or a slowly meandering train, but zipping through the changing foliage is infinitely more interesting. The Canopy Tour at Bretton Woods is one of New England’s longest experiences of its kind, featuring nine ziplines ranging from 120 to 830 feet in length. The three-hour tour also explores 16 tree platforms, two sky bridges, and three repels. Riders hit top speeds of 30 mph and heights of 165 feet among towering stands of beautiful, old-growth hemlock trees. Tours also include a free ride on the Williwaw Racing Zip, which allows zipliners to race side-by-side on an 800-foot line.

“Fall” Into the Foliage with Skydive New England (Maine)

“Fall” Into the Foliage with Skydive New England (Maine)

If ziplining and gliding just aren’t disco enough for you, Skydive New England offers skydiving jumps every fall (Get it?). The Maine-based outfit (about an hour outside of Portland) gives first-timers the opportunity to take the plunge with a tandem instructor who guides you every step of the way. If it’s your virgin flight, it helps to know the company’s been in business for more than 30 years, so the instructors know what they’re doing. Those same teachers can also guide amateurs on their path to become United States Parachute Association-licensed skydivers. The 200-acre private resort is complete with its own airport and aircraft, dizzying array of rental gear, and on-site lodging to boot. It’s possible to schedule a week-long skydiving vacation without ever leaving the property!

Travelers beware: These are the worst U.S. airports that lose the most baggage
There are two types of air traveler: Those who've had their luggage go missing, and those who will eventually
A man in a suit listening to music while hauling his luggage in the airport.

Flyin’ ain’t easy. Sure, modern air travel — especially long-haul flights — is a technical marvel, but it can be pretty awful, too. And, in the last three years since the pandemic, it’s only gotten worse. Ever-shrinking seats, constant COVID concerns, in-flight booze restrictions, and random air rage are all enough to make even the most patient air passengers crack under the pressure. Now, there’s one more worry to add to the mix: Lost luggage. A new report finds that there are two kinds of travelers: Those who’ve had their luggage lost and those who will eventually.

Price4Limo.com combed through an official report released last year by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Unless you’re really bored or have a strange fascination with airline industry statistics, we don’t suggest you comb through the 57-page document. But there are a few key takeaways. The first and most surprising is that a whopping 55% of air travelers have had the pleasure of an airline losing their luggage. That means your odds are better than half that, at some point in your flying career, your favorite new luggage is bound to go missing. What’s worse: Only one-third of those passengers ever see their luggage again. According to Price4Limo.com, the average wait time to get those bags back was almost a week. For most vacation travelers, that usually means being without their belongings for their entire time away.

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Soria Moria Sauna: An architectural gem cleanses mind, body, and soul
If you love hidden gems that will help you relax, the Soria Moria Sauna in Norway is your next stop
A beautiful shot of the Soria Moria Sauna.

Forget about the same old tourist traps and try something a little more off-path for your next trip. When looking for a vacation spot, some people thrive on the constant go-go-go of sight-seeing and trying every local hang. Others want a special place that melts the stress away. If that's the kind of vibe you're looking for, we have the perfect place to go.

In gorgeous Norway, there's a beautiful gem that you'll want to add to your bucket list today. Called the Soria Moria Sauna, you'll find Instagram-worthy views that you'll never forget in a setting that will make you want to pinch yourself to make sure it's real. While you're there, you'll also find the peace and serenity you've longed for. Let's find out why this treasure in Eastern Norway is all too magical.

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Here are the best beaches in San Diego for you to explore and enjoy
Planning a trip to San Diego? Check out these beaches
A waterfall forms as the waves hit La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California.

San Diego has plenty to captivate, excite, and inspire on dry land. But since you’re heading to one of America’s finest stretches of coastline, why not head to the beach?

Which beaches should you visit during your San Diego trip? Though there’s really no wrong answer, we have put together this list of the best beaches in San Diego to make the most of your time here. From the Mexican border to Camp Pendleton, here are some awesome San Diego beaches to explore and enjoy.
Why is San Diego such a spectacular beach city?
Photo by Andrew Davey Andrew Davey/The Manual

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