Hello, Reader!

Can you believe we’re in the last week of October? I feel like I blinked and this month disappeared. I don’t mind, though. The trees around Indiana are ablaze in reds and yellows, the morning air has a distinct crispness that I love, and the holidays are right around the corner.

Even though there are just 66 days left of 2026 (but who’s counting 😉), it’s not too late to squeeze in one more adventure.

November is a great time to plan a getaway, often taking advantage of lower costs and that quieter time between summer and the typically busy holiday season. It’s also that transition season when communities start dressing up for the holidays and festive events start filling calendars.

Keep reading for some of our favorite fall destinations. Whether you’re yearning for one last opportunity to sink your toes in the sand, or you’re ready to break out the Christmas decorations, we’ve got you covered.

Is the beach your happy place?

Who says beach getaways are only for summer?

We visited Myrtle Beach in November and loved experiencing a quieter side of this popular South Carolina destination. The summer crowds were gone, the beach was peaceful, and we even got to enjoy a little early Christmas magic with a holiday tree lighting at Broadway at the Beach, a vibrant shopping and entertainment venue.

Myrtle Beach and nearby Hilton Head Island are definitely worth considering for a late-fall getaway. You may find better hotel rates than during peak summer, and there's still plenty to enjoy, even if it's too chilly for swimming.

If you go: Pack a light jacket for those beach walks, look for off-season accommodation deals, and check the local events calendar for holiday festivities.

Find more inspiration with our blog post: 16 Fun Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for Adults.

Prefer something a little more exotic? I loved Costa Rica in November!

This is the time of year when much of the country is transitioning from its wet to dry season, making it a great time to get out and explore.

We spent most of our November stay in the northern regions of Costa Rica. Days were still warm enough for things like kayaking, sunset boat rides, and walks along the beach, but we also enjoyed the occasional rain shower that made everything feel fresh.

Our last stop was in San José, Costa Rica’s capital city. While we wandered along Central Avenue, exploring from the National Museum to Central Park, we discovered storefronts painted with “Feliz Navidad” and classic Christmas carols filling the air.

If you go: Pack layers. Shorts, swimsuits, and sundresses for the still-humid days, and a lightweight rain jacket for the occasional downpour. Our favorite tour operator in Costa Rica is Frank the Tank Tours.

​Find more inspiration for visiting Costa Rica here.​

Enjoy a Midwest holiday experience

This past weekend, I spent two days in Shipshewana, a quaint Northern Indiana Amish town, where fall and winter seemed to be sharing the same sidewalks.

Pumpkins decorated the streets and surrounded the Blue Gate Theatre, while snowmen, a giant Christmas tree adorned with red bows, and snowflake garlands were already making their appearances downtown.

The official Lighting of Shipshewana Festival is coming November 6–7, with holiday activities, shopping, and a spectacular illuminated parade on Saturday evening.

If you go: Make a weekend of it! Explore the local shops, enjoy a traditional Amish meal, and stick around for the November 7 light parade at 6 p.m. Explore more at thebluegate.com.

Christmas in the City

New York is magical at Christmas, and signs of the season are already starting to appear.

You can go ice skating in Rockefeller Center now, but the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree won’t arrive until November 7, with the official lighting planned for December 2.

If you grew up with Natalie Wood and the holiday classic movie Miracle on 34th Street (one of my all-time favorites!), you undoubtedly know about the legendary window displays at Macy’s Herald Square in Manhattan and the annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.

This year’s holiday window display will be unveiled on November 19, showcasing the story of Blue Hippopotamus, a beloved character from the early days of the parade, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

And then there’s the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.

We attended the 100th anniversary of this New York legend last year and loved every minute of it. From the elegant interior of Radio City Music Hall to the mesmerizing precision of the dancers, it’s well worth making plans to attend. This year’s performances start November 4.

Explore our 4-Day Itinerary for Experiencing New York City in Winter, including our recommendations for where to stay, how to get around, and things to do.

Experience the magic of a European Christmas market

If you have the time and budget for an international getaway to wrap up 2026, it’s hard to beat Europe’s Christmas markets.

Copenhagen is home to one of the earliest-opening markets, at Nytorv and Gammeltorv, starting November 6. One week later, the Christmas festivities at Tivoli Gardens begin.

Copenhagen is one of our all-time favorite European destinations. We visited at the start of summer, but the thought of experiencing it wrapped in the spirit of Christmas adds something even more special.

Want to experience a European Christmas market, but not ready to invest in a European vacation?

You’re in luck! Indiana is home to the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.

Founded in 2017, this festive market has become a local favorite, bringing the magic of German Christmas markets to the Midwest.

This year’s Christkindlmarkt opens November 21 and continues through Christmas Eve. Like the markets it’s fashioned after, you can experience traditional German foods, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy ice skating under the lights.

Whether it's a weekend at the beach, a stroll through a holiday market, or a trip somewhere you've always wanted to go, there's still time to make a few more memories in 2026.

And remember, an adventure doesn't have to involve a plane ticket or an elaborate itinerary. Sometimes it's as simple as exploring a nearby town, trying something new, or making time for an experience you've been meaning to enjoy.

So before the holiday rush fills your calendar, why not make a little room for one more adventure while there's still time?

Now I'd love to hear from you. If you could squeeze in one more adventure before the year ends, where would you go? Hit reply and tell me about your year-end getaway dreams.

Until next time...

With love,

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