By Andrea Sachs

Mentioned in this newsletter: New Hampshire by car; a Disney World hack for saving money;  South Beach hotel drama; and everything you need to know about travel clinics.

The Kancamagas Highway in New Hampshire (Shutterstock).

A scenic highway for fall

Ask me what I saw on a recent trip to Vermont, and I will happily tell you: New Hampshire.

No, I didn’t take a wrong turn between Boston and St. Johnsbury, my final destination in the Northeast Kingdom. As a New England native and a skier, I know my White Mountains from my Green. (But I did once end up in Indiana instead of Illinois.) 

My surprise tour of New Hampshire came courtesy of Google Maps, which sent me straight up I-93, through about three-quarters of the Granite State before hooking west to Vermont. I drove by Manchester, the chicken tender capital of the world, and that other capital, Concord, the glinting gold-leaf dome of the State House visible from the highway. 

Along a one-lane stretch in Franconia Notch State Park, I spied a black bear galumphing up an embankment before disappearing into the woods. Up high, a gaggle of people stood on an outcrop like diminutive figures in a Frederic Edwin Church landscape. I had to give it to New Hampshire for the best welcome center: It is attached to a state liquor and wine outlet.

I eventually crossed into Vermont but knew I’d visit New Hampshire again. I had to drive home, after all. 

TIP

(Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)

Check the leaf forecast

The prepared road-tripper will check the weather and traffic before departure. If your adventure overlaps with fall foliage season — roughly early September to early November, with many destinations along the East Coast peaking this month —  don’t forget to peep the leaf forecasts.  

Several interactive maps and foliage forecasts are available online, such as Explore Fall and the Old Farmer’s Almanac. Many state tourism offices or departments of natural resources also have forecasts. The Forest Service offers a guide to leaf colors and tree species, plus destination recommendations in National Forests across the country.

Theme park hack

(Rosie Garcia)

Disney World is having a ‘Buy Nothing’ moment

Hotel-specific Facebook groups are now flooded with offers to give away all kinds of things, like strollers, unused rain ponchos and bottomless hotel mugs with days of free drinks left.

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Miami

(Saul Martinez/FTWP)

Is this hotel a Versace knockoff?

Critics, including the designer’s sister, say that a new boutique stay named the Donatella is dining out on the family brand.

TRAVEL CLINICS

(iStock)

What you need to know about travel clinics

For many destinations around the world, insect repellent and ibuprofen aren’t enough. You might need a full workup of injections and medications to combat unfamiliar bacteria, parasites and viruses while traveling.

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From the archives

(Deleigh Hermes/Alamy)

The history of BASE jumping at Yosemite

During the government shutdown, BASE jumpers are taking advantage of a lack of oversight at Yosemite National Park. It’s long been a favorite for risk takers. 

ON INSTAGRAM

Some people like to spend a little time away from their family now and again, but not Ray Ray the cat. The Denardo family had arranged for someone to come care for their cat and other pets before hitting the road for a trip, but it appears that their cat wanted to come along for the ride as well. Read about Ray Ray’s journey at the link in bio.

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