From The Editor: Advocating for Autumnal Absences

Fall may not be a traditional time to take a vacation, but there are a lot of reasons to reconsider that assumption.

You may be worried about missing fall in Minnesota, which some would argue (at least I have) is our best season. If that’s you, consider a trip to northern Minnesota, or elsewhere in the nearby, northern Upper Midwest. That way, you can still get away from home without sacrificing your enjoyment of the fall colors.

In this issue, we have a feature on Wilderness Inquiry, who help organize inclusive outdoor expeditions, including for LGBTQ+ groups. We also have a feature on Duluth Superior Pride and how best to take advantage of your time there if you choose to make a visit there your fall getaway.

If you’re planning on heading anywhere other than northern Minnesota, fall is a great time to travel for you, too. The weather has cooled off in most warmer locations, so your vacation won’t be ruined by plastic-melting, egg-frying summer temps. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your destination with smaller crowds and a fuller wallet than if you had traveled during a busier, more expensive peak season.

Or, if you weren’t planning on traveling at all, here’s a reason to reconsider that: getting your money’s worth out of your PTO! Unless you’re in a role that’s both lives-on-the-line critical and understaffed (air traffic controllers, I’m looking at you), I’d strongly recommend taking your time off before it expires. If your number one priority is productivity, consider that some time off to de-stress will probably help you to focus better and increase your output when you return. For the rest of us: some time off work sounds nice, doesn’t it?

Admittedly, starting to plan a fall getaway in late August doesn’t leave a lot of time to get something before Thanksgiving sorted out, particularly if you had a longer trip in mind. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth trying to get something on your calendar, though. Even taking a Friday off and getting away for a long weekend could create memories that last a lifetime.