We’ve apparently decided fall needs its own vacation name: Fallcation.

Normally, I would roll my eyes at this sort of thing. Unfortunately, I completely support it.

Taking a proper vacation between the end of summer and the holiday chaos makes a surprising amount of sense.

The weather can be lovely. The scenery is showing off. And nobody has yet asked you to attend six different holiday events.

Let's freaking go.

Fall Doesn't Have to Mean a Weekend Trip

When I think about fall travel, my brain usually goes straight to weekend getaways.

Cabin. Cute town. Home by Sunday.

But why are we giving summer all the big vacations? If you've got vacation days left, fall can be a great time to take the longer trip you've been thinking about.

Go somewhere for five nights. Use the PTO.

You Can Chase Whatever Version of Fall You Want

Not everyone wants to spend October staring lovingly at orange leaves.

Maybe your fallcation involves a mountain town and a fireplace. Maybe you'd rather head somewhere warm after everyone else's summer beach vacation has ended.

That's the beauty of traveling this time of year. Fall can mean completely different things depending on where you go.

Personally, I want sweaters without actual suffering.

Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

Summer ends, regular life resumes, and the next big thing on the calendar is the holidays. Putting a trip somewhere in the middle gives you a little interruption.

Even a few days away can make the season feel longer. I like having something on the calendar that isn't an appointment.

Don't Over-theme the Trip

You’re allowed to take a fall vacation without personally experiencing every autumn activity ever invented. You don't need to pick apples in the morning and attend a harvest festival before dinner.

Go somewhere you actually want to visit. If seasonal activities fit naturally into the trip, wonderful.

If not, you're still on vacation.

I'm Officially Pro-Fallcation

Summer will always be a big travel season. But I'm no longer convinced it deserves all my vacation days.

Give me cooler weather and a trip sitting right in the middle of an otherwise normal month.

Call it a fallcation if you want. I'm calling it excellent planning.