A few of the most rewarding trips to squeeze in before summer officially winds down.
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AT A GLANCE:
- • Explore a National Park at Its Most Peaceful
- • Unwind in a Charming Coastal Town
- • Slow Down in Lake Country
- • Take a Scenic Road Trip Before the Leaves Turn
- • Enjoy a City Break With Culture and Comfort
- • Consider Traveling With a Companion or Small Group
- • A Few Simple Travel Reminders
There is something bittersweet about those last few weeks of summer. The days are still warm and long, but you can feel autumn waiting just around the corner. If you have been telling yourself all season that you would take one more trip, now is the moment to make it happen. A well-timed getaway before Labor Day can be the perfect way to close out the season feeling refreshed and connected.
The good news is that late-summer travel often comes with a few pleasant surprises: smaller crowds, calmer schedules, and sometimes better prices too. Whether you dream of quiet mountain trails or lively coastal towns, here are some of the most rewarding end-of-summer getaways to consider, along with a few simple ideas for making your travels comfortable if you have hearing loss.
Explore a National Park at Its Most Peaceful
Late August is a wonderful time to visit a national park. The heavy crowds of early summer have started to thin, especially once school is back in session, which means you can enjoy the trails, overlooks, and visitor centers at a gentler pace. Parks like Acadia in Maine, Rocky Mountain in Colorado, and Olympic in Washington show off their scenery beautifully in these final weeks of summer.
If you plan to join a ranger-led tour, research accessibility options on the park website or ask ahead about accommodations such as printed materials, captioned videos in the visitor center, or a quieter spot to stand and hear the guide. Many people find that a little preparation makes all the difference when they are somewhere new.
Unwind in a Charming Coastal Town
Coastal towns come alive in summer, but the stretch before Labor Day often strikes the sweetest balance. You still get warm water and sunny afternoons, yet the boardwalks and restaurants feel a bit more relaxed. Think of places like Cape May in New Jersey, Bar Harbor in Maine, or the small beach towns dotting the Pacific coast.
Seaside restaurants and busy waterfronts can get noisy, so choose a table away from the crowd and consider bringing along a small notepad or using a phone app to help with conversations.
Slow Down in Lake Country
For a quieter kind of getaway, lake country is hard to beat. Whether it is the Finger Lakes in New York, the North Woods of Wisconsin and Minnesota, or a peaceful mountain lake out West, these destinations invite you to slow down. You can spend your days fishing, paddling, reading on a dock, or simply watching the light change over the water.
Renting a lakeside cabin or cottage gives you privacy and a comfortable home base. When you book, be sure to ask about accessibility features. A little research goes a long way, and choosing a rental that suits your needs helps you relax fully once you arrive.
Take a Scenic Road Trip Before the Leaves Turn
If you love the freedom of the open road, an end-of-summer drive is a joy. You can trace a coastline, wind through wine country, or follow a mountain highway while everything is still green and lush. Road trips also let you set your own pace, stopping wherever a view or a roadside diner catches your eye.
Enjoy a City Break With Culture and Comfort
Not every getaway needs the great outdoors. A short city trip can be just as rewarding, especially in late summer when many cities host festivals, outdoor concerts, and open-air markets. Cities like Chicago, Portland, and Charleston offer a rich mix of dining, history, and the arts.
Museums and theaters are increasingly accessible to visitors with hearing loss, offering captioned displays, assistive listening systems, and printed guides. Ask what accommodations are available when you buy tickets.
Consider Traveling With a Companion or Small Group
If a solo or paired getaway feels like a lot to coordinate, especially in an unfamiliar place, traveling with friends, family members, or a small organized tour group can take some of the pressure off. Traveling with a good friend can also help fill in missed announcements, navigate unfamiliar accents or accommodations, and simply make the trip more fun.
Many tour operators and community groups, including local hearing loss support groups, organize small getaways specifically with accessibility in mind. AARP also maintains a helpful list of group travel options built around older adults, which is worth a look before you book.
A Few Simple Travel Reminders
No matter which getaway you choose, advanced planning helps everything go smoothly. Pack any hearing aid batteries or chargers you might need, keep your important devices in your carry-on, and jot down a short list of accommodations you may want to request. If you are comfortable, sharing your communication preferences early, whether with a hotel front desk or a tour guide, takes the pressure off during the trip.
Above all, focus on the experiences that bring you joy. The right tools are there to support you, not to complicate things. With the right planning, you are free to soak up every last bit of summer.
Wherever your late-summer adventure takes you, savor these final warm weeks and make some memories worth keeping.
Take the Next Step:
- Explore CapTel phone models to find one that fits your life
- You or someone you know may be eligible to receive a CapTel phone at no cost
- Have questions? Call CapTel at 1-800-233-9130
Keep exploring: More on hearing health FAQs | Visit the CapTel blog | Share this article with a friend
CapTel® is the inventor and technology leader in Captioned Telephones for people with hearing loss. CapTel phones show word-for-word captions of everything a caller says, helping those with hearing loss stay connected with the important people in their lives.
