Need a late-fall, family-friendly trip idea? Or you’d rather travel alongside your friends? Either way, this time around with fall in full bloom, you could go leaf-peeping, a concept that’s becoming more and more popular. And what better destination for a colorful encounter with the nature than New England, well-known for its picture-perfect scenery painted in shades of yellow, red and green and for the enormous leaves carpets you can find here?

They say there’s no better place in the whole country to enjoy the fall foliage season than New England and not just because of the breathtaking sights, but because fall’s best harvest and cultural festivals take place every year in this region. Therefore, whether it’s a few days of hiking, discovering the nature, carving or tasting pumpkins, joining the locals for a festival, New England seems to be the perfect destination for both the weekend and the day trippers. Since this region seems to be the fall’s travelling hotspot, here are some of the main events and festivals it hosts in the following period. Mark them on your calendar and hit the road!

Haunted Graveyard, Bristol

This Halloween-themed event held at Lake Compounce in Bristol has reached its tenth edition and gathers every year, between October, 17 and 18 more and more fright-seekers. The ghosts, the witches and the goblins are the events’ main attractions and can cause many hair-rising experiences. Therefore, if you’re willing to venture into the scariest graveyard tours of all, get to Bristol every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by October 31, 2009.

Keene Pumpkin Festival, New Hampshire

If you’re a fan of the jack-o-lanterns and you enjoy carving and lightning pumpkins, then you shouldn’t miss the Keen Pumpkin Festival held every year on October, 17 in New Hampshire. During this year’s edition you can admire more than 25, 000 pumpkins creating a huge torch and enlightening the city. Plus, there are many other fun-filled activities that you and your family can enjoy here like concerts, costume parades and pie eating contests.

AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain, Princeton

This fall festival held between 17 and 18 October is a family-friendly event featuring something for every member to enjoy. While the adults’ curiosity might be piqued both by the farmers’ markets and the craft exhibitors’ works, the little ones will definitely love the magic acts, the funny clowns and the pony rides. However, the festival’s tasty slices of apple pie will cater to each sweet tooth in your family!

Martha’s Vineyard& Wine Festival, Edgartown, Massachusetts

Taking place from October, 16 to 18 the third edition of the Martha’s Vineyard& Wine Festival will bring you the most delicious dishes prepared with fresh seafood by the famous chef Stefan Richter and will also offer you the possibility to sample some of the world’s best refined wines. Aside from tasting mouth-watering specialties, you’ll also be able to visit Martha’s Vineyard Museum as the Grand Tasting, held on Saturday afternoon will  take place right in the museum’s garden.

Your tickets have arrived, you have booked an early morning cab to the airport, your neighbour is going to feed your cat and you have waved a cheery au revoir to your co-workers. Your brain is in `holiday mode` and you cannot wait to relax, take in the sights and sip sangria at sunset! Except, there is one more hurdle you have to cross - packing! Packing is, without doubt, one of the most stressful elements of going on holiday. Whether you are going skiing, camping, trekking, on a business trip, beach holiday, or even a romantic weekend away - packing can be a complete nightmare! What to take, what not to take, getting the suitcase closed, packing too much, fear of packing too little… It is an absolute minefield! However, you too can be a savvy packer if you abide some simple packing tips and tricks! The top packing tip has to be `honesty`. Be honest with yourself about how much stuff you need.

You will not magically lose five pounds and be able to wear that slinky dress that has hung in your wardrobe for five years (unless you get a touch of Delhi Belly!), you do not need four coats, three pairs of stilettos and matching handbags! Approach packing logically, put everything you would like to take out and then try to cut it down by a third (ideally half), then take out a few more things! Remember that some travel wash, or a simple bar of soap and hand-washing means you can re-wear many of your clothing items!

When you have sufficiently cut down on your items, turn your attention to getting them in your bag/suitcase. `Carry ons` and hand-luggage have become contentions issues, but using the smallest bag possible is still the best solution. Pack wisely, use sample toiletry bottles, micro-sized beauty products, stuff socks into shoes to save space and roll your clothes instead of folding! This also can prevent clothes from wrinkling, meaning you can unpack your travel iron! Create a wardrobe of basics that can chop and change to make other outfits - such as zip off cargo pants that can be used as shorts or trousers and lightweight cotton shirts that will do for day/night.

Liaise with friends to make sure you do not duplicate packed items. Remember must have items such as passports, sunscreen (for both winter and summer) insect repellent, after-sun, a money belt (more stylish than a pouch) and a waterproof coat (good for winter and summer). Check ahead with resorts to see if you need to bring your own equipment on sporting holidays, or if you can save space by renting when you get there.

If camping make sure you pack basic first aid kits, torch, map and sterilizing equipment. Check out storage and locker facilities! Know you space requirements if bringing a tent, whether it is a one man lightweight tent or a something larger and snazzier, such as Coleman tents eight berth. Remember, with tents, bigger is better!