Actress, Author Mariel Hemingway & Travelers Advantage say: Destinations Abound for Spectacular Fall Foliage

NORWALK, Conn., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Fall is one of the best times to travel, because there is so much beauty to enjoy outdoors, according to travel columnist and Travelers Advantage spokesperson Mariel Hemingway.

"I grew up in Sun Valley, Idaho, and I can remember how the air changed in the fall," Hemingway says. "It was crisp, and gave you the most wonderful feeling that it could snow at any moment, even at noon on a warm day."

"Fall is a very popular time of year to travel," said Leslie Downey, director, communications for Travelers Advantage and TravelersAdvantage.com. "The Travel Industry Association of America says that camping is the No. 1 outdoor vacation activity for Americans, and fall is an awesome time to soak up the outdoors."

Hemingway, a famous movie star, TV actress, producer and best-selling author recently became a spokesperson for Travelers Advantage, to shine the spotlight on travel trends, destinations and style. Oscar-nominated Mariel Hemingway is granddaughter of illustrious author Ernest Hemingway.

Hemingway suggests the following options for fall getaways with spectacular foliage to enjoy.

Sun Valley, Idaho

Hiking is excellent here in the fall. The trees are golden and orange; the wind kicks up a smell of dry sage that lets you know year's end is coming. You might go to Tully's, the local coffee shop, sit outside, have some tea and enjoy the view of Baldy, an amazing ski hill. Stay at the Lodge or the Knob Hill Inn, and eat at Chapter One, Ciros, the Pioneer or the Ketchum Grill.

New England

There's one word for New England in the fall: glorious! The colors cover the spectrum from gold to purple to scarlet. There are endless possibilities for enjoying the season: Cruise a lake, hike a trail, camp out, or just drive through and stay at country inns with a real sense of history. You might drive Route 26 from Portland to Bethel, Maine. Or you can rent a bicycle and travel the Black River Valley trail in Rhode Island. No matter where you go, New England never disappoints in the fall.

Asheville, N.C.

If you've never been to Asheville, then fall is a great time for a visit. Explore nearby Pisgah National Forest and see nature's most beautiful vistas. You'll love the town, too, and find some of the best artists in America selling their crafts - from stained glass to jewelry to weavings. Don't miss the roadside stands selling apple cider or pumpkins. If you'd like to experience a grand old hotel (with an amazing spa), stay at the Grove Park Inn.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The blue haze covering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of nature's most breathtaking sights. There's a reason this is the most visited park in our country! Enjoy fall's colors by driving the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Foothills Parkway. For a quieter, slower day, you might try hiking or horseback riding. The park is 95 percent forested and there are more than 100 different types of native trees. Don't miss the historic farming valley of Cades Cove, home to many types of wildlife. The spectacular views make a cabin the ideal accommodation.

    This year's top fall getaways from Travelers Advantage include:
    1. Caribbean:  Soak up the sun on a St. Thomas adventure.  Escape to the
       Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, carved into a mountainside and
       surrounded by the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands.  This 294-room,
       newly renovated resort offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea,
       nearby island of St. John, and other neighboring islands.  Enjoy a
       secluded private beach with extensive water sports including
       snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking; three interconnecting freshwater
       pools with a waterfall and grotto; tennis complex; onsite spa;  state-
       of-the-art fitness center offering aerobic and yoga classes;  kid's
       club; and a comprehensive schedule of daily activities. You can do as
       much or as little as you want. A 3-night air-inclusive stay via
       American Airlines from Miami is available from $639*.

    2. Hawaii:  Say Aloha to fall with an escape to Waikiki Beach.  Luxuriate
       in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort in Honolulu, which features a
       three-story atrium with cascading waterfalls, four restaurants, five
       lounges, numerous child activities and a full-service spa.  Explore the
       legendary North Shore of Oahu one day, and snorkel the next on the east
       side at Hanauma Bay. Thrill seekers can skydive at Mokuleia, while
       daydreamers can relax on the pristine beaches of this exquisite resort.
       Overlooking Waikiki Beach and within walking distance of shopping,
       entertainment and attractions, every room has a balcony and spectacular
       views of the ocean or mountain. From cascading waterfalls and luxurious
       treatments at Na Ho'ola Spa, to a comprehensive children's program,
       you've got it all. A 4-night air-inclusive stay for departures from Los
       Angeles via Northwest Airlines is available from $859*.

    3. Sail: Consider a New England cruise up the East Coast and into Canada.
       Most cruises travel between Boston or New York and Halifax, Nova Scotia
       or Quebec, Canada, and sailings can be one-way or round-trip through
       October.  Catch a $449, six-night Norwegian Spirit tour.**  Or soak up
       a fall foliage cruise featuring the captivating scenery of the
       Mississippi River, the rolling hills and manicured farmland of the Ohio
       Valley and the serene beauty of the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers
       aboard the American Queen or Delta Queen Steamboats (rates on seven
       night excursions range from $795 to $1,564 per person double
       occupancy.)

About Mariel Hemingway

Mariel Hemingway made her silver screen debut at 13 years old in "Lipstick," and was nominated for an Oscar four years later for Woody Allen's "Manhattan." She has starred in some 30 films. Currently, she is producing a film based on her grandfather's epic best-seller "A Moveable Feast," a set of memoirs of his experiences in Paris in the 1920s. In addition to her film career, she found a passion for holistic and balanced living. She's written two books and conducts wellness retreats across the country sharing her insights about yoga, meditation, nutrition and home. Hemingway is a 45-year- old wife and mother of two teenagers.

About Travelers Advantage

Members of Travelers Advantage (www.travelersadvantage.com or 1-877-841- 1335) can save money on air travel, cruises, car rentals and accommodations, as well as earn five percent cash back on eligible travel booked with preferred providers through the service. Membership in Travelers Advantage can be enjoyed during the first month for only $1. The trial membership can be canceled at any time during the one-month trial period by calling toll free and owing nothing further. Unless the member calls to cancel during the trial, the membership will be extended automatically for an entire year at the $9.99 monthly fee and automatically renewed annually upon expiration at the then-current monthly fee, billed to a credit card account, without the member having to do anything further. Additionally, members may call toll free to cancel at any time and receive a pro-rata refund of their then current membership fee. Travelers Advantage is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans.

About Affinion Group

Affinion Group, www.affiniongroup.com, is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 5,200 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation which administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe.

*Tours operated by Certified Vacations. Rates valid for travel 10/07/07 - 10/27/07 and must be booked by October 7, 2007. Effective travel dates vary by destination and/or hotel property. Unless otherwise noted, all rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Round-trip Economy Class airfares are based on published airfares which are capacity controlled and subject to change at any time. Availability at advertised rates is limited. Rates are subject to airline, hotel and tour availability, and may vary significantly based on departure dates and destination. All rates are subject to change without notice. Advertised rates may require travel on specific flights, dates and/or days of the week. Some vacation packages may be nonrefundable. Other significant restrictions (including advance purchase requirements, minimum/maximum stay requirements, cancellation penalties and travel embargo dates) may apply and vary by destination and property. Optional packages also available. Airfares include 9/11 Security Fees. St. Thomas airfare does not include U.S. International Arrival/Departure Tax, APHIS/Custom/Immigration Fees, Security Service Fees, Passenger Facilities Charges (PFC's), International Airport Departure Tax, Airport Authority Fee, and Airport Infrastructure Fee of up to $47 (USD)all inclusive per person. Gratuities require direct payment by passenger. Additional restrictions may apply. Specific booking, travel, and minimum stay requirements apply. Operator reserves the right to discontinue promotion at anytime without notice. Operator is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Valid for new bookings only. CST # 2029006-20, IOWA#758. NEVADA#2004-0029. Washington UBI # 602 425 801

**All rates are cruise only, per person, double occupancy and do not include non-commissionable fares and $19.95 processing fee. Cancellation penalty of $79 applies. Fees are subject to change and withdrawal at any time without notice. The Norwegian Spirit cruise sails Oct. 21-28, and can be booked through Oct. 20. Norwegian Cruise Line Ships Registry: Bahamas, Panama, USA. Travel services are provided by Travelers Advantage Services, Inc. State seller of travel registration numbers for Travelers Advantage Services, Inc.: California 20791-50 (registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by California. Travelers Advantage is not a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund); Florida: ST-36197; Hawaii: TAR-6223; Iowa: 800; NEVADA: 2005-0034; Washington 602 493 651.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Mariel Hemingway http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=68025