Somewhere in USA that's nice in October with short flight

[Madamlulu]

DH has to work in Mexico in October and thinking about taking 2 x DS out to meet him after his trip and for us to have a weeks holiday.

Wondering where might fit the bill, any ideas?;

Requirements;

1 not too long flight (ie 8 hours ideal, 12 too long)
2 nice weather pretty guaranteed

1. Things to do of interest, excursions etc

4 can be reachable from Mexico City as well as London easily 5 don't want all inclusive but love to have places to go out and eat/experience different nice food. Town etc

Lots of asks I know! Don't know USA at all so don't know where to start xx TIA

The NE is great in the fall, but it might not be as warm as you’d like. Perhaps consider further south? Depends what you fancy!

Halloween in the US will be fun for your kids if they are the right age.

Washington DC? Philadelphia?

how old are the kids? Do they like city sightseeing?

Ah good point about Halloween! Hadn't thought of that!

I fancy sunshine and seeing the culture.. kids are teens and watch US stuff on TV so would be motivated to see the things they see on tv - that's about as cultural as they would think but happy to do whatever x

Teenagers 13 & 15 and yes they love cities x

Don't wanna be a party pooper, but the only thing about DC, is that it'll be just before the elections at that time, and we know what happened in DC in the elections last time.

@MadamluluCaribbean could be an option - but is it hurricane season over the whole Caribbean at that time?

Yes

@Madamlulu Vermont or Maine - wonder what the temp is there? Will take a look x

It's about 10 degrees during the day in October. Maine could have frost at night in late October.

Unfortunately you won't get guaranteed sunshine anywhere that also has your desired shorter flight time. Your best compromise might be Florida? But honestly somewhere like Boston or Montreal is much more beautiful in the fall, and much closer.

Toronto would likely have snow at the end of October!

October is the tail end of the Atlantic hurricane season. Thos year's season is predicted to be avove normal. I would avoid the Caribbean.

I'd actually avoid the coastal south and the Gulf of Mexico too, in October, and Florida.

I'd plump for Boston, New York, or Chicago.

Gets a lot of hate here but I am and biased. My home state of TX. Weather near perfect that time of year, direct flight Lhr to Austin and v easy day trips to San Antonio and hill country. Short prob less than 3 hr flights to Mexico.

Bit over 10h LHR to Austin. OP wanted shorter flight.

8 hours ex London gets you as far as Washington DC, Philly or similar, FWIW I think Chicago is nearer 9, beyond that it’s into double figures.

I’d be another one voting for Boston and hiring a car to do the area, or Washington…

If husband is coming from Mexico, one of the hubs for the onward flight to Mexico makes most sense - Miami, Chicago

Austin and Texas generally is lovely then - marginally longer flight but you’d have such a fun and interesting time

What about exploring Mexico City then heading to the opposite coast to the Caribbean side? It is a long time since I’ve visited but Puerto Vallarta and Puerto Escondido were interesting! Or the Baja California region? Or Costa Rica? Not sure what the weather is like at that time of year….

I think I'd choose DC. Love that city. Do book museums in advance though.

I went to Boston in October - beautiful and much calmer than NYC

Agree with Boston it’s fab. Lovely city in the fall, lots of history, go on a whale watching trip (we saw lots and close) day trip to Provincetown, Cape Cod. Fab seafood.

We did DC and then drove the blue ridge parkway, nashville and new orleans in october 2019. It was HOT! DC is a nice city. I don't think I could spend a week there though. Also Weather isnt always guaranteed. It is fall.

Is LA really too far flight wise? Its under 12 hours? Cost for October is coming up similar to east coast. Teenagers who love US shows etc. thats a good place to go. You can see the iconic sights, beaches, good weather. Day at universal and do the stuido tour. There's also the WB studio tour. Weather will also be good winter sun which you say you're after.

BA sale on atm. Some as usual aren't cheap but I picked up absolute bargain east coast flights for September the other day.

I'd avoid the se of USA coasts due to hurricane season. That applies further north but lower risk. Washington DC area is good if you like museums and history. New York obviously or Boston but all are close to 8 hour flights. Once you add the time at the airport it's not much difference to add the extra hours to Mexico.

My nieces just did LA and loved it. They even managed without a car said uber was cheap and theres a train now that goes down to the beaches. There is plenty to do there especially if they are into movies. Splash out and fly premium in the BA sale.

Austin in Texas!

I'd be voting for Boston, although the weather wouldn't be guaranteed. All the Halloween decorations will be out, creating a fun feel and there is plenty to do. I've been a couple of times in the autumn and it is beautiful with the fall foliage and carts selling roasted chestnuts along the Freedom Trail. There will be a "leaf peeper" premium in terms of accommodation costs though.

” Short flight” as in 8 hours (which was what the OP said was her ideal) really only gets you a little way down into the northern end of the US Eastern Seaboard if you are flying out of London.

Just for context Austin (lovely though it is) is usually just over 10 hours, LAX is usually over 11, press on to Mexico and you’re looking at about 12.

By comparison Boston is usually just sub 8 hours westbound, gate to gate.

The whole of the eastern seaboard if gorgeous in October - it's my absolute favourite time of year to visit - not too hot, not too cold. NYC and north can be a bit chilly, although it can also be warm and sunny, it's a slight gamble, but anywhere south will be warm. Florida is great in October and because US schools don't get a half-term like we do, it's a fabulous time to go to Orlando, if that interests you. But otherwise, take your pick of eastern US cities to visit.