MaggieOB

My husband and I are planning an 8-10 day getaway in early October and are thinking of doing both Williamsburg VA and North Carolina's Outer Banks. We'd fly to Norfolk and probably head to Williamsburg for 2-3 days then head to the OB for the reminder of the time, eventually heading back to Norfolk for the trip home to Boston.

We know these are diverse locations but figure we like history and beaches and this way we combine the two. For those familar with either area or both, are the distances doable (they seem to be but reality is often different.) Is there any alternative airport for the flight in or out so we don't have to return to Norfolk? any general thoughts or comments greatly appreciated.

PS--we're aware of hurricane season and figure we'll just keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Makes LOTS of sense. I go to WBG several times a year for a few days each, and enjoy it immensely, but spending a week there at a time would be too much. Same with the beach. Nice to split up vacation with some stimulation AND relaxation. Enjoy.

bonniebroad

MaggieOB, sounds great to me. Driving time between is probably a bit less than three hours. And I think it's a neat mix to do on a vacation.... And yes, Norfolk is your closest major airport. Have a wonderful time when you hit our beautiful Tarheel state!

Curious

You usually don't have to worry about hurricanes in October. It seems that when they do come, they come in September.

Don't worry, if there is going to be a problem you will know PLENTY ahead of time. All the weather guessers love to speculate on whether or not the hurricane is coming, at least a week before. Drives you nuts.

Curious

reneeinva

Have you checked out flying into Newport News/Williamsburg airport? (PHF) Air Tran and Delta are there and it is only 20 minutes to Williamsburg. In my recent experience, it has also been much less expensive than flying into Norfolk.

obxgirl

Late September/early October is one of the best times to visit both places!

I'll second renee's suggestion about flying into the Wmbg/Newport News airport. AirTran flies direct from Boston and r/t is running about $120 now. Pretty cheap. It's a dinky little airport. You'll be able to retrieve your luggage and get a rental car very quckly.

E

Sure, sounds great! The distances aren't un-doable. And as for airports, Norfolk's your best bet, but indeed, do check out PHF, as sometimes a miracle happens and you can fly into there for less. Richmond is too far out of the way. Good luck!

cheapbutnice

I have combined those 2 locations several times and actually enjoy the drive-a little bit of all types of scenery.With all due respect,I would consider all 3 airports for best prices-Richmond Intl. is under 1 hour from CW. That is my anniversary time of the year & have had good luck in getting reasonable rates on-site at CW. If this is a first time visit ask additional lodging/rest. questions-you have lots of flexibility off-season like this.Enjoy!

obxgirl

I'm with cheapbutnice. It's worth checking all 3 airports for cost. Wmbg is equidistant from Norfolk ORF and Richmond RIC (about 1 hour door to door) but the drive from Richmond is almost always smooth sailing. Norfolk to Wmb can be painfully congested depending on time of travel. Flights into Richmond tend to be more expensive but if the differential is small enough, I'll pay $30 more not to sit in traffic.

That said, right Air Tran has a nonstop into Newport News for $125 r/t. It's $145 on American to fly into Norfolk. No brainer.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I've flown into all three, but I like PHF because of the small size, and the great price I got on Airtran from LGA. EWR-RIC often sees last minute rates of ~$85 r/t, but most often I use ORF as cheap flights from Albany on SW (and now Independence). I also enjoy taking the train to Wbg, I understand the overnight from Boston has been reinstated.

E

I stand corrected--I was posting quickly and not thinking that Richmond-Wmsburg is only a bit further than Norfolk-Wmsburg, and often less trafficky (those tunnels...whne something goes wrong, it's usually VERY wrong). Best of luck!