How risky would it be to tour VT, NH and ME the first week in Oct and not have lodging reservations in advance? A little inconvenience finding a place is ok, just don't want to find "no vacancy" everywhere. We are two couples, thus two rooms.

thanks,

New Hampshire and Vermont would be quite risky. All the best and most reasonably priced places will be chock full. In fact, it may be quite the challenge to book rooms at this late date.

In Maine, it depends...along the coast would not likely be a problem because it will be shoulder season.

If you're visiting for the foliage, the scenic mountain areas of the states are not that large, so no matter where you stay you can easily drive all over (which is the very best way to see and enjoy as much foliage as possible).

If you are looking for a decent b&b very unlikely you'll find a place without a reservation unless of course there is a cancellation (and then the finer places already have waiting list) Go to www.bedandbreakfast.com many of the sites reviewed (click on community then message board) will also have links to their websites and will include availability ...good luck!

We winged it in 2001 w/o problem, did make reservations in VT. But this was immdiately after 9/11. The tourist season is in full swing at that time.

NO, NO, NO. I go to VT (for the last 5years) every OCT. If you do not want to sleep in your car you'd better secure lodging. Don't miss the chance to see the beauty-But make your resv (if possible) NOW.

Everyone is right on...please make advanced reservations in Vermont, especially for weekends. On a side note, I was in Burke, VT (Northeast Kingdom) today and there is some great EARLY color up there. Still green here in the Champlain Valley.

Note that Fall 2001 was hardly representative of the typical fall tourist season...

Oddly enough, most tourists don't get off the main roads in the fall when looking for places to stay. Consequently, many of the condos at the ski areas, such as Killington, are mostly vacant and you may get a good deal. There are plenty of 2bd/2th with full kitchens that should work for you. Also, midweek is much less crowded than the weekends when restaurants will be packed too. Just got back from there yesterday and the color is just starting. What there is is very bright so unless there is a hard frost or a rainy, windy storm in the next few weeks it should be great viewing. Enjoy.

Explain why it wasn't a typical tourist season? So many people were afraid to go anywhere that they stayed in the US, we met several cruise ships full of tourists, you are right it wasn't typical according to the people in VT, NH, and ME it was better. It was mid week.