Now that fall officially began on Sept. 21, it feels like it has already made an early appearance.

The warm days and cool evenings have us thinking about the perfect time to travel. Less crowds and beautiful scenery.

•Oct. 2: Our annual riverboat cruise will include a historically narrated cruise through Lock and Dam No. 1 on Harriet Island. We will be entertained with Dixieland music while feasting on a lunch buffet of BBQ chicken, pork and all the fixings. Perhaps the leaves will peak at that time too.

We depart at 8:15 a.m. from Walmart. Fee is due. We do still have a few openings.

•Oct. 15: The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre presents “Hello Dolly.” This is one of those shows we could see time and time again and sing along some of our favorite songs. The part of Dolly is being played by popular Chanhassen actress Michelle Barber. The story is about Dolly Levi, a delightfully scheming busybody who makes her living as a matchmaker in glamorous New York City. Audiences will love the hits such as “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and of course, “Hello Dolly.”

A few seats remain for this trip. Fee is due by Oct. 6. We depart at 9 a.m.

•Oct. 30-31: This is a return trip to Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, and the Fireside Theater for the opening night of their 2014 Christmas production.

Special details for this show include meeting the cast following the show for a special reception. Day two will have us attending a noon lunch show at a Scandinavian farm.

This will be a fun-filled two days.

Fee is due by Oct. 6. Check us for any openings.

•Nov. 12-15: Annual trip to Branson.

This year’s schedule has five shows, with three new shows this year: “Jonah, and the Whale,” “Dublins Irish Tenors with the Celtic Ladies” and “Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.” Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety Show is also a new addition. The final show is “Red, Hot and Blue.”

This three-night stay include the Drury Inn in Kansas City, and the Welk Resort in Branson. Fee is due by Oct. 16.

•Dec. 3: Christmas Dinner Show, New Day Trippers Dinner Theater located near the Mall of America.

This new show is circulating around theaters and is new to the Day Trippers.

We are looking forward to checking this one out. Sign-ups have begun.

We also have allowed some free time at the Mall of America prior to the noon lunch with show to follow.

We invite seniors and friends to join us on our tours. It’s a great way to meet new people and have all your tour plans taken care of.

Office hours for Travel is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. Some days we may be out traveling. You may call us at 507-438-3946. Our mailing address is 1002 16th Street SW, Austin, MN 55912.