Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Content Agency

Got your rain jackets? You may need them if you are heading to the mountains for a last-gasp summer getaway, to escape the never-ending heat or perhaps planning a fall getaway.

You may need your rain jacket for late-afternoon thunderstorms, as some of our relatives, unfortunately, discovered a while back. They opted for large garbage bags, which got some funny looks on the shuttle in Aspen back from the trailhead. (Guess what we gifted them the next Christmas?)

That said, a late summer or fall getaway to the mountains can’t be beaten as more of us seek domestic and closer-to-home vacation options. It doesn’t cost anything to hike or bike (assuming you can bring your bikes). There are many kid- and pet-friendly vacation rentals with plenty of room fo

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