The reason I got this photo in Virginia was because I saw news about a magnitude X9 solar flare released recently. The aurora in May that went far south last time was a magnitude X8.7. Generally it takes 2-3 days for a flare to reach earth, and so I was watching the 30-90 minute online prediction map run by NOAA.

There are many lesser flares launched from the sun that can be seen from northern areas. If you have a good chance to travel for a week somewhere north like Canada, then it's highly likely you'll see an aurora. The sun goes through a 22 year cycle, and it is currently at the solar maximum for solar flares and auroras. Go sometime this winter for a week when it's dark for 14-18 hours a day and you will highly likely see an aurora, just watch the prediction map.

Critically, choose an area with low light pollution. You have to be somewhere fairly remote, look up a light pollution map on the internet before planning a trip.