Observers may want to take a look at RV Tauri stars as targets of interest. I like them because they change relatively quickly, have a decent visual range and one can make an observation every 2 to 5 days. My favorite bright RV Tauri stars are: R Sct, U Mon, SS Gem, V Vul, AC Her and R Sge. RV Tau, SX Her and TT Oph may also warrant attention. Take a look at some of these variables on the LCG and note lesser degree of data scatter. Being yellow colored stars of spectral classes F and G, there are no major color issues when making an estimate. Clear skies, Kevin Paxson - PKV
Links:
[1] http://www.aavso.org/forums/variable-stars/long-period-variables-lpvs