Travel Mom: Last-Minute Summer Vacation Deals

By
ABC News
January 6, 2006, 5:55 AM ET
2 min read

Aug. 18, 2005 — -- Are you panicking because Labor Day Weekend is right around the corner and you haven't made any plans?

Never fear, the Travel Mom was on "Good Morning America" with several last-minute vacation ideas that won't break the bank. For more from the Travel Mom Emily Kaufman, visit her Web site www.thetravelmom.com.

Think Off Season

Prices drop dramatically during what are considered off-season periods. For example, you can still experience a full-service luxury resort with a spa, golf and dining at the Phoenician resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., for significantly less than during peak times. Plus, it has plenty of special activities for kids. Summer rates, from $179 on weekdays and $225 on weekends, end on Sept. 7.

For more information Click Here.

Visiting a ski resort during the summer is terrific for the outdoor enthusiast who wants to hike, mountain bike or simply relax. The Village at Squaw Valley, near Lake Tahoe, Calif., offers a number of off-season deals, including a fourth-night free package, a whitewater rafting package and a swimming and spa package.

For more information visit Click Here.

Think Added Value

There are so many places that add incentives to come and visit them. For example, Club Med Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, is offering an extra night for free, and has just added a teen club called The Ramp.

For more information Click Here.

Monterey County, Calif., is billing itself as one of the best places for affordable adventures along the Pacific Coast. Besides the area's natural beauty, visitors can take a number of tours of historic homes or vineyards, or visit one of the many festivals or events, such as the Salinas Rodeo.

For more information Click Here.

Think Out of the Box

A recent study found that even with the high price of gas, RV vacations are the most affordable way to travel. Modern RVs are often decked out with the latest conveniences, and RV parks are pretty cool, too.

Be a tourist in your own town. You can stay in a hotel with a pool in another part of your city or town, and let someone else take care of the cleanup.