Autumn Slump? Escape With Fall Travel Deals

Sept. 29, 2003 -- Just because the leaves are changing colors doesn't mean vacation season is over.

In fact, it is a great time to see the beautiful colors of autumn firsthand, whether it involves packing the family in the car for a road trip, flying across the country or heading to one of fall's many festivals, according to Dana Dickey, senior editor for Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

During the travel industry's so-called "shoulder season," rates are down, and since it is still fall the weather is still mild.

"Families are buckling down at home and focusing on school and work, so there's a bit less demand," Dickey said. "It's a time when hotels and the airlines really want your business. So you can have a five-star vacation for a two-star price."

Here are some of the best fall deals:

FOLIAGE IN VERMONT: Fall is the time to see beautiful foliage in many parts of the country, and some hotels offer bargains. In Vermont, for example, you can stay at some great hotels for around $80 a night. Travelocity has listings throughout the state, which means you can take a driving tour, and stay where you like along the way (Travelocity.com), Dickey said.

AUTUMN GOLFING: Autumn is also a great time to take advantage of many of the state's winter ski resorts, which often also have golf courses. The Okema Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vt., has two-night golf packages starting at $180. (okemo.com)

OKTOBERFEST: Fall is also the biggest season for festivals, and there are Oktoberfests around the country. A great festival that you can drive to from the Midwest is the traditional German Oktoberfest in LaCrosse, Wis. There's plenty of beer, but also delicious food and traditional German games and music. You can get rooms starting at only $50 a night. (expedia.com)

HISTORY VACATION: Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is the perfect spot for a history vacation and within driving distance for people along most of the East Coast and Southern states. There are weekend packages at the lovely Williamsburg inn, which is right in the middle of Colonial Williamsburg, starting at $211 for a weekend. (history.org)

VOODOO MUSIC FESTIVAL: There are also flight deals to fall music festivals across the country, including the Voodoo Music Festival (voodoomusicfest.com) in New Orleans, which features some great contemporary musicians, and the famous New Orleans Halloween parade. The city is great for kids, too. There's a zoo and one of the country's best children's museums. From Dallas, you can get a roundtrip fare of $175. (orbitz.com) The Ritz Carlton, which is the lap of luxury, has some incredible deals. You can stay there for $144 a night, instead of the regular $450 rate. (Ritzcarlton.com)

BERMUDA JAZZ FESTIVAL: One of the most famous music festivals is the annual Jazz Festival in Bermuda (bermudajazz.com), which has beaches, great music and fantastic Caribbean food. Delta has a roundtrip deal from Boston to Bermuda for $245. (delta.com)

SPORT FAN DEALS: Delta has a program called Delta Fan Fares which offers great deals for sport fans to go see their favorite teams play out of town. The fares range from $88 to $150 and let college and pro football fans travel all over the country. Some of the deals include fares from Colorado to San Diego for $138, and Cincinnati to Cleveland for $88. (delta.com)