Top five bargain destinations for fall
— -- After a summer of new airline fees, high fuel costs, and tight budgets, will fall bring better deals for travelers in search of a bargain? Choose your destinations wisely and you'll find that this fall really is a good time to travel, even if you don't have much to spend.
I've monitored trends, industry news, and sale patterns to point you in the direction of places that offer the best bargains for the coming season. Below you'll find examples of deals presently available for fall trips. Like all offers, these are sure to expire; however, a little research on your part can yield similar results when you're ready to book.
Mexico
If you're looking for a vacation that feels far away but is still affordable and easy to get to, consider a fall trip to Mexico. The country is bursting with hotel and vacation sales, and the peso is still a relatively good value to travelers coming from the U.S. and Canada, especially compared to other world currencies such as the euro or pound.
For a Mexico deal this fall, first check with vacation providers, many of whom are offering noteworthy discounts on bundled air-and-hotel packages. For instance, Delta Vacations has specials such as free nights at the Omni Cancun Hotel & Villas, and United Vacations is offering up to $150 off fall (or $300 for winter) Mexico air-and-hotel vacation packages.
Abundant low rates and discounts are the norm at hotels this fall as well. All-inclusive rates at Riu Hotels in Mexico start at around $70 per night. And Occidental Hotels & Resorts has fall sales at properties around Mexico, including $71 per-person all-inclusive rates at the Allegro Nuevo Vallarta.
Iceland
It's been a long time since Iceland was on the radar as a bargain destination. But this year, the small country has seen a precipitous 22% drop in the value of its currency against the euro. As a result, Iceland is on the map this fall as a more affordable alternative to mainland Europe.
The nation's national carrier, Icelandair, is advertising fall sale fares with substantial savings compared to fall flights to the Continent. For example, an October flight from Boston to Reykjavik, the capital city, is $562 (even lower than the advertised price), while round-trip flights to Paris on other carriers around the same time top $1,000.
You can also find deals on vacation packages this autumn. Icelandair is offering $120 off per person for September departures of its fall Glaciers, Geysers and Waterfalls package, which includes airfare, accommodations, most meals, and sightseeing from $1,869 before the discount. Its Iceland Airwaves special includes airfare, two nights' accommodations, and passes to the major music festival taking place between October 15 and 19, from $877 per person. Package provider go-today.com has an October three-night Reykjavik getaway from $829.
Ohio
Innkeepers in New Hampshire and Vermont may swear otherwise, but New England isn't the only place to marvel at impressive fall foliage displays. Even better, leaf peeping in other parts of the country can be far more affordable as well. Ohio, for instance, is dotted with state parks offering vivid autumn colors. And many are within an easy drive of major cities and airports, making the trip even more affordable.
Comparing the cost of a simple weekend getaway puts the savings in perspective. At the Shire Riverview Motel in Woodstock, Vermont, a standard room runs about $180 on weekends, putting the cost of a two-night weekend getaway at $360. Compare that to a two-night weekend package at the Burr Oak State Park Resort, located about an hour-and-a-half drive from Columbus. The Buckeye Package includes two nights' accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner for two, and a $25 gift certificate for $279. Ohio State Parks has a rate comparison chart for lodges around the state.
You can find dozens more discounts and specials on accommodations, dining, and attractions at the Discover Ohio website. When you're ready to book, check for fall airfare sales from Southwest and other airlines serving Columbus, Cleveland, and other Ohio airports.
Las Vegas
Tourism in Las Vegas is down this year, and the online publication Travel Weekly recently reported that the average daily room rate in Sin City has dropped by 5.5%. In a gamble to win back the crowds, travel providers are slashing prices and throwing in discounts and extras.
Southwest is offering $50 off Las Vegas air-and-hotel packages of three nights or longer booked by August 7 for travel through mid-December. JetBlue's current vacation packages include two nights at Circus Circus and airfare from Long Beach for $145 per person.
If you're willing to spend a bit more, now is a great time to splurge in Vegas, since even higher-end properties have deep discounts this fall. US Airways Vacations has package specials at some of The Strip's best hotels, including the Wynn and the Bellagio. Continental Airlines Vacations has a third night free offer at Trump International Hotel & Towers.
Ft. Lauderdale
Tighter budgets and hurricane season mean Florida beach destinations have to work extra hard this fall to appeal to visitors. Ft. Lauderdale stands out among the state's many sun-and-sand hot spots with plenty of deals and even new air service. Plus, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recently reported that the Ft. Lauderdale airport ranked as the fourth-cheapest airport in the country, another sign of the city's strength as a bargain destination.
No one, least of all bargain travelers, wants to be nickel-and-dimed even before landing. Unfortunately, the recent airline trend of adding fees—for everything from checking a first bag to sitting in an aisle seat—does just that.
However, Southwest hasn't jumped on the extra fees bandwagon, which makes its already competitive fares an even better deal. Plus, the airline is celebrating the November launch of new daily nonstops to Ft. Lauderdale with introductory rates of $149 one-way from Las Vegas and $89 each way from Albany, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri. AirTran is also introducing new service and will begin a nonstop route from Milwaukee this fall.
Deals on vacation packages and hotels for fall travel include Continental Vacations' fourth night free at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper, plus a $50 resort credit if you travel by the end of September. And Orbitz is offering 20 to 25% off Ft. Lauderdale hotel stays booked by August 31 for travel through November 24 as part of its Great American Sale.
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