Last-Minute Labor Day Vacation Deals

Aug. 26, 2008— -- If you haven't planned your Labor Day vacation this year because skyrocketing fuel prices are making travel ridiculously expensive, don't give up. Some last-minute Labor Day deals are popping up just in time for you to cash in on some amazing trips.

You don't even have to travel far because all four corners of the country are getting in on these last-minute summer specials.

ORLANDO, Fla.

Trying to show off Orlando as more than just a Disney destination, the Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering up some fantastic Labor Day deals. With Orlando's new "Endless Summer" program, there are more than 80 "get one free" options going on right now. Whether you get a free night in a hotel, a free round of golf or a free ticket to a local attraction, the bargains are irresistible.

The properties involved include superstars like JW Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes, The Point Orlando Resort, Orlando World Center Marriott, Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Crowne Plaza and the list goes on.

You can also find buy one get one free golf at Falcon's Fire Golf Club. After all the freebies there's still so much to do in Orlando that's affordable including: The Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, a tour of the CityArts Factory, swim with dolphins at Discovery Cove, the Orvis Fly Fishing School and you can even make your own chocolates at Farris & Foster's Fine Chocolates. Yum! For more go to: www.orlandoinfo.com.

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine

This presidential retreat is known for the finer things in life, but this Labor Day weekend one top oceanfront property is offering up a terrific travel bargain. The Beach House Inn in Kennebunkport is the perfect peaceful escape and now it has put together a Labor Day savings package that offers a room, breakfast, afternoon tea, cheese and port in the evening, all starting at $199 a night.

Topping it off, if you stay three nights at the Beach House you'll receive two $100 vouchers to use at the Breakwater Inn spa or at several of the top restaurants in town. For more: www.beachhseinn.com.

For more travel specials in the Kennebunkport area you can get up-to-the-minute information from the Maine Office of Tourism's Web site at www.visitmaine.com.

DENVER

On this Labor Day weekend you'll find some sensational holiday bargains tucked away in the Mile High City of Denver. This is a beautiful time of year to visit, and it's made even better because some top-rated hotels are making it easy for you to have a Labor Day vacation without breaking the bank.

The Oxford Hotel, one of Denver's most historic hotels, is running a special at just $100 a night for Labor Day weekend. The Oxford is walking distance from the 16th Street Mall shopping area and Denver's hip LoDo District.

Another Labor Day deal you can't afford to miss is at The Curtis, in downtown Denver. This funky, eclectic hotel is offering a special $155-a-night rate that includes a $50 gas card to help ease the pain at the pump. For more: www.theoxfordhotel.com and www.thecurtis.com.

WASHINGTON STATE

If you really want to save money this Labor Day and you don't mind roughing it a bit, then head to the great Northwest, where you'll find some of the best camping in the country. The Cascade Mountains are where you want to be, and there are literally hundreds of places to camp where you can relax in a rustic cabin or go all out and pitch a tent.

Washington has more than 120 state parks, and the parks department says the average cost for a campsite for your camper or tent runs between $12 and $30 a night.

To help narrow down your choices the Washington state tourism site, www.experiencewa.com, is packed with information about the different campgrounds and includes photographs to give you a feel for the area. Another great resource to try is the parks department at www.parks.wa.gov.

PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Traditionally it's not until after Labor Day weekend that the prices in the Valley of the Sun start climbing, so this is the perfect time to score a sensational deal before Arizona's high season hits. Throughout the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, hotels have slashed prices as much as 60 percent to attract end of summer travelers.

Top Labor Day deals include The Four Seasons resort, www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale, where prices usually start around $600 a night. But during this holiday weekend, a special "Stay Longer" package will get you two nights that average out to $167 a night.

You'll find other fantastic deals on the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site under the link called "coupons." This is where you'll find some super savings on restaurants, golf and other activities. There's even a coupon for $49 a night at the Days Inn at Fashion Square. For more: www.scottsdalecvb.com. For more: www.ritzcarlton.com.

IF YOU DRIVE:

Be sure to check out AAA's handy fuel cost calculator, www.fuelcostcalculator.com. On this money-saving site you just put in the city where you live, where you're traveling to, along with the age, make and model of the vehicle you're driving and just push a button. The free calculator will tell you how much it's going to cost you in gas so you can plan your budget accordingly.

IF YOU FLY:

Be sure to check out last-minute airfare deals. You can go directly to the airlines or research the best Labor Day weekend bargains on the following travel Web site. Kayak.com Airfarewatchdog.com Hotwire.com Travelocity.com Expedia.com Orbitz.com Mobissimo.com

For more unique travel destinations check out Karen Schaler's Travel Therapy Web site at www.traveltherapytrips.com