Last-Minute Summer Travel Bargains
Labor Day is just around the corner, so many of us would like to sneak away for one last summer trip. And, if you do your homework, you can find some great last-minute deals out there.
Laura Begley, deputy editor of Travel + Leisure magazine, has varied ideas for trips to appeal to every type of traveler.
"We have a couple more weeks before school starts (in many areas) and this is a great time (to travel)," she told co-anchor Harry Smith, "because it's the slower season, and there are a lot of deals out there. you can look around on airlines — it's the airlines, hotels, tour operators, Web sites, travel agents. This is a great time to travel."
And Begley says you not only can, but should negotiate.
"You would be amazed at what you can get," she points out. "Just ask! Hotels will often bring the rate down. They'll throw in extra deals like breakfast or activities, and if you're a member of any of the different clubs, such as AAA. AARP, they'll also throw in some deals."
Her suggestions, with her comments:
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, VA. (Family-friendly, educational)
"This is great for families, because it's a history lesson come-to-life. Kids love it. You can go and watch blacksmiths in action. They're offering fantastic deals right now."
Through Labor Day, nightly rates at the Governor's Inn start at $89 per night and $129 at the Woodlands. The rooms accommodate two adults and two kids. The rate includes free Colonial Williamsburg admission passes for the kids, daily continental breakfast, free bike rentals, and more. This can be booked directly through Williamsburg resorts.
WESTERN U.S.: COLORADO, INCLUDING VAIL (outdoorsy, hiking, fun for family, space, can cook, off season, not crowded)
Destination Hotels & Resorts Mountain Collection is offering an extra night's stay for 12 cents, when you book three nights at participating properties in Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, and others. For example: You can spend four nights in a two-bedroom condo in Vail for $359. Available through October. This can be booked directly through the resorts.
NAPLES, FLA. (fun in the sun, luxurious, off season, so affordable)
"This is a no-brainer, a gorgeous destination, easy to get to."
T+L recommends the Web site eleisurelink.com. On this site, there's a great deal for the Ritz-Carlton Naples: Three-night accommodations and round-trip air from $399 from Detroit and Chicago, $475 from New York City and Boston, etc. Land-only: $229. With land-only, you make your own transportation arrangements and have the option to include your flight or not
ARIZONA (good for mom/daughter, friends, beautiful, Zen, relaxing)
"What's better than watching the sun set over the red rocks of Sedona?"
Enchantment Resort in Sedona is offering rates as low as $221 per night for a four-night stay in August. That's half the normal price. It can be booked directly through the resort.
AUSTRALIA
"More and more people are taking longer-haul trips in a shorter amount of time, because our time is so precious these days."
Roundtrip airfare and five nights in a hotel in Sydney, from $999. That's a great price for airfare and hotel. Typically, it costs $1000 just for airfare. This time of year is Australia's winter, but its winter is still comparable to our early summer. This can all be booked through ATS Tours.
"Five nights is enough time to really get to know Sydney. You can even go to wine country!"