Mellow Wanderer

Tag: Deals

End-Of-Summer Escapes: Budget-Friendly Travel Deals Across America

As summer draws to a close, there’s no better time to take advantage of the last wave of travel deals across the United States. From the serene beaches of the Northeast to the rugged beauty of the West, here’s a curated guide to some of the best end-of-summer travel deals by region.

Northeast: Coastal Charm and City Vibes

If you’re looking for a blend of beachside relaxation and vibrant island life, look no further than Cape Cod. A couple of Septembers ago, my wife and I booked a waterfront cottage in the Cape village of Orleans for a week after Labor Day through Airbnb. We paid considerably less than we would have the week before.

Photos By Susan Geiger/Mellow Wanderer

As one veteran Cape Cod vacationer told us in a full-throated Boston accent, “The smaht money goes in Septembah.” Martha’s Vineyard is a great pick. As August transitions into September, the island sees fewer tourists, resulting in lower prices for accommodations. Look for package deals that include ferry rides and stays at boutique inns. This is the perfect time to enjoy the island’s quaint villages and pristine beaches without the summer crowds.

Photos By Susan Geiger/Mellow Wanderer

For a more urban escape, New York City is surprisingly budget-friendly as summer winds down. It’s also a great time to experience a Broadway show. The day after Labor Day marks the beginning of Broadway Week, during which a slew of shows offer two tickets for the price of one—an incredible deal!

Photos By Susan Geiger/Mellow Wanderer

In mid-September, with the majority of tourists gone, luxury hotels in the Financial District and Midtown offer weekend specials and discounts. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can score deals that include perks like free breakfast or late checkout. (Sources: Kiplinger.com Go Far Grow Close).

Midwest: Lakeside Retreats

In the Midwest, Lake Geneva in Wisconsin is a top destination for a tranquil end-of-summer getaway. The crowds start to thin out, making it easier to find discounts on lakeside resorts and bed-and-breakfasts. Many of these places offer special packages that include golfing, spa services, or even wine tasting tours, perfect for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life. (Source: Kayak).

Michigan Photo By Harrison Fitts On Pexels.com

If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is calling. The late summer season is ideal for exploring the region’s waterfalls, hiking trails, and forests. Numerous lodges and campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays, making it easy to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. (Source: Expedia)

South: Beach Bliss and Southern Hospitality

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a fantastic destination in late August, offering warm waters and a bustling beach scene. Many resorts along the coast offer significant discounts as the summer season comes to a close, with family packages that include tickets to local attractions like water parks or mini-golf courses. The Marriott Resort at Grande Dunes and Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean Enclave are excellent options, both offering easy access to the beach and local amenities. (Source: TravelZoo).

Myrtle Beach Photo By Curtis Adams On Pexels.com

In Savannah, Georgia, you can enjoy Southern hospitality at its finest. As summer winds down, historic hotels and charming inns start offering special rates, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s beautiful squares, vibrant art scene, and delicious cuisine. Don’t miss out on deals for ghost tours and riverboat cruises, which add an extra layer of intrigue to your visit. Just minutes by car on the outskirts of Savannah is spectacular Tybee Island. Check out the deals on beachfront hotels and bungalows and stroll miles of sun soaked beaches. (Source: Priceline , Expedia).

Savannah

Savannah

Savannah

Tybee Island

Tybee Island Light Station

Photos By Susan Geiger/Mellow Wanderer

Miami Beach, Florida, (If you don’t mind heat and humidity and risk of a hurricane.) is a steal in September! Several years ago we checked into a beachfront four star hotel the day after Labor Day and received royal treatment. The Sagamore hotel’s general manager checked us in, gave us a complimentary bottle of wine, a bunch of free breakfast buffet vouchers, and a free upgrade to a suite at the cost of $200 a night. During the height of tourist season that same suite is $1,200 a night!

Sagamore Hotel Suite

Sagamore Hotel Suite

Sagamore Hotel Lobby

Miami Beach

Photos By Susan Geiger/Mellow Wanderer

West: Mountain Air and Coastal Views

The West offers a variety of stunning end-of-summer destinations. Lake Tahoe, on the California-Nevada border, is a haven for outdoor lovers. With fewer crowds in late August, you can find deals on cabins and resorts, making it easier to enjoy the lake’s clear waters and scenic trails. Look for special rates on accommodations that offer longer stays or include amenities like bike rentals or guided hikes. (Source: Visit Lake Tahoe).

Lake Tahoe Photo by Nate Redman on Pexels.com

For those craving coastal adventures, San Diego is an unbeatable choice. The city’s hotel rates drop as the tourist season winds down, and many properties offer package deals that include tickets to major attractions like the San Diego Zoo or SeaWorld. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll find plenty of ways to save on your end-of-summer trip. (Source: sandiego.org).

San Diego SeaWorld Photo by Soly Moses on Pexels.com

Wherever your travels take you, these regional deals offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the last days of summer while sticking to your budget. For more detailed information and to snag these deals, check out the latest offerings from travel deal sites.
Secrets To Scoring The Best Summer Travel Deals Of 2023
Used to be the word “hack” had a negative connotation. Not anymore. Today, hack is a consumer-friendly word to save money, time, and stress, especially in planning a much anticipated trip or vacation.

Travel booking site Expedia released its 2023 Air Travel Hacks Report with insider tips to the best airline fares, often a budget buster, to your summer destination. The big takeaway from the Expedia report is the day of the week to book flights. Sunday is NOT the day to rest, according to Expedia:

“Book on a Sunday to save up to 15% on average Travelers who book on Sundays instead of Fridays tend to save, on average, around 5% on domestic flights and 15% on international flights. While the best day of the week to book has been Sunday for the past four years, travelers saved 5% more on average in 2022 compared to 2021. Book at least a month before domestic flights to save 10% on average. The sweet spot for snagging the best price on domestic flights falls between 28 – 35 days before departure – so about a month in advance of travel. Travelers that booked during that period saved 10% on average compared to those who waited until the last minute (0 – 2 weeks out). Book 6 months before international flights to save 10% on average Travelers that book around six months in advance of international travel saved 10% on average compared to those who waited until two months out or less to book.”

The Expedia report also has advice on how to deal with flight disruptions and getting the best deals on hotels and rental cars.

My new hobby is playing with Google Flights to score great deals. For instance, I got an incredible fare to New York to see the city all decked-out for the upcoming Christmas season. The deal: Roundtrip, non-stop on Delta for two passengers from Tampa International Airport to JFK for a total of $315! Not each passenger. That’s the total for both. I hit the sweet spot booking the week after Thanksgiving when air travel is in a lull before Christmas.

Google Flights is easy to navigate. Just select the date and destination of travel and check the email box for alerts from Google when fares go up and down. Of course, you want the down as much as possible. Again, the key here is book early. I booked the New York flight in January for next December. Google Flights also offers other useful features, such as a flexible dates option that allows users to search for flights within a range of dates to find the cheapest fares. It also shows users the cost of adding extra amenities like checked bags and in-flight meals.

Here are some other tips to hack your way to better travel deals:
- Booking your flights and hotels during off-peak seasons: Prices for airfare and hotel rooms tend to be lower during off-peak seasons, which can help you save money.
- Using travel rewards credit cards: Many credit cards offer travel rewards, such as points or miles, for every dollar spent. These rewards can be used to offset the cost of flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.
- Being flexible with your travel dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals on flights and hotels.
- Using private browsing mode when searching for flights and hotels: Airlines and hotels may track your browsing history and increase prices based on your search activity. Using private browsing mode can help you avoid this.
Keep in mind that there are many other travel hacks out there, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and find the ones that work best for you.
Autumn Is The Best Season For A Florida Beach Getaway

Low rates and fewer tourists are in store if you book a Florida beach vacation between mid-September to November. This is a traditional “shoulder” season when tourism slows down before the Thanksgiving holidays. You can also expect a temperate climate that’s more comfortable than the excruciating hot and humid summer months. It’s great beach weather, too, as water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean cool down to the mid-80’s. Some beach businesses such as restaurants may close the entire month of September when tourists disappear during the height of the hurricane season. While travelers book trips to see October leafs change color up north, the result is wide open beach space and the best deals of the year at Florida resorts. So why not celebrate Oktoberfest on a beach chair, under an umbrella, sipping a cocktail!