As a kid, I spent summers at the Jersey Shore playing on the beach and body surfing in the ocean. It was fun and healthy—except for the annual pain from sunburn. (Back then, skin cancer awareness wasn’t really a thing.)
I believed the ocean had healing powers because that’s what my parents told me. Any cut, scrape, or blister—and there were plenty—was exposed to saltwater. Our mother always preached, “Take off the Band-Aid and play in the ocean. It’ll heal faster.” I took that childhood wisdom and filed it in my adult first-aid kit.
Then came the wake-up call.
I moved to Florida’s Gulf Coast in 1984 to take a news reporting job at a local TV station. That first summer, a story broke about a man infected with what was called “a rare flesh-eating bacteria.” It sounded like something from a Hollywood horror movie. No one had ever heard of it.
He had been swimming in the Gulf with an open wound. It became infected. Though antibiotics stopped the spread, doctors had to amputate a limb to save his life.
Fast forward to 2025.
What was once rare now feels alarmingly routine. So far this summer, Florida has reported 11 confirmed cases of Vibrio vulnificus—the scientific name for flesh-eating bacteria. Four people have died. And summer is only halfway over. Based on recent trends, things may get worse.
Florida saw a spike in 2024 after torrential rains from two hurricanes dumped stormwater runoff into the Gulf, turning it into a petri dish. When the Gulf hits 90 degrees—which is typical in peak summer—bacteria thrive. That year: 82 cases. 19 deaths. Death can come fast, often within 48 hours of infection.
This isn’t just a Florida problem.
Other Gulf Coast states are reporting infections—and fatalities. Some beaches now post signs warning of contaminated water. Beyond the Southeast, a brutal heatwave in 2023 led to 7 deathsin mid-Atlantic beach states from Vibrio infections.
Just walking or wading with an open wound can be enough for the bacteria to enter your body. We’re clearly in different times than when I was a kid. Back then, the ocean was carefree.
Now, it’s complicated. More people are in the water than ever before, thanks to booming beachfront development. Climate change is warming oceans and fueling more intense hurricanes, which dump contaminated stormwater into coastal waters.
Gee, I wish I were a kid again—when the ocean felt like a cure, not a risk.
The first week of June is indelibly etched in my memory as a seasonal shift I always dread. While many celebrate the end of the school year and the start of summer vacations, my senses go on high alert: Good Lord, it’s hurricane season—again!
Living in a coastal city on Florida’s west coast, I’m no stranger to storms. I’ve either covered hurricanes as a television reporter and producer or sheltered at home, bracing for impact. My home hurricane survival plan is always in place before the season begins. However, planning summer and fall travel becomes a game of hope and prayer. From June 1 through November 30 each year, you never know when you might land in the path of a storm.
As the calendar inches toward those long-awaited vacation days, I start watching the weather like a hawk. The six-month hurricane window can turn even the best-laid travel plans into chaos.
Fortunately, only one trip in over 40 years of living here has ever been affected. In the summer of 2022—our first overseas adventure since the COVID pandemic—the first leg of our outbound flight to Ireland was canceled just hours before departure. Tropical Storm Alex, the weakest on the storm scale, hovered about 100 miles south of us and still managed to disrupt air travel across the Southeastern U.S.
Tropical Storm Alex
National Hurricane Center GraphicNational Hurricane Center Graphic
Luckily, the storm moved on quickly. I rebooked for the next day and caught up with our Ireland tour just in time. Still, the experience was nerve-wracking, especially after months of planning.
I made it to Ireland!
So here’s my hard-earned advice for anyone traveling to or near hurricane-prone regions: buy travel insurance. It adds a vital layer of protection. Delays and cancellations are maddening, but at least insurance gives you a chance to recover a good portion of your vacation investment.
What will 2025 bring? I’ve got trips to Scotland, Maine, and Key West lined up—right during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters are predicting an above-average year, with as many as 10 hurricanes, including up to 5 major storms.
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 Cityis 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.comGo 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).
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).
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).
SavannahSavannahSavannahTybee IslandTybee 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 SuiteSagamore Hotel SuiteSagamore Hotel LobbyMiami 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).
For those craving coastal adventures, San Diegois 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.
No place spells f-u-n more than Key West, Florida, especially during those hot, humid summer days when the pace slows to a crawl. You won’t find the crowds like you do during the cool winter and spring tourist seasons. What you will find is lower prices at hotels, resorts, and B&Bs. If you stay Monday-Friday and avoid the weekends, the bargains are even better. So unleash the wild child within you and go for it!
