Time is right for a last hurrah
By Marnie Hunter
CNN
(CNN) -- Time is running short for that last summer getaway as Labor Day creeps closer and retailers stock their shelves with all things back-to-school.
Fortunately, dwindling crowds and good values make late summer a nice time to leave town.
"The kids are going back to school so it's not a busy time to travel. It's kind of a nice, quiet, relaxing time to travel," said Kari Thomas, president of Will Travel in Langhorne, Pennsylvania.
Fare sales on now through mid-August at many major airlines should ease the search for an affordable escape.
The sales are about a month earlier than the time when airlines traditionally launch their fall sales, according to Geoff Silvers, director of merchandising for the Orbitz travel Web site.
While the airlines may launch more sales at a later date, Silvers said the most seats are available now, before business travel picks up in the fall. Later in the year, airlines will have more competition for fewer unsold seats, which means bargain hunters may not see the same level of discount.
"If you find a good fare now, definitely purchase it," he advised.
Be sure to read the fine print, as these rates don't come without restrictions. The most deeply discounted fares for domestic travel are limited to travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on carriers such as Delta, American and United.
Staying over a Saturday night and purchasing tickets 14 days in advance also are common requirements.
"The key is flexibility of dates and airports," said Mike Weingart, president of a Carlson Wagonlit Travel agency in Houston, Texas.
Weingart recently found substantial savings by considering an alternate airport when researching tickets for his son's family. He found a bargain rate by pricing flights from St. Louis, Missouri, into Fort Lauderdale, Florida, rather than Miami.
"I couldn't believe it. ... They're planning to go to Club Med in Sandpiper in Florida with their little baby, and it was less than $300 for two people for the air," Weingart said.
Discount destinations
Taking advantage of the off-season can have its rewards, if you're willing to roll the dice on the weather.
Caribbean cruises are an excellent deal this time of year, according to Thomas. Hurricane season could mean rainy days or worse, but passengers also may not see a drop of rain during their trip.
For travelers uncomfortable with the risk, cruises from New England to Canada also are a good value, Thomas said. The strength of the U.S. dollar in Canada makes shopping attractive and the fall foliage is an added draw later in September.
In Arizona, the off-season produces enticing hotel deals.
The Millenium McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale is offering rooms on Orbitz starting at $69 per night with a $100 food and beverage credit.
Prices at family-oriented places like Disney World often go down in September to bring in customers as kids head back to school, Thomas said.
The season is right to travel, no matter where you're headed, Thomas said.
"In general, it's a really good value to travel anywhere."
