Bargains in Fall Travel
Cooler weather and a chilly economy mean lower prices and fewer crowds for travelers this season.
September 11, 2008
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Travelers rejoice! Shoulder season is here -- that window of opportunity when most tourists stay home. so that means you can enjoy popular destinations with decent weather at rates that are 15% to 50% lower than those sandwiched between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
And this year, the deals in many locales are even sweeter as the travel industry, hard-hit by the sagging economy, tries to entice Americans out of hibernation.
Hotels were only about two-thirds full, on average, in the second quarter this year, according to Smith Travel Research. Expedia says hotels in many popular destinations are dropping prices as a result, including those in Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Hawaii and Myrtle Beach, S.C. Expedia also reports that airfares are dropping on several air-travel routes, especially in the Western U.S.
The fall shoulder season is usually defined as September through November. The kids are back in school and most families are staying home, so you won't have to battle crowds. So now is the ideal time to head to hot locales that were too expensive -- or too busy -- in the summer, or to get a jump start on winter destinations.
Take a look at our slide show of 10 FALL DESTINATIONS ON SALE, and start planning your getaway.
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