The Credit Counseling Professionals

Off-Season Travel: Know When to Go

ACCC knows the best and least expensive fall destinations

Fall is upon us, and soon it will bring the cold, drab weather that is dreaded by so many. Some people like to see the leaves change color. For others, fall is the perfect opportunity to take a vacation and extend that summer feeling. It’s perfect because many popular destinations are at the end of their busy tourist season. The crowds are shrinking, but the bargains are growing. Consumers can plan a getaway and save some money by visiting these popular vacation spots in the fall…

• Hawaii: The prices have gone down, but the weather stays the same. Due to the economy and the slow season, hotel bookings drop by 30% in the fall. So, they’ll be slashing their prices to attract more vacationers. Airfares offer autumn deals as well; as low as $470 roundtrip from the Western U.S.
• Panama: September and October are the tail end of the rainy season; just dry enough to enjoy the sights. Direct flights from Boston start around $330, and $251 from Miami. Compare to $414 and $324 respectively in July, and over $500 in winter.
• New Orleans: Hurricane season winds down in October, and so does tourist season. Incredibly inexpensive hotels are available, like 4-stars for $65 a night. Flights from Chicago start at $220. That price doubles in the summer months.
• San Diego: Fly non-stop from Chicago in July for $447 round trip, or wait till September for $370. The price drops another $100 if there’s a layover.
• Bahamas: Package deals with hotel and airfare start at $440 from Chicago, and $476 from Boston. The same package is 25% more in July. 35% more in February.

For those who would rather not fly, consider nearby attractions for weekend getaways and road trips for even cheaper vacations. Hit up a fancy hotel in the city, or escape to a country bed and breakfast. Skip all the traveling expenses and soak up some local flavor that’s been overlooked.

Every vacationer should do their own research, and be thorough in seeking out the best deal for them. The Internet is home to many great tools for finding inexpensive travel arrangements. Try kayak.com, priceline.com, travelocity.com, expedia.com, and hotels.com. Also check the websites of the airlines and hotels themselves. Book airfare and hotel together for less expensive “package” deals and, whenever possible, book a trip far in advance.

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