Travel Tips

Travel Deals: In Between Seasons and Holiday Savings

Locations in this article:  Athens, Greece London, England Los Angeles, CA Orlando, FL San Diego, CA Tampa, FL

Red MountainShoulder season is that in-between time when school is back in session, the weather is changing, and travelers look for last-minute savings and future deals. This week, we’ve got deals spanning the spectrum, from late-summer getaways to fall sailings and even holiday savings.

Shoulder season means deep discounts at Red Mountain Resort in the red rocks of southwestern Utah. The Red Rock Relaxer package starts at $230 and includes a deluxe room and $100 credit toward activities. Upgrade to a villa and receive a $200 credit. Your stay includes three meals daily, guided morning hikes, unlimited fitness classes, and other wellness programs. This package requires a 3-night minimum stay and is available through October 31, 2012. For more information, visit www.RedMountainResort.com.

Marriott’s got some last-minute savings and future holiday deals. Marriott’s Suntastic Summer Savings event in Florida. Twenty nine JW Marriott, Renaissance and Marriott Hotels & Resorts are offering travel deals and perks on bookings made by September 7, 2012. Save up to 25 percent on Tampa-area hotels, get free parking and breakfast in Orlando, and get $50 credit in South Florida. Click here for more information.

Or start your holiday planning now. Marriott’s 72-hour  sale in participating New Jersey hotels starts September 4. You can save up to 50 percent on your holiday stay at participating Renaissance and Marriott Hotels in New Jersey. With rates between $79-$99, some hotels are just a hop and a skip from NYC and others are within easy distance of Newark International Airport if you’re transiting to a flight somewhere else. Book between September 4-7 for stays between December 21, 2012 and January 5, 2013 (blackout date of December 31, 2012). Visit www.marriott.com for more information.

The kids may be back in school, but San Diego is calling with Kids Free San Diego month in October. That’s when transportation and attractions are rolling out the kid-friendly deals with adult purchases. Amtrak is offering one child free (ages 2-15) on the Pacific Surfliner; SeaWorld is allowing children ages 3-9 free admission; and Legoland is offering a free one-day Child Hopper ticket for kids 12 and under. Or teach your little one to hang ten with a free class at Surf Diva School, open to kids ages 5-12. For more information visit www.sandiego.org.

Windstar Cruises has just launched its Last 12 Deals of 2012 on Europe itineraries. Book select voyages by September 1 to get rates starting from $1,799 per person. This fall, Windstar’s yachts are sailing to locations like Athens to Istanbul, the islands of Italy, the Dalmation Coast, and through southern Spain. Visit their website for more information.

Air New Zealand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Los Angeles-to-London route. Book by August 27 to get economy fares from $830 and premium economy from $1,406. Book a flight from the U.S. to London by September 16, and you’ll get a free London Sightseeing Pass that gets you free entry into 55 of London’s top attractions including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, Thames river cruise, London Zoo and Windsor Castle. Click here for more information.

By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com