Travel Tips

Deals of the Week – Sept. 25

Locations in this article:  Miami, FL New Orleans, LA Orlando, FL Philadelphia, PA San Diego, CA Tacoma, WA

Provence Lavender Field FranceFrom the rolling hills of Tuscany to the lavender fields of Provence, HomesAway is offering big savings this fall and winter.

Bring nine of your closest friends to a villa in Aire de Beaumes, with savings of up to 40 percent between October 20 and December 31, 2007; in Chianti, an estate that accommodates up to 20 guests has a 15 percent discount between October 27 and November 3, 2007. 800-374-6637, www.HomesAway.com

NFL fans take note! Cheapflights’ pro football page lets you follow your favorite team all season long. Pick your team and get their game schedule, flight and hotel deals, and city information so you can show the team just how loyal you are—both at home and away. Patriots fans can fly from Boston to Miami to see them play the Dolphins on October 21, with round-trip flights starting at $173. Or if you’re a die-hard Eagles fan, jet from Philly to New Orleans to watch them against the Saints, with flights starting at $138 per person. Check out www.cheapflights.com for more information.

Kids may be back in school, but families with wee ones can take advantage of Beaches Resorts’ discounted fall rates and expanded family programming. Book from now to October 31, 2007 and get up to 45 percent off regular rates, starting at $159.50 per person, per night. These resorts, with locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, among others, has partnered with Sesame Street and Crayola to provide entertainment for the little ones— including character breakfasts, stage shows, baking cookies with Cookie Monster, and dancing lessons with Zoe. Crayola Art Camps feature arts and crafts projects, island treasure hunts and more. Beaches Resorts is also helping out single parents by waiving single supplement fees (about $190 a night) between now and October 31, 2007. 800-232-2437, www.beaches.com.

Even though autumn is one of the most popular times to visit Arizona, you can still find fall deals. In the Sonoran Desert, the Hermosa Inn is offering a couples package through October 14, 2007 starting at $469 a night. That includes overnight accommodations in the romantic inn (we’re talking wood-burning fireplaces and views of Camelback Mountain), and a $100 voucher at Lon’s, the inn’s award-winning restaurant. 602-955-8614, www.hermosainn.com

Hotels.com is offering fall savings on select hotels. In San Diego, you can save up to 30 percent if you book by October 8 for travel through October 14, 2007. For example, the Sofia Hotel is offering savings for guest that stay three nights or more, starting at $139 a night. You can also save on rental properties if you book between now and December 3. For example, the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is offering savings for guests who stay at least three nights, starting at $165 a night, and features world-class golfing, an on-site spa and shuttle service to the theme parks.

It’s family time aboard the Washington Dinner Train, where kids ages 12 and under ride for free (adult tickets start at $53.99). This deal is available starting November 1, 2007, and features a three-and-a-half hour round-trip ride from Freighthouse Square in downtown Tacoma and Lake Kapowsin, with scenic views of Mount Rainier and a three-course meal. 800-876-7245, www.spiritofwashingtondinnertrain.com.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia is paying tribute to our military with 50 percent savings on room rates, ranging from $155 to $185 a night (plus taxes and fees). The 85-acre resort features the island’s largest water park, plus an on-site spa, three swimming pools, and kids’ activities. Military discounts must be booked before December 20, 2007 and are subject to blackout dates. 866-978-6226, www.cbayresort.com

Go turtle crazy at Casa del Mar Beach Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. This boutique beachfront property is offering special “Turtle Rates,” starting at $318 a night through December 19, 2007. Families have the opportunity to view endangered sea turtles in their natural habitat and participate in a protected hatching and release program. This rate also includes a turtle hatching T-shirt and is valid Sunday through Wednesday. 888-227-9621, www.casadelmarmexico.com

Looking for more deals? Check out the Deals of the Week homepage.

For more ways to save, visit Budget Carriers International.