Best End-of-Summer Deal Destinations

Branson, Missouri

Within a half-day's drive from St. Louis, Tulsa, and Memphis, Branson is a convenient end-of-summer weekend-getaway spot for many a Midwesterner. Plus, there are deals galore this time of year, especially if you book a package. Here's a good one: The 2012 Labor Day Getaway Package, offered by the Branson Tourism Center, combines three nights' accommodations at select hotels, theater and attraction tickets, and a dining certificate, starting at $359 for two people. This deal is also customizable: You can choose from one of five local hotels and pick your dining and entertainment choices from a list of eligible providers.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This splendid deal is only good for travel in August, so hurry up and pack: Book the Mega Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes two nights' accommodations, free hotel parking, and a special Philadelphia Teddy Bear, for one low rate. Also going on this month: VisitPhilly.com is throwing in two round-trip tickets on Megabus. Prices vary by hotel, but we found package rates as low as $159/night for two people (at Doubletree by Hilton Philadelphia Center City).

Niagara Falls, New York and Ontario

An easy weekend getaway from the New York area, Niagara Falls is simply gushing with deals this time of year. We like the Summer Spa Revitalization package at Marriott Fallsview, which starts at $199 per night and includes accommodations, a $40 spa certificate, breakfast for two, a $40 dinner voucher, a wine reception for two, and other goodies.

Don't want to go the package route? On select dates from August through September, travelers can save more than 60 percent on rates at Marriott Getaway on the Falls when booking through Travelzoo (rates start at $129/night).

Walt Disney World, Florida

For those seeking deals at Disney World, fall is arguably the best time to travel. But Disney deal offerings at summer's end aren't bad, either. From late August through the end of September, travelers can take advantage of value-season rates at official Walt Disney World resorts. For example, at Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House, rates start at $300 per night on weekends during value season, compared to $335 per night on weekdays during high summer and $410 per night in late winter. The same pricing structure applies at many other official Walt Disney World resorts.

Deals are available at off-site Disney resorts, too. Through September 30, save 20 percent on stays at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. (Get this deal on TripAdvisor, our sister site.)

San Diego, California

Both San Diego Restaurant Week and the San Diego Film Festival take place in September—incentive enough to visit the coastal city before fall arrives. But a surplus of late-summer bargains sweetens the deal: Through the end of the season, grab discounts on everything from helicopter tours (25 bucks off the Diego Delight Tour and $50 off the Unforgettable Tour from Corporate Helicopters of San Diego) to multicourse meals (get a three-course meal from Croce's Restaurant and Jazz Bar for just $35 per person).

Turks And Caicos

Turks and Caicos is chiefly known as a luxury Caribbean destination, but travelers can find significant savings on island stays this summer, especially at all-inclusives. Club Med Turkoise is currently offering end-of-summer packages starting at $1,199 per person per week; this price includes round-trip airfare from select cities, meals, accommodations, and some activities. Keep in mind that this resort is adults-only.

Bringing the kids? Check out Villa del Mar, a beachfront resort that's highly rated on TripAdvisor. Through a special offer available on TripAdvisor, guests can enjoy their fifth and seventh nights for free, in addition to complimentary breakfast, from now until fall.

Asheville, North Carolina

A weekend getaway to artsy Asheville is sure to be affordable, whether you plan to tour Biltmore, explore downtown boutiques and restaurants, or hike in the surrounding mountains. The Explore a Real-Life Castle package from Cumberland Falls Bed and Breakfast Inn includes two nights' accommodations and two days' admission to the remarkable Biltmore Estate, starting at $438 based on double occupancy; this package is available through September.

For nature buffs, Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds is offering special discounts in September (with the exception of Labor Day): Stay two or more nights in a cabin and get your third night's stay free. In addition, through the end of September, receive 20 percent off guided electric-bike tours in Asheville.

Whistler, British Colombia

Many ski destinations in Canada and the U.S. feature lower prices on everything from hotel stays to activities toward the end of summer and through fall. Although the slopes may be closed, outdoor mountainside activities, such as biking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and even sipping a glass of wine in a bubbling hot tub under the stars, make mountain escapes a worthy end-of-summer pursuit.

Whistler's no exception: The place offers plenty to do during summer's tail end, from canoe tours on pristine lakes to bear spotting (for the particularly courageous). Deals abound as much as local activities. From August through late November, receive 50 percent off your third night's stay and enjoy rates from $125 per night at Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside. And from August through November, get your third night free and snag complimentary breakfast for kids at Sundial Boutique Hotel Whistler.

Find more end-of-summer Whistler deals at Enjoy Whistler.

Miami, Florida

Summer is the low season for travel to Miami, so August and September are fantastic months for visiting this sunny Florida city on a budget. At the beachfront Fontainebleau Miami Beach, guests can receive their fourth night free plus $100 hotel credit through the end of September. Impala Hotel is offering 15 percent off weekday rates through the end of September. And SpringHill Suites by Marriott is doling out 15 percent discounts on end-of-summer stays as well.

To find more Miami deals, visit the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau website.

Denver, Colorado

We're seeing a ton of late-summer hotel deals in Denver this season. In August and September, rates at the Denver Marriott City Center are as low as $149 per night on select dates. At Hampton Inn & Suites Denver Downtown, guests can save 15 percent on their stay when traveling through the end of September. (Find this deal on TripAdvisor.) Also through the end of September: Save $30 on all suites at Magnolia Hotel Denver. (Find this offer on TripAdvisor.)

Plus, there's plenty to do in Denver this time of year. Visit the city over Labor Day weekend and catch A Taste of Colorado, a four-day festival chock-full of food trucks, live music, and sample tastings from local restaurants.

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