The Best End-of-Summer Destinations

Sedona, AZ

We picked the best photos of readers' favorite spots to visit as summer winds down. The resulting gallery showcases the wide range of amazing places Smarter Travelers consider when they plan their final summer vacations, with images of icy glacial waters, sun-soaked canyons, a unique view of the Eiffel Tower, and much more. Below each photo, there are useful tips from the photographers for finding value in each destination.

No matter where you are in Sedona, photographer Mike Cavaroc says, "The mountains tower over you, practically forcing you to appreciate what Mother Nature is capable of creating." But this red-rock city is nothing to be scared of. On the contrary, its 4,500-foot elevation is the perfect respite from the scorching Phoenix heat. Even better is nearby Oak Creek Canyon, where Cavaroc notes, "The temperature drops even more as pine trees shade the canyon providing an endless amount of outdoor activities." Best of all, it's affordable. You can purchase a $5 daily Red Rock Pass and explore the entire Sedona area.

(Photo: Mike Cavaroc)

Bermuda

Although it's often associated with the Caribbean, the Atlantic island of Bermuda is actually east of South Carolina. As a result, the Bermudan high season is really in the summer months. As Lori Reis tells it, "There are a lot of incentive deals to travel there" when the summer is coming to an end. But Bermuda is still pricey, so Reis recommends all-inclusive resorts or cruising so you'll save by "having all your lodging and meals on the ship."

(Photo: Lori Reis)

Tybee Island, GA

"If you have to say goodbye to summer, there is no better way to do it than with the sound of crashing surf and screaming gulls," reports Mary Beth Chirico, who snapped this photo of Georgia's Tybee Island and says it's "way up there on my list of favorite places." Maybe that's because "all you need to have a great week on Tybee Island is a bathing suit, a pair of flip-flops, and a towel!" For keeping costs low, Chirico advises visitors to "pack a picnic and enjoy seaside eating, check out the souvenir shops, and maybe find an end-of-the-season bargain."

(Photo: Mary Beth Chirico)

Paris

As Nanci Mancinelli sees it, August is a great time to visit Paris because most of the city's residents are off on their own vacations, but "many tourist attractions are still open. And, the restaurants are open, which is the most important thing." She notes that with fewer people around, "there are bargains to be found" on shopping, at hotels, and more. For better value on food, Mancinelli tells us to eat at local places, which travelers can find by asking our hotel clerks for their favorite eateries.

(Photo: Nanci Mancinelli)

Queenstown, NZ

Being Down Under, New Zealand's seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. As such, Americans say goodbye to summer as Kiwis bid their winter low season farewell. For travelers from up north, this means savings on airfare. Once in New Zealand, Queenstown is a great choice for its "water, mountains, nightlife, shopping, adventure, [and] all things outdoorsy," according to Benjamin Chicoski. He adds that the city will "fit everyone's whims and fancies." For those particularly interested in adventure travel, the area is full of winter sports and hiking opportunities.

(Photo: Benjamin Chicoski)

Molokai, HI

For Crystal Swink, Molokai is an ideal destination at the end of summer (or anytime of year). "Most of the island is still virgin, unpopulated, beautifully desolate land," she says, and this "offers privacy, seclusion, and a genuine Hawaiian atmosphere." With its limited development, Molokai's hotel choices are slim, so Swink suggests booking a vacation rental. Good sources for such rentals include VRBO and HomeAway.

(Photo: Crystal Swink)

Glacier Bay, AK

For Dianne Bonner, getting the most out of a trip to Alaska's Glacier Bay National Park depends on the research you do in advance. She recommends investigating "everything on the Internet before you go, prices, bus trips, train trips, etc., [because] there is just so much to do." Bonner says the area is great for all types of travelers because of the spectacular scenery and wildlife, particularly the whales, which "are something you will never forget."

(Photo: Dianne Bonner)

Georgetown, CO

Besides the beauty of the town, Jim Strayer recommends Georgetown, Colorado, for the Georgetown Loop Railroad, as well as "river rafting and casino action in nearby Black Hawk." He notes that prices are quite reasonable for families, and the town's history is also of interest to visitors.

(Photo: Jim Strayer)

Mike Cavaroc, whose Sedona photo kicked off this gallery, calls Lake Powell "one of the premier escapes from the heat for areas all around northern Arizona and southern Utah." With its endless water activities and cool evening temperatures, Cavaroc feels that the lake is a great spot for summer escapes. He notes there are some great ways to visit the lake affordably, including sharing the rental of a houseboat with friends or family.

(Photo: Mike Cavaroc)

Big Sur, CA

For "scenery that lifts your spirits," look to California's Big Sur, says Evelyn Gabriel. At the end of the summer, Gabriel continues, "the crowds have thinned out ... and you can linger over lunch or dinner" at restaurants. Also, hotel rooms have more availability, and "even at the last minute you can usually find one that has a good rate or the view that you want." When it's time to move on, you may choose to stay in the area, as Gabriel did, heading just up the coast to Carmel and Monterey.

(Photo: Evelyn Gabriel, Godfrey, IL)

Isle au Haut, ME

Couples seeking "the absolute most romantic getaway" may find Marianne Dyer's choice of Isle au Haut, Maine, to be just that. Half of Isle au Haut is in Acadia National Park, so the "pristine beauty" she describes is sure to be in ample supply. For lodging, Dyer stayed at the Keeper's House Inn and praises its simplicity: "There is no television, fax, email, Internet, or electricity. Just rooms with gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean!" For the best value, she suggests buying a package, which includes all meals, beverages, use of bicycles, and more.

(Photo: Marianne Dyer)

St. Pete Beach, FL

Kathleen Zwanziger's photo beautifully captures the end of summer through the eyes of a child. And Zwanziger suggests St. Petersburg is a great place to "relax before the hectic school schedule begins again," predicting visitors will find greater value at this time of year because of the notable absence of "snow birds." Beyond the beach, she recommends cultural attractions like the Salvador Dalí Museum and the Greek fishing village of Tarpon Springs, as well as the Myakka River State Park and Selby Gardens for their scenic beauty.

(Photo: Kathleen J. Zwanziger)