Top Five Bargain Destinations for Fall 2013

Oregon

It may not be the first place that pops into your head when you think about foliage, but, in fall, Oregon offers lovely autumn color and a major wine harvest, all at prices that make East Coast leaf peeping seem like highway robbery. Throw in new flights and you've got yourself a bargain destination worth its weight in gold, red, and orange leaves.

Travel Oregon lists the latest hotel discounts, car-rental deals, and attractions specials all over the state. The site is also brimming with autumn activity ideas for visitors. Through November 20, Alaska Airlines passengers receive complimentary wine tastings at participating wineries and can check a case of Oregon wine for free when leaving from select airports. If you're looking for a city stop, check out the Portland Perks hotel package, which offers exclusive rates and extras such as free parking and breakfast, plus discounts at attractions, shops, and restaurants. And while Oregon is already well connected to the rest of the country, it recently got a service boost (and will likely see an associated increase in competition) when Delta kicked off four new daily flights between Portland and Los Angeles earlier this month.

China

If you've been eyeing China, now may be the time to mobilize. Not only are airlines offering some noteworthy airfare deals, but package providers are seriously discounting independent and guided tours in destinations all over the massive country. Just note that the first week of October is a "Golden Week," or a week-long national holiday, when you can expect larger crowds at tourist destinations and higher prices at hotels.

We're seeing both U.S.-based and international carriers running fare specials between U.S. departure cities and destinations in China. As of press time, Delta is running an Asia sale that includes select cities in China. In addition, both United and Air China are featuring attractive fares to China for select travel dates this fall. Package provider China Spree has a number of deeply discounted packages, including a seven-night trip to Beijing and Shanghai with airfare, tours, and hotel stays from $1,039 for November travel (that's around $800 off the a la carte rate).

Southern California

Not ready to bid good-bye to warm weather? Then head to Southern California for endless summer, new flights from around the country, and an abundance of travel discounts. From Los Angeles south to San Diego, there are plenty of offers that make a Golden State visit a true bargain this fall.

Earlier this month, Delta kicked off expanded Los Angeles service, with new flights to Columbus, Indianapolis, Kansas City (Missouri), New Orleans, Oakland, Portland (Oregon), Raleigh, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, and Tampa. While it's not a guarantee of lower fares, new service tends to inspire competition among airlines and has the added benefit of offering passengers more flight choices. On the ground, find hotel deals such as nightly rates from $149 at the Hotel Carmel in Santa Monica for guests who call in their reservation and mention the free nighttime outdoor art event Glow, which takes place on September 28. During October, kids eat, stay, and play free at hundreds of spots in San Diego.

Florida

Whether it's due to the lingering threat of hurricane season (which doesn't technically end until November 30) or the drop-off in family travel now that the kids are back in school, Florida is a steal this fall.

Wherever you go in Florida this season, you're likely to find bargains. Visit Florida is featuring offers such as 30 to 50 percent off stays plus resort credits and upgrades at hotels around the state. Even Walt Disney World is enticing prospective travelers with discounts on Disney resort stays. And airlines are getting in on the action with sales from around the country. In recent weeks, we've seen domestic airfare sales from AirTran, American, Delta, Southwest, and Virgin America for fall dates. Check our airfare-sale reviews when you're looking to book to see the latest offerings. Plus, JetBlue will be rolling out new nonstop service to Florida throughout fall, with routes including Hartford, Connecticut, to Fort Myers and Tampa, and Worcester, Massachusetts, to Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando.

U.S. Virgin Islands

First, the downside: Hurricane season runs through November 30. But the traditional peak in activity falls in early September, so a fall trip isn't as foolhardy as it might seem. The upside, particularly for bargain hunters, is that air-and-hotel vacation deals from a variety of providers make a trip to the no-passport-needed Caribbean islands appealingly affordable in the coming season.

Delta's Island Time Getaway offers $450 in savings (broken down into a $250 flight credit, the fifth night free, and $200 in on-island food, shopping, and activities certificates) when you book a five-night air-and-hotel package departing on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The deal is good at participating resorts on St. John and St. Thomas. CheapCaribbean.com cycles through deals quickly, but it has recently offered deep discounts on USVI vacation packages. For instance, we found a four-night air-and-hotel package at the Buccaneer on St. Croix for fall dates marked down from $1,509 to $869 per person. And American Airlines Vacations has vacation offers for USVI destinations, including air-and-hotel packages for $999 or less per person.

What other destinations have you seen with great deals this fall? Share your ideas in the comments section below!

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