Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Fall 2010

Summer vacation might be coming to an end, but shrewd travelers can take advantage of hot deals around the world during the fall. We’ve searched high and low for the most exciting off-peak locales, including beach towns, cultural centers, and tropical escapes, and narrowed this year’s best bets down to just five. Read on for the top off-peak destinations for fall 2010.

Nantucket

Nantucket may be a popular summer beach destination, but once Labor Day rolls around and the kids go back to school, prices drop and savvy travelers can still experience everything the island has to offer. Plus, the Nantucket Historical Association’s Harvest Fair and the Annual Chowder Contest in October provide lively alternatives to summer sand, and activities like hiking and biking are still enjoyable in cooler temperatures.

Hotel rates drop during the autumn, even at upscale inns like the Wauwinet and the White Elephant Hotel. I compared prices at these and a few other hotels during peak and off-peak times, and found savings of up to $375 per night.

Off-peak rates are based on stays October or November; peak travel prices are based on stays June through August. All fares were found on the respective hotel websites and do not include taxes and fees.{{{SmarterBuddy|align=left}}}

Fall may be an even better time than summer to visit, since there are many unique opportunities for visitors. Explore the native cranberry bogs, which are open to the public for a short time during the Nantucket Conservation Foundation’s Cranberry Festival in October. Or tee up at the Sankaty Head Golf Club, which opens its greens to the general public in the off-season. You can also explore the island’s culinary side during Restaurant Week from September 27 through October 3, when dining establishments offer prix-fixe three-course menus.

For more information, visit the Nantucket Chamber of Commerce.