Sep 3, 2009 7:10 pm US/Eastern
Consumer: Off-Peak Vacation Destinations
Aspen, Orlando, Ireland, German, Curacao Top List Of Autumn Travel Bargains
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Want to get away? Travel experts say that, with the busy vacation season over, the fall is one of the best times to travel.
There are less crowds, the weather is still good, and this year, the deals are unbelievable.
Disney, Germany, the Midwest – if you didn't get there this summer, travel experts say that the best time to go is the present. These five destinations will give you a great fall getaway for even better prices.
"Through October this year, places like Aspen, Colorado are offering 50 percent off hotel rates," Anne Banas, of smartertravel.com, said.
Cynthia and Ian Narcisi are gearing up to travel across the country.
"We're big nature buffs, so we love to see the different national parks and whatever the state has to offer," Cynthia said. "And, we like driving!"
Once they get there, Banas recommends that they stay at one of Aspen's many ski resorts, where prices are going downhill.
"Plus, there's an "Aspen Pass" that can save you a lot of discounts on activities and food and beverages," Banas said.
The Narcisis found additional steals and deals by logging on to the Web site for the Denver Tourism Board.
"[It] had a lot of really good deals, like coupons for 15 percent off, like local shops and museums, and there were deals for restaurants," Cynthia said.
Autumn is also a great time to consider a trip to Orlando. Banas says Disney is offering discounted hotel and dining packages, and flights are a steal.
Air fares to Orlando are, "a lot of times, less than $200 round-trip from many departure points around the country," Banas said.
If you want to head overseas, Banas found week-long packages in Ireland for less than $200 per person, per night.
"For 35 euro, you can purchase what's called "the Dublin Pass," which gains you access to 30 different attractions in Ireland, including the Jameson distillery and Guinness," Banas said.
Another great fall destination is Germany, for Oktoberfest. Banas says many European carriers are offering round-trip deals for less than $500 per person.
Rounding out the list is sunny Curacao, the Caribbean island below the hurricane belt.
"To attract people in the off-season is what's called the 'Curacao Now' promotion, which has rebates on airfare, discounts on hotel, car rental, and even diving packages," Banas said.
If you're a leaf-peeper, wine-taster, or city-lover, there are also a number of similar deals for you. To find out more about fall vacation spots,
click here.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
Senate Democrats At Odds Over Health Bill 1 hr 9 mins ago 
Gov. Paterson Wants Lawmakers To Address Deficit 51 mins ago 
Stumble It!
Reporting
Comments