Like the weather, the travel industry has seasons. Summer is peak season, except for ski resorts, when winter is peak season. And, from just before Thanksgiving to just after Christmas and New Year's is holiday season, and everything else is called 'shoulder' season.
Shoulder season is bargain season. It's when airlines, hotels, cruise ships and tour operators want to fill up their empty seats and beds. Here are some deals and steals that won't wait --
Las Vegas -- US Airways Vacations is slashing prices on all Las Vegas packages, plus you are eligible to receive up to $50 off air and hotel packages when booking a minimum three night vacation. The offer is good through September 15, and travel must be completed by October 31. Las Vegas is an adventure anytime, especially if you head out of town to the Valley of Fire State Park, 30 minutes from the strip, and hike the multicolored calico mountains looking for Native American petroglyphs.
Mazatlan, Mexico -- Frontier Airlines has a new non-stop route between San Diego and the historic Mexican resort, and is promoting the route with a special $99 introductory fare, each way. The convenient Saturday morning departure starts Dec. 15, 2007, but book now to get the airfare deal. You will travel on Frontier's new fleet of Airbus A319 planes, with DIRECTV service and four pay-per-view movies in every seatback. These special fares must be purchased by 9:59 p.m. MDT on Sept. 12, 2007, for travel between Dec. 15, 2007 and March 5, 2008. Go bird watching in the Sierra Madre Mountains, kayaking through mangrove–lined coastal flats, visit the El Verde Sea Turtle Conservation Center, or take a jungle tour of San Blas or Guayabitos for the chance to come face to face with a crocodile or iguana.
Zion National Park, Utah - Xanterra Parks & Resorts, operates lodging in many US national parks, including Zion Lodge, which is the only hotel/restaurant accommodation in Zion National Park. You can camp out, of course, but not in the lodge, which again is offering its popular "Awe-some Autumn" package. Guests staying two consecutive nights between Nov. 1 and 20, 2006 will receive a 50 percent discount on the second night. Rates at Zion Lodge start at $140.50 for a standard room with two people. Mention the promotion code "BOGO" when making reservations.
The "Awe-some Autumn" package is timed to coincide with the changing colors. The weather is pleasant, and autumn arrives later than in much of the country, often resulting in the leaves’ yellows and reds creating a dramatic contrast to the spectacular backdrop of the canyon walls.
Take the hike up to Angel's Landing. The last part is steep enough to have you scrambling over a narrow rock path, holding on at times to a thick iron link chain. You'll be rewarded by a 360-degree view from the top and the sense of accomplishment.
Ski Free in Colorado -- The best deal on the slopes is returning to Crested Butte Mountain Resort, a formidable mountain with an equal combination of extreme skiing and snowboarding for adrenaline junkies and long, gentle cruisers for everybody else. The Ski FREE program is from Nov. 25 – Dec. 15, 2007. Skiing and riding is absolutely, positively, 100 percent FREE, no strings attached. Just go to the ticket office during these days and you'll get a smile and a free ticket from one of CBMR’s ticketing agents. The former “Ski FREE” promotion ran from 1991 through 2000. For other winter packages and visitor information, contact the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association
Double Stamps - The company that operates the Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands ls giving guests two EA$Y CHOICE stamps instead of one for each night of a qualifying stay, up to five nights, or ten stamps. Also, the program allows guests to use just eight stamps for a $50 room credit instead of the normal 10 stamps. The offer starts September 1 and runs until November 30, 2007
St. Kitts - To celebrate the launch of the new non-stop flight between New York’s JFK International Airport and St. Kitts, American Airlines is offering a discounted roundtrip airfare good for travel between November 18, 2007 and June 30, 2008. The $230 fare is offered as a package deal, so hotel reservations must also be made when you book the flight. Reservations must be made by September 7, 2007 through AA Vacations, Expedia or other authorized St. Kitts travel agents. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. .
Between November 18 and December 16, 2007, travelers get additional savings with the “Fall in Love with St. Kitts" offer. This is the Caribbean island's first ever island-wide discount program, and gives you an extra night free on stays of three nights or longer, plus extra goodies such as complimentary Continental breakfast daily and discounts on tours, car rentals and shopping. This package must be booked before December 11, 2007 for travel between September 1 and December 16, 2007.
Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts has more than beautiful beaches and sunsets, including hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean.
So, move quickly to take advantage of one of these travel deals, bargains and best bets.
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