Follow these three travel tips to get the most value out of your getaway this fall.
1. Tip: Head to a popular summer beach escape
Beach getaways that people love in the summer are an insider’s secret in the fall — the weather is still great, crowds are few and the prices drop dramatically. The quintessential New England island destination of Nantucket is a great example.
White Elephant, Nantucket, Mass.
You’ll find this classic resort — with expansive lawns and 64 airy rooms — occupying a prime spot on Nantucket Harbor. In October, you can stay here for a low as $195/night, about half what you’d pay in the summer high season.
Nantucket Hotel, Nantucket, Mass.
Thirty elegant guestrooms and suites are all crisply upholstered in nautical blue-and-white fabrics at this stylish hotel, which reopened in 2012. One fun perk: a refurbished vintage 1934 Ford bus for shuttling guests to and from local beaches. The special rate of $175/night includes movie and museum tickets in October.
Related: America’s best hotels for fall colors
2. Tip: Visit a ski destination
Ski destinations are great fall getaways — you’ll get to see stunning foliage of all colors, get great weather and get super values in some of the most amazing resorts before the prime ski season rates kick in.
The Pines Lodge, a RockResort, Beaver Creek, Colo.
Just rated the third best resort in the cont. U.S. by T+L readers, this RockResort hotel gives you easy access to tons of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking and golf. The Pines Lodge Summer Time Rocks deal continues through Nov. 20 with rates from $99/night, up to 40 percent off.
Bentwood Inn, Jackson Hole, Wyo.
The hotel has teamed up with local naturalists to offer guided naturalist excursions to find and listen to elk bugling in Grand Teton National Park. You get the chance to get up close to see (and hear!) this natural event. The Elk Bugling Season Special is just $233/night ($695 for three nights, double) and includes a guided naturalist excursion, breakfast and an evening appetizer hour. From $233/night, a great value compared to the original rate of three nights for two at $885.
3. Tip: Explore a city
Sightsee, eat out and get some culture in major cities, where visiting on weekends can offer good hotel values.
It’s a treat to visit San Francisco in September and October, when weather is mild and suited to a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, which just celebrated its 75th anniversary in May. Hyatt Regency is offering an “explore San Francisco” package from $209/night, which includes passes for two on all Muni public transportation (including the famed cable cars) and dining discounts. From $209/night.
Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
In this election season, what could be a more timely destination than the nation’s capital? The Liaison Capitol Hill is celebrating with a “swing into the election” package that includes a walking tour kit, a list of political sites and fun facts about past elections. From $159/night.
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