Summer’s super, sure — less so the high-season price gouging that always seems to go along with. Now that the kids are heading back in school and the rest of us back to our desks, it’s about to turn into a buyer’s market, out there on the road. So much so that it’s well worth bucking the trend and booking passage somewhere fun. If you can get away with it. Here, ten outstanding deals that might just put you in the mood to try, anyway.
#1 LONDON
Why now One of the world’s most expensive cities is on sale — and that happens like, well, never.
Hot deal For just $757 round-trip, you’re getting a break on a short break from British Airways. Included are round-trip airfare, all taxes and fees, plus two free nights in a not-too-shabs hotel (three stars and up). Book by September 5, travel October 29-December 14 or December 24-March 26; more at ba.com
.
#2 NEW ORLEANS
Why now Six years after the post-Katrina floods, the Big Easy continues to surprise with its capacity for reinvention.
Hot deal Book the Reconnect package at The Ritz-Carlton — one of the city’s top addresses — from just $169 a night; stay for two nights and receive a $50 credit, stays of three nights receive a $100 credit. Valid through September 15 (ritzcarlton.com
).
#3 LAS VEGAS
Why now Summer doesn’t end around here for a long while yet — how’s 100 degrees and a cool pool strike you right about now?
Hot deal It’s more like where aren’t the deals these days, but the top address on the strip right now is easily the chic Cosmopolitan resort, where they’re currently offering 25 percent off a 4 night stay. Call (877) 551-7772 and ask for the Book 3, Stay 4 package; based on availability (cosmopolitanlasvegas.com
).
#4 TUSCANY
Why now The summer villa crowds are gone and the deals are on.
Hot deal Spend six nights in a four-star country hotel including air and rental car for just $1,099 per person, plus taxes and fees of about $155, through Sceptre Tours. There’s a slight catch: You have to take 3 other people to get this rate. Book by Friday, travel October 1-31, lower winter rates available. Package may sell out before booking deadline (sceptretours.com
).
#5 BEIJING
Why now With healthy competition in the tour market, now’s the time to take advantage of some great bargains.
Hot deal Eight days to Beijing, round-trip flights on Air China, most taxes and fees and tours for $1,129 per person with China Spree. Based on availability, depart on or after November 15 (chinaspree.com
).
#6 THE CARIBBEAN
Why now With all the kerfuffle over its new product, Disney Cruise Line‘s oldie (and goodie) Magic is on sale this fall.
Hot deal Sail round-trip out of Florida’s Port Canaveral on one of two seven-night jaunts to the islands for just $1,099 per person in a Verandah stateroom. Call (800) 951-3532, based on availability. Depart either September 24 or October 1. Full payment required at time of booking (disneycruise.com
).
#7 SAN DIEGO
Why now Let’s do this one more time: Sand. Surf. Moderate temperatures. Nice people. Fish tacos. Why are we even having this conversation?
Hot deal Book two nights (any day of the week) and get the third free at the W Hotel, located steps from both the Gaslamp Quarter and the fun Little Italy district — all just a couple of minutes from the airport. Book and stay by December 30, call (877) 782-0104, use promo code Z3R. Stay longer and receive a free third night for every two booked (whotels.com
).
#8 CENTRAL EUROPE
Why now One of the best continental itineraries you’ll ever do is Prague, Vienna and Budapest by rail. If you’ve done so, you’ll probably agree. If you haven’t, what are you waiting for?
Hot deal From $1,599 per person, Austrian Airlines is offering round-trip air and three nights apiece in Prague, Vienna and Budapest, plus breakfast and all rail transfers. Call (800) 790-4682 to learn more. Starting rate good for travel from November 1, other dates available. Some taxes and fees additional (austrianair-vacations.com
).
#9 ORLANDO
Why now Been to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal yet? How about now, during one of Orlando’s quietest times.
Hot deal Universal Orlando’s Best Days To Vacation package gets you up to 30 percent off your stay (based on 7 nights), meaning nightly rates from just $154, including bennies like early park admission and Universal Express ride access, which allows you to jump lines. If there are any. Book and stay through October 6 (universalorlando.com
).
#10 PUERTO RICO
Why now If you can handle the uncertainty that comes along with hurricane season (and hey, we’re now pros here in the tri-state area after last weekend), Puerto Rico’s almost free right now.
Hot deal Get four nights at the Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Resort & Villas plus air from New York from $499 per person. Includes weather protection insurance and $100 off coupon if it rains during your trip. Book by Thursday, travel by December 12. Taxes and fees additional, use promo code 100PR for up to $100 more additional savings at time of booking (cheapcaribbean.com
).