Some Travel Deals To Sweeten Summer's End

As we enter August, it is officially the final full month of summer. If you’re like me and dread the impending cold, planning a trip can take the sting out of the fall.

Basking Ridge travel agents wholeheartedly agree with this game plan and offered insight into deals that are currently being offered. With kids headed back to school, deals abound due to fewer travelers hitting the sky or the sea.

Ellen Johnson of Ridge Travel (3 Lyons Mall, Basking Ridge; 908-953-0700) said, "Fall is an excellent time to visit Disney, which is less crowded at that time of year." Her pick for the best fall vacation package includes a free dining plan included from the end of August into September with a Disney vacation package. Several different complementary dining plans are available, including a package that provides a counter meal and a sit-down meal, as well as a snack.

If Mickey Mouse doesn’t appeal, she suggests getting some rest and relaxation in either the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana or Puerto Plata) or the Riviera Maya, a tranquil area in Mexico. Both areas are very competitively priced year-round, with some of the best deals offered in the September to November timeframe.

Nancy D’Andrea, owner of Topsail Cruises (Basking Ridge home-based agent, 866-626-2926), offers another idea for fall travel deals. She said, "As soon as the kids go back to school, cruise lines slash their prices. For instance, if you purchase a 5-night cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas departing on August 27 out of Bayonne, N.J., you will pay $1,049 per person for an oceanview room. The same room cost only $749 per person, if you sail on September 10.”

Additionally, there are ongoing cruise incentives available that vary based on total cruise cost, including free trip insurance or onboard credits. With every fall cruise booked through Topsail Cruises you can receive from $25 to $150 in onboard credits, via their current promotions.

D’Andrea offered some general advice to those looking to snag cruise deals. The best deals can be had 75 to 90 days prior to sailing, which is when rates start dropping. Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) and Carnival are the most economical cruises for families, providing military, resident and senior citizen discounts. NCL offers freestyle dining, with multiple venues and no set time for dining, which appeals to those who have kids and can’t necessarily commit to a set time for dinner each evening. Carnival has roomier cabins, even on the older ships, which gives families additional breathing room.

At Wabba Travel (66 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, 908-766-1233) agent Donna Lynch suggests Beaches Resort offer a great deal in the fall, cutting rates by 40%. The resorts are all-inclusive, which means meals, snacks and activities are included, she said. She noted that Beaches Resorts are upscale and appeal to those looking to avoid the feel of a bargain trip, while getting the most for their money. Vacationers can choose from locations in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica. “For a family of parents and two children, fall prices for five nights, all inclusive, starts at around $3,200, plus airfare,” she said.

If you were thinking about traveling this fall, there are plenty of deals to be found. All of the agents recommended booking as soon as possible, in order to get the best possible selection.

Added Note from Sharon Maroldi: Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June through November. I'm a seasoned hurricane-proof cruiser. Cruise ships monitor the weather and avoid predicted storms by changing itineraries, as necessary, which may result in either a missed port altogether (and another day at sea), or a change to a different destination. Trip insurance offers further protection should problems arise (with the weather or, for you, personally). All travel agents offer trip insurance. A great way to save some cash is to compare their price with Travelguard, a reputable online carrier that offers various plans to suit your individual needs and often comes in significantly lower than agents.