All Inclusive Travel Deals

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.

All inclusive vacation spots can be the perfect choice if you ...

All inclusive vacation spots can be the perfect choice if you think you can’t afford a getaway this year. There are often many choices that will make you take a second look at your budget once you learn about attractive offers. This is how all inclusive vacation destinations thrive; by offering great value for money in a sunny locale. This type of vacation can be called a package holiday, as it typically includes accommodation, food, drinks, and some entertainment. Premium packages might also include airfare and transportation between the airport and resort. Each winter appealing all inclusive travel deals allow travelers to escape the cold for a week of sun and fun. Some of the world’s most popular beach destinations are among the list of all inclusive vacation spots. From the Caribbean to Mexico to Hawaii you will find attractive all inclusive vacation destinations. Some of these resorts will be much more affordable to reach by air than others, keeping the overall price of your trip down. Some travelers like to work backwards and find an affordable airfare first. Once you find a flight within your budget, you can search for a resort in Florida, Jamaica, or Cancun that has all-inclusive offers. This type of package is especially popular with families. Knowing that every ice cream cone your children want will be included in your vacation will help you to relax on the beach. All inclusive travel deals can be booked year round. There is somewhat of a misconception that all inclusive packages can only be booked for last minute vacations or in certain seasons, but this simply isn’t true. While it is popular to book these affordable packages last minute, particularly to find the best vacation deals, travelers who like to plan ahead can take advantage of the same savings that these packages provide. Some travelers prefer to put everything in the hands of a travel agent, who will listen to the criteria you outline for a trip and present you with matches for all inclusive vacation spots. Other travelers choose to search the Internet and take recommendations of friends for the best locations. If you don’t know where to start looking, it is important to first decide your priorities. From scuba diving to fine dining, each traveler will have their own priorities in an all inclusive resort. For this reason, there is a long list of the best all inclusive vacation destinations. While some travelers will love the family vacation options in the Bahamas, others will prefer the culture and music of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are known for their scuba diving while Aruba has a reputation as a foodie paradise. Some travelers might be looking for a destination where the party doesn’t stop, and will find the perfect match in Mexico. From Cancun to Cabo there are all inclusive travel deals that will bring you right to the party, especially during the weeks of spring break trips. Don’t forget about cruise vacations either—sometimes these are the best value all inclusive packages and also offer the opportunity to see more than one destination on a single trip.