Labor Day Travel Deals

Labor Day falls on September 6th this year, and for those who haven’t booked any travel plans yet for the last weekend of summer, there are plenty of deep discounts still available. Whether you are looking for a family adventure or a quiet weekend retreat, here are some deals and travel tips to make the journey more affordable.

According to travel expert John Di Scala of www.johnnyjet.com, one of the best ways to save on airlines and hotels this Labor Day is to travel on off-peak days. “Instead of going Friday to Monday try and do Wednesday to Wednesday or Saturday to Wednesday.  Look for package deals and get on Twitter to see if anyone is offering a very last minute deal,” says Di Scala.

Florida is offering some of the best deals in the country this Labor Day. The Sunshine State’s beaches have been unaffected by the BP oil spill, yet prices for hotel rooms are down by as much as 30 percent across the Gulf Coast. “With all the bad news about the oil spill, Florida’s tourism really got hammered and they need you bad. According to one tourism official ‘everything east of Pensacola is clean and pristine,’ ”says Di Scala.

Some spectacular travel deals for this Labor Day:

Santa Rosa County, Florida

Enjoy the gorgeous sun-soaked areas of Navarre Beach, Historic Milton, and Blackwater Riverstate Park for a weekend of fun-filled adventure. Adventures Unlimited on the Blackwater River, one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, and Coldwater Creek offers a variety of activities including canoeing, kayaking, and canopy zip line tours.
Deals: Many accommodations in Santa Rosa County are offering up to 25% off specials this fall. For a list of participating properties and specifics on specials, visit floridabeachestorivers.com.

And take advantage of an end-of-summer giveaway to win a 4-night vacation at a Navarre Beach two-bedroom, sea-front condo. Deadline to enter is September 30th and the drawing will take place October 8, 2010. Enter at relaxatnavarrebeach.com.

Another family-friendly outing in Santa Rosa County that’s just minutes from the beach is The Gulf Breeze Zoo. The recently expanded zoo features 50 acres with hundreds of animals, a petting zoo, and the Safari Line Train, a 20-minute narrated ride filled with sightings of deer, antelope, zebras, and a close-up view of Gorilla Island and the Nile Hippos.
Deal: Entrance is only $12 adults/$8 children; www.gulfbreezezoo.org

Hidden Creek Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts love this scenic course with lush landscaping and rolling hills.
Deal: Special rates for wandermelon readers for a round of golf for only $35 + tax anytime Monday – Friday and after 10 am Saturday + Sunday (price includes cart and greens fee, not combinable with other offers). Please mention promo code TDC35 when making your tee time @ 850-939-4604.

SeaWorld
The Family Escape at Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld starts at $99 per night over Labor Day weekend including free kids meals, in-room movie night with pizza and soda, and a 10% discount at neu lotus spa saving families over 70 percent.  Enjoy a complimentary breakfast with Shamu on Saturday  mornings.

Stonewater Cove
For a magical lake escape, celebrate this Labor Day weekend hidden in the majestic natural wilderness of Mark Twain National Forest at Stonewater Cove in Missouri. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this stunning 500-acre playground features a stone and wood lodge with 18 rooms and suites overlooking beautiful Table Rock Lake and is the ultimate retreat for nature lovers looking for adventure.
Deal: Labor Day 3 night package for families or two sets of couples including a sunset or moonlight cruise with a complimentary bottle of champagne, leisure boat ride or water sport excursion, helicopter tour over of the Ozarks’ Table Rock Lake, and gourmet meals included.  USD $5374.03 per stay for up to 4 guests, inclusive of service charge and tax. Minimum 3 nights stay. Dates valid: 30th August 2010 to 13th September 2010. Package price is for up to 4 guests and includes a 15% service charge plus tax.

Labor Day Big City Breaks
Kimpton’s new Palomar Chicago and Palomar Atlanta: The Summer Playground package (through Sept. 10) includes $25 dining credit, free morning iced coffee and afternoon Arnold Palmers, hosted Sangria Happy Hour, and social media secrets that earn you room upgrades, free in-room movies and more with a secret password.
Deal: Call (877) 731-0505 toll free or visit www.hotelpalomar-chicago.com or www.hotelpalomar-atlanta.com and ask for the Summer Playground package (rate code PLGD).

Labor Day Airfare Deals
Take the work out of searching for a cheap flight with one of these Labor Day fare sales from cheapflights.com:

American Airlines is offering fares starting at $44 each way to cities like Las Vegas, Miami and Chicago. The sale ends Saturday, Aug. 21 and travel is valid between Sept. 1 and Sept. 9. Cheapflights Tip: The lowest fares will be found when you depart Sept. 1 through Sept. 5 and return Sept. 4 through Sept. 9.

Not to be outdone, United is also promoting Labor Day flights. The sale ends today and departures are good on Sept. 1, 2, 5 and 6. Return travel must be booked for Sept. 5, 6, 8 or 9. View more airfare deals here.

Whether you choose a sun-soaked weekend escape or an energizing city break, be sure to enjoy the last bit of summer fun this Labor Day weekend.