How to book fall trips for less

Fall hotspots: Lower hotel, air fares

When you think of making travel plans, summer vacations and holidays breaks are usually what first come to mind. However, some of the best deals of the year are happening right now in the fall. It's not too late to plan a quick, inexpensive getaway.

It's called the "Fall Shoulder Season"-- the period of time after Labor Day and before Thanksgiving.

"This is the sweet spot for great hotel deals and great air fare, even more so if you combine them and book as a package" said Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor at travel website Orbitz.com.

Tornatore said there are many advantages to planning a long weekend in the fall-- starting with those lower prices.

"If some of the more popular beach destinations were out of your price range during the high summer travel season, now is the time to visit them," he said.

There are also other benefits like smaller crowds, no need for dinner reservations, more hotel perks, and you can book at the last minute.

Where To Go

Some of the hotspots on Tornatore's list include stats featuring beach resorts, like Florida, Delaware, Maine and Maryland. "A lot of the hotels in these resort towns are discounted 40 to 50 percent this time of year," said Tornatore.

If you're looking for fall foliage, instead of the beauty of the beach, she says you can see great fall colors for less money if you head west instead of
east.

"Right now, you can save 50 percent at the hotels in Aspen, and the trees are just beautiful this time of year," said Tornatore.

Tornatore also picks Nashville as a great place for a long weekend in the fall. She said this city isn't just known for country music anymore.

"It has a very up and coming culinary scene, great shopping areas, sports teams, great art scene and culture."

Of course, you should always shop around, and don't forget that tip of bundling your air fares and hotel for even more savings. Orbitz is just one travel site you can review for the best deal. Tornatore did pass along this promo code (GOODTIMES) for an extra 15 percent off hotels.