Fall is one of the best times to travel. It’s the low season in Europe and the Caribbean and tour operators are offering you incentives to book now. If you’re headed south of the equator, prices are already lower than in many other countries and you get to take advantage of their spring season. To help inspire your fall-and-beyond adventures, we’ve sourced some of the best deals up for the taking. (Note: Discounts and specials were available at the time of reporting. See company websites for specific terms and conditions.)
Take advantage of airlines' big fall sales
Major airlines are rolling out some of their biggest sales of the year. Air Transat’s Find Your Seat promo includes discounts on flights to Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America and Europe. Flights to Orlando are as low as $333, so combine that with the Disney deal below and you’re saving big on your trip down south. (Offers ends Sept. 10). Air Canada’s Worldwide Seat Sale covers most of the globe; some of the best international deals can be found on flights to Beijing, Dublin and Bogota. (Offers end Sept. 12). And over at WestJet, the Best-ination Sale features destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, including seats in Premium Economy. (Offers end Sept. 9).
Take advantage of Canadian offers at Disney parks
With the latest Disney World special, Canadians purchasing an adult four-day or longer base theme park ticket will pay as low as US$316 plus tax, which works out to just US$79 a day. This is the perfect opportunity to check out the new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where you’ll virtually shrink to the size of a toy and meet some of your favourite Disney characters such as Slinky Dog and Buzz Lightyear. Those planning a trip to Disneyland in California can also save, since three-day, one-park-per-day tickets are on sale for US$207 (US$69 per day). The highlight of Disneyland is easily Cars Land, where the Radiator Springs Racers ride is still one of the top rides and worth the wait. (Offer ends March 15, 2019).
Get some loonie love in Scottsdale, Arizona
There’s no need to panic about the exchange rate in Scottsdale, Ariz., where the “Loonie Love” campaign gives Canadians exclusive offers at resorts, restaurants, museums and outdoor adventures. Drive an authentic TomCar through the desert on a guided tour, or try to track down the nearly 100 pieces of public art that define the city. Don’t forget to make a stop at the Rusty Spur Saloon in Old Town, where you can dance with cowboys and cowgirls while listening to live country music. You can even double-dip on the savings since Marriott is offering Member Exclusive Rates at select Arizona properties.
Enjoy $100 nightly food and beverage credits when booking luxury suites
Until the end of the year, guests who book at Marriott International’s seven luxury brands in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean will get food and beverage credits and special amenities at more than 4,000 hotels. Try the U.S. Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Diego which was built in 1910 and is one of California’s most iconic hotels. You’ll get a US$100 nightly food and beverage credit which can be used at the Grant Grill, one of San Diego’s best restaurants. The JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is another excellent choice, with the sixth-floor rooftop park being a hidden gem in the B.C. city. Your C$100 nightly credit there is good for in-room dining, so enjoy the city before heading back to your room for a meal.
Save 15 per cent on Central and South America adventures
If you’re thinking about a trip to Central or South America, right now is the time to plan your travels since Intrepid Travel, a small-group, locally led and locally sourced operator, is offering 15 per cent off adventures booked by Sept. 6. A local guide will educate you about the history and customs of the Inca empire as you hike to Machu Picchu, where you’ll get a chance to share a traditional home-cooked meal with locals and learn about their livelihood. Even if you miss the deadline, South and Central America is still an affordable destination for those looking for an immersive and sustainable experience.
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Book now for 10 per cent off 2019 Europe and Britain tours
If you’re looking to get ahead on your vacation planning for the new year, take a gander at Trafalgar. The award-winning tour company, in business for more than 70 years offers a variety of itineraries, including ones designed for families and multiweek trips that will appeal to retirees. When booking 2019 trips to Europe and Britain by Sept. 24, you’ll get 10 per cent off your trip. Next year will mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Leonardo da Vinci, so consider the Rome and Tuscany Highlights tour, where you’ll learn about the talented master by visiting his hometown of Vinci.
See India for less, two different ways
Low-fare airline WOW air is offering flights to India from just $299 one-way. When you factor in fees, taxes and checked baggage, the lowest return flight is about $900, which is still a good price. This deal pairs perfectly with boutique river-cruise operator Uniworld’s Explore the Exotics offer, where you can save 20 per cent on select 2018 and 2019 itineraries in India. The 13-day India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges voyage allows you to cruise down the Ganges – average ship capacity 130 guests – before you discover India’s Golden Triangle (Delhi, Jaipur and Agra) by land, where you’ll see cultural sites such as Mother Teresa’s home and the Rajbari temples. The package also includes stays at Oberoi hotels, the chance to visit the Taj Mahal at both sunrise and sunset and Uniworld’s complimentary onboard Wellness Program, led by a resident yogi.
Go wild in Dominica with a free night
Hurricane Maria walloped Dominica last year, but the island is rebuilding for the better and some properties are ready to welcome much-needed guests with a special ReDiscover Dominica promotion. When booking a minimum four-night stay at select hotels, you’ll get one free night and US$100 in discounts on activities and adventures. With over 450 kilometres of trails, rain forests and waterfalls, Dominica is known as the Nature Island and one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. Visitors should take the time to see signature waterfall sites such as Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls and the Emerald Pool.
Save on various organized tours with Topdeck Travel
Topdeck Travel always has deals going on, but one that caught my eye is the 18-day, London to London epic European adventure. Designed for travellers aged 18 to thirty-something, this tour is an excellent opportunity for younger travellers to see some of Europe’s top attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, a surviving section of the Berlin Wall, Prague Castle and much more, while saving 10 per cent on select dates. Think of this as a European sampler to inspire future trips. If you’re the type of person who likes to book last-minute, you can also find deals on trips to Asia, Australia and New Zealand with Topdeck.
Head to the Himalayas and save $180
If you’ve ever wanted to trek the Himalayas, you can get $180 off and a free kit rental on Nepal adventures with Exodus Travels, which has been running tours to the region for nearly half a century. All tours are graded on a physically challenging level from 1 to 10, with many of the Nepal trips falling between 4 and 6. Whether you’re hiking the Annapurna Circuit or making your way to the Everest Base Camp, you’ll pass through villages where you’ll get a chance to interact with the locals and experience Nepalese culture.