Top 10 Last-Minute Summer Getaway Ideas for Every Traveler & Budget, From Beach Bum to Culture Enth

Aug. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Labor Day is quickly approaching and all summer you’ve been dreaming of laying on the beach, hiking in the mountains, or visiting the world’s top landmarks. If you haven’t planned your summer getaway, there’s still time, and procrastinators may be rewarded with last-minute deals in the U.S. and abroad. Travel Editor Kerrin Sheldon from Wanderfly.com, a travel recommendation site, offers his top 10 end-of-summer trip picks for every traveler - from the nature lover to culture buff and beach bum.

“Everyone dreams of that perfect summer vacation, but taking time to plan it is often a major chore as research shows the vast majority of travelers don’t know exactly where they want to go when they start the planning process,” said Kerrin Sheldon.  “Wanderfly helps people cut through the clutter of travel choices and suggests trips based on each person’s specific interests and budget to inspire people to get going and travel more.”

For the Budget Conscious Traveler:

Washington, D.C.
Not only is D.C. one of the most visited American cities, it can also be done on a strict budget. That is because most of its main sites (national monuments, war memorials, and Smithsonian museums) are everyone's favorite price: free. For those living on the East Coast, ditch long airport lines and rising flight prices and opt instead for bus travel. Both Megabus and Bolt Bus offer four-hour trips from NYC for around $10 (could be less or more depending on how far in advance tickets are purchased), and travelers get free Wi-Fi the whole trip down!
Flights from LA:  $330; Flights from NYC: $139.

Denver, Colo.
Destinations that cater to budget-conscious travelers have to boast plenty of free activities, and in that respect, Denver delivers. Denver boasts a large collection of free summer festivals and also has plenty of low-cost or free tours, including a tour and hike around Red Rocks Amphitheater and a free tour through Coors brewing process. Denver's location in the Rocky Mountains also allows for free hikes and outdoor activities aplenty, perfect for a late summer vacation. Flights from LA: $204; Flights from NYC:  $322.

For the Outdoor Enthusiast:

Pacific Northwest, USA/Canada
The United States' northwest is a nature lover’s dream. As the summer winds down, Portland's beautiful natural setting and central hub is perfect for exploring Oregon's top parks, including Mt. Hood National Forest. Buzz up to Seattle and Vancouver to get into that sea kayak or sailboat a few more times before summer ends. Vancouver is especially popular for sea kayaking, with tours abounding throughout the city and the chance to see Killer Whales at the height of whale-watching season. Flights from LA to Seattle: $200; Flights from NYC to Seattle: $400

USA National Parks
Traveling at the last moment can often be expensive, as rates usually spike as your travel time gets closer. Rectify the problem by ditching traditional air transportation, hotels, and that luxurious twelve-pillow selection by getting in touch with Mother Nature. Go camping! The United States boasts the finest national park system in the world. For West Coasters, head to the big three: Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon. For East Coasters, check out the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina or Acadia in Maine, both of which boast perfect weather for end of summer hikes. Your stress-levels and monthly budget will thank you.
Flights from LA to Yellowstone: $290; Flights from NYC Yellowstone/Yosemite: $440/$420

For the Beach Bum:

Outer Banks, N.C.
Often overlooked for the party, spring-break epicenter that is Myrtle Beach to the south, North Carolina's Outer Banks are filled with long, white sandy beaches and beautiful, clean ocean. Known as OBX, the Outer Banks are great for beach loungers and watersport fanatics alike. With the summer winding down, now is the time to strap on your waterskis, board your jetski, or strap on your floaties to enjoy the beach and ocean life a few more times.
Flights from LA: $480; Flights from NYC: $190.

Maui, Hawaii
Hawaii is much cheaper to travel to than it was even a year ago, especially for West Coasters. Maui has some of the finest beaches and snorkeling opportunities in the entire state. Before the summer ends, West Coasters may be lucky enough to snag round-trip tickets to everyone's favorite state for under $400. We recommend round-trip tickets for two, a beachside cottage, and a little romance to close out your season of summer lovin'.
Mid-September: Flights from LA: $400; Flights from NYC: $670.

For the History and Culture Buff:

Cusco, Peru
One part adventure-town, and two-parts historical relic, Cusco is one of the most vibrant and culturally stimulating cities in South America. Nestled high in the Andes Mountains and a mere bus ride from the famed Machu Picchu, Cusco's historical significance will satisfy any history buff. Walk among ancient Incan ruins and trails, tour the city's Plaza de Armas, and climb the surrounding mountains to get incredible panoramas. Plane tickets will often be cheaper if you fly into Lima rather than Cusco, so make sure to check this route as well. From there, bus rides and internal flights can get you to the ancient Incan city in the mountains.
Flights from LA to Cusco: $1100; Flights from NYC to Cusco: $750

Paris, France
The end of August and early September is one of the finest times to visit Paris. The famous Parisian streets, cafes, and vendors remain on the street but exude a new excitement by the coming of a new season. As the tourist-seasons of summer winds down, airfare and hotel prices will take a slight drop as well, making September one of the best months to visit the most popular city in the world.
Flights from LA: $1100; Flight from NYC: $750.

For the Nightlife Lover:

City Hopper: Reykjavik, Iceland to Amsterdam, Holland
Thanks to an awesome promotion by Icelandair, you can now experience two cities for the price of one by stopping over in Reykjavik, Iceland -- for free! -- on your way to one of Icelandair's multiple European destinations (we recommend Amsterdam for a great end-of-summer trip). Icelandair is offering a one-night layover in Reykjavik with a limited-time offer to stay at the Reykjavik Natura hotel for free! That's a free night in the most northerly capital in the world, where you can spend your night indulging in Reykjavik's historic nightlife. Head to the cultural district and get on the dance floor at Nasa, the country's most famous music venue and dance club.

Amsterdam, Holland
The following day, soak away the prior night's party in the Blue Lagoon before boarding the plane to Amsterdam, where an even livelier and storied nightlife awaits. While the Red Light District grabs the headlines, check out the clubs and bars surrounding Leidseplein Square or go to the even classier Rembrandtplein Square to hop around glamorous clubs and raging discos. With the summer winding down and the days growing shorter, September is one of the best times to explore the nightlife of both Reykjavik and Amsterdam.
Flights from Los Angeles: $1217 (including free stopover in Iceland); From NYC: on Wfly: $939 (including free stopover in Iceland). Go straight to Icelandair for the layover deal. Explore Wanderfly for Amsterdam hotels and experiences.

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Wanderfly (www.wanderfly.com) is a travel recommendation engine that helps people discover new experiences tailored to their budgets and interests. Its simplified end-to-end experience enables users to plan, share and book complete trips, including flights, hotels and activities. Powered by a sophisticated recommendation engine, it currently features 1,200+ destinations worldwide and content from dozens of best-in-class brands such as Orbitz, Hotels.com, Facebook, Foursquare, Yelp, Mashable, HISTORY®, and UrbanDaddy.