Off-Season travel means great deals for fall getaways

Don't forgo dreams of getting away from it all this fall just because your pocketbook is a little lighter than normal. Off-peak destinations mean great savings for you, fewer tourist crowds and weather that isn't scorching hot.

This year's top five fall hot-spots include Barbadoes, Jamaica, Panama, Sarasota (FL) and Taos (NM). By watching for reduced airfares and hotel rates, penny-pinching travelers are sure to be pleased. Here, some suggestions from SmarterTravel.com's Anne Banas, executive director, and great deal finder.

"Not only is fall a great time to get away, prolonging that summer travel feeling a few more weeks, but many hotels and airlines offer deep discounts and incentives to fill up empty rooms and seats," says Banas. "These savings offer an opportunity for travelers to get away from the fall stresses - back to school, longer work hours - without spending a lot of money."

Barbados
Known as "Little England," Barbados offers miles of beaches on the island's tranquil Caribbean and wilder Atlantic coasts. Coral reefs surround Barbados, making water sports, like snorkeling, diving, and "snuba" (a mix of the two), a popular pursuit. A short flight from Miami, the island is served by several U.S. carriers, including American, Delta and US Airways. During the off-peak fall season, travelers can save up to $58 per night at popular Barbados hotels, such as The New Edgewater and Coral Mist Beach Hotel.

Jamaica
As one the most affordable Caribbean islands, fall is an especially economical time to visit. Visitors can expect to find big savings on airfare and accommodations, as well as pleasant weather, picture-perfect beaches, famous sunsets and sprawling resorts, particularly in Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. This year, travelers can find savings on airfare, accommodations and bundled packages -- and can save as much as $390.

Panama
One of Central America's up-and-coming destinations, Panama offers plenty of adventure and eco-tourism travel opportunities with major tourist attractions, such as the Panama Canal. Panama also has a host of outdoor activities in its 14 national parks, ranging from bird watching to whitewater rafting, hiking and horseback riding. In the Boquete area of Panama, travelers can indulge their caffeine habits; several coffee farms offer tours and tastings of the local treasure. A comparison of high- and low-season accommodations shows that travelers can save up to $60 per night by traveling during the fall.

Sarasota, Florida
Located between Ft. Myers and Tampa on Florida's west coast, Sarasota offers year-round summer weather. Fall is particularly pleasant time, with plenty of activities and events to keep travelers busy before the crowds of the winter high season descend. Besides hitting the beach, visitors can look forward to golfing (Florida's first golf course is in Sarasota), hiking, bird watching, camping at the area's two state parks and visiting botanical or jungle gardens. Known as Florida's cultural coast, Sarasota has dozens of galleries, an art museum, and 10 theaters, and is home to a professional ballet troupe, a symphony and an opera. Savvy travelers visiting Sarasota this fall can expect savings of up to $50 on airfares.

Taos, New Mexico
Taos is a busy destination year-round. While winter draws skiers and snowboarders, and summer is popular for river rafting, hiking, and strolling through the town's art galleries, fall is also a particularly appealing time to visit. The autumn shoulder season brings eye- popping fall foliage to the Taos Ski Valley, the mild weather is perfect for outdoor adventure, and the area offers an array of seasonal events. Taos has dozens of B&Bs, many of which offer fall discounts. Other, larger properties keep the same rates year-round, sometimes well under $100 per night, while still others raise prices only around the December holidays. By traveling in Taos' shoulder season, travelers can expect savings of up to $50 per night.

To read more on the top five off-peak destinations for this fall, click here.

(Source: SmarterTravel)