It’s the last long weekend before summer ends, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your last free vacay days sitting at home watching re-runs of How I Met Your Mother or Toddlers and Tiaras — although there’s nothing wrong with that on most days. Instead we suggest you take advantage of this long weekend, find a fantastic travel deal and have fun. Don’t worry, we’ve done most of the work for you.
1. Hit the Beach in Florida
Don’t say goodbye to the sun just yet. Catch some surf and sand at the ocean-side Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale. On 16 acres of beachfront property, you won’t have to go far to relax. The hotel offers a 22,00 square foot full-service spa, a fitness centre and outdoor pool, plus three restaurants including 3030 Ocean, which serves up fresh, local seafood.
The Deal: Receive a $50 nightly resort credit by booking before September 9, 2012. Travel must occur between August 1 – September 30, 2012. Use the code ZX0 when booking online.
2. Fly Away with Porter
One of our favourite airlines, Porter, is having a 50% off base fares for new bookings until Friday, August 24, 2012. With destinations including New York City, Chicago, Boston and Montreal, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a city escape. Plus it’s the perfect time to squeeze some fall shopping in and maybe even score a final summer sale.
The Deal: Travel must occur before September 30, 2012. Use promo code 082212 when booking.
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3. Shop and Explore in Montreal
If you haven’t already started your fall shopping, now is the time to start. Get a taste of culture without crossing the Atlantic by hitting up the vibrant city of Montreal. Consider booking into the recently renovated Hotel Omni Mont-Royal located in the heart of downtown. This four-star property has luxurious guest rooms complete with plush robes, espresso machines, HD TV’s and iHome docking stations.
The Deal: Save up to 30% on regular rates if you book 3 nights. A deluxe room booked from August 31 – September 3, 2012 comes out to $153.30 a night. Stays must occur between August 30 – September 9, 2012. Click here to book online.
4. Enjoy the Outdoors in Stowe, Vermont
We had the pleasure of visiting Stowe during the winter and while that’s a no-brainer for anyone who likes to hit the slopes, it also happens to be a gorgeous destination when the grass is green. The Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa is a four-diamond luxury resort with cozy accommodations, two award-winning restaurants, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and did we mention there’s a 50,000 square-foot spa? There is plenty to do in the area too, from bike riding to golf, as well as horseback riding and even canoeing. We imagine we’d probably finish the day with a relaxing spa treatment. Hey, it’s well deserved.
The Deal: This Labour Day, the resort is offering a 3rd night free when you book 2 consecutive nights between August 31 – September 3, 2012. With a deluxe room starting a $259 a night, it’s a savings of almost 40%. Call 1-(800) 253-2232 to book.
5. Lounge Poolside in Washington, D.C.
In between visits to the Smithsonian and shopping in Georgetown, you can enjoy the rooftop of the recently redesigned Liaison Capitol Hill Hotel found in the heart of the city. All of their sleek and modern 343 guest rooms include amenities such as high speed Internet access, flat screen HD TV’s and a six-choice pillow menu (sweet!). The rooftop includes a pool and the only open-air rooftop bar on Capitol Hill, which is open to the public after 5 p.m. Enjoy regional cuisine with a Southern flair at Art and Soul, the hotel’s signature restaurant, which happens to be run by Chef Art Smith, perhaps best known as Oprah’s (former) personal chef.
The Deal: Enjoy rates starting at $169 a night with their “Dive In Chill Out” package that includes daily breakfast for two at Art and Soul, daily yoga on the rooftop and a “Sun Yourself” kit that comes with sunscreen, lip balm and bottled water. Available for stays between May 14 – September 3, 2012. Use promo code SUMPKG when booking. Click here for details.
