Summer is flying by quickly, but there’s still plenty of time to book a budget trip before the season of peak wanderlust expires. Right now, Caribbean destinations are stealing the spotlight with an extended Independence Day sale at Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas resorts, as well as enticing spa and flight perks at both Sandals and Beaches properties. And even in peak season, major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney are slashing 30 percent off of select sailings.
As autumn approaches, so does the rail tour season, timed with fall foliage hitting its peak. Traverse the country by train with last-minute deals through Vacations by Rail, or take a tour of the Southwest with discounted kid prices at Rocky Mountaineer. Whether you’re looking to get away tomorrow or thinking ahead to 2025, options abound—so get to planning before these mid-summer deals blow away.
(Looking to upgrade your travel gear? We also have deals on luggage, clothes, and men’s and women’s shoes for Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale rounded up.)
All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Alex Erdekian.
Flight deals
Cut costs big time with Frontier Airlines’ shockingly cheap one-way flight sales
Summer and autumn flight sales are in full swing at Frontier Airlines, where travelers can currently snag one-way flights as cheap as $19 between select locations on select dates. This option works best if you’re flexible with dates and destinations—you won’t have a lot of wiggle room with these deals. If you’re feeling restless, on a budget, or are eager to get out of town, consider Frontier for an affordable start to your getaway.
Grab cheap one-way flights with Hawaiian Airlines’ sale
It’s easier than ever to say aloha to a Hawaiian getaway thanks to Hawaiian Airlines’ current sale, which offers discounted rates on one-way trips to several popular islands from West Coast cities. Flights start as low as $119 for basic economy between numerous California and Hawaii cities, and select flights from Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Austin, Boston, Las Vegas, and New York also make appearances in the sale. Travel dates currently run from August through December.
Save up to 30 percent on vacation packages with Spirit Airlines
The budget airline is making it a cinch to save big not just on airfare, but hotels and more with its vacation packages, which are currently up to 30 percent off when travelers book flights, hotels, or rental cars together. Several of the top deals offer trips to Las Vegas and Cancun from cities such as Chicago, Houston, and New Orleans, starting at shockingly low prices that include flights and a hotel. International destinations, including Mexico and the Dominican Republic, are also on the table.
Save up to 40 percent on hotel stays in Etihad Airways’ Stopover Package
Stopover packages are a great way to add another destination to your journey without spending too much extra cash. Travelers who want to experience Abu Dhabi can take advantage of Etihad Airways’ discounted Stopover Packages, which currently include 40 percent off two- or four-night hotel stays in top properties, or a free stay in select three- or four-star hotels. The offer also comes with discounts on restaurants and other experiences, as well as amenities like 24-hour check-in and buffet breakfast. Travelers must make bookings at least three days in advance before arriving in Abu Dhabi.
Train deals
Save up to $500 on scenic rail tours for booking early, or up to $250 for booking last-minute
Vacations by Rail has two limited-time offers, one for the planners and one for the spontaneous. The first is the 2024 Early Booking Offer, which offers anywhere from $200 to $500 off escorted 2024 rail tours booked by July 31. The second, more instantly gratifying special is the Final Call for Fall, slashing $250 off September 2023 rail tours in the US—also known as the start of leaf-peeping season—as long as they’re booked before August 4. Whichever route you take, you have options for saving.
Save $700 on children’s bookings for a scenic train tour through the Southwest
Bring your kids on a journey through the scenic American Southwest with Rocky Mountaineer’s family pricing promotion, which applies to bookings for July and August. The eligible train tour is called the Rockies to the Red Rocks, a three-night trip that takes passengers from Denver, Colorado, to Moab, Utah. Children—anyone 17 and under—can get $700 off their tickets so long as they’re sharing a room with a parent or guardian. Read up on the promotion and call to apply the discount at booking.
Ride out Amtrak’s range of ongoing sales
Amtrak is offering some good longer-lasting deals. Tickets on the Downeaster train, which runs five round-trips between Boston and Maine each day, are now eligible for a buy one, get one half-off deal. The special discount runs through December 2023, so you have plenty of time to enlist a travel buddy—just book at least three days in advance. More details on the discount here.
Riders can also enjoy up to 20 percent in savings on train rides booked at least seven days in advance, trimming costs on a variety of routes that range from coast-to-coast with no change fees. Plus, on most journeys, seniors save 10 percent on ticket costs—that means people 65 and over for qualifying domestic trips and ages 60 and up on cross-border expeditions. In addition to all that, Amtrak recently sweetened the savings on its children’s discount, so little ones between 2 and 12 years old may travel for 50 percent off with an accompanying adult.
Tour deals
Take up to $500 off an international tour with EF Go Ahead Tours’ fleeting sale
Whether you’re planning travel for this fall or looking ahead to 2024, you’re eligible for savings on several international tours with EF Go Ahead Tours’ Off-Peak Escape Flash Sale. The travel company is discounting themed tour options between now and March that span a variety of destinations—London, Paris & Rome; Egypt & the Nile River; Iceland & the Northern Lights; Australia & New Zealand; and various Italian cities. All you have to do to save is scroll through the many, many tour options and pick your experience before July 24, when the promotion ends.
Consider an affordable Dubai and Abu Dhabi tour package
Seven nights’ accommodation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, daily breakfast, activities and transfers, and airfare from the US—all for under $1,100, if you play your cards right—is a pretty impressive deal and is the latest offering from tour operator Indus Travels. With a starting price of $1,049 for select dates in September (other dates between August and November are available at a range of prices, plenty of which are still a great value), the newly announced Magical Dubai itinerary offers a thorough exploration of the lively United Arab Emirates city, including a day in the country’s capital, Abu Dhabi; the rate does not include a daily tourist tax of about $5.
Hotel deals
Act on a Bahamian resort company’s extended Independence Day sale to get one night free
Atlantis Paradise Island is still running its Independence Day sale at all four of its Bahamas properties, which applies to bookings of four nights or more any time between now and November 20. On those eligible bookings, the fourth night comes free—and the reservation will include a daily $25 resort credit. All you have to do is book before July 25.
Find discounted room rates at Freehand Hotels in New York, LA, and Chicago
Boutique hospitality company Freehand Hotels just announced its Maximum Fun at a Minimum Price special, meaning room rates are low throughout the summer. Private rooms (including solos, kings, queens, and triples) start at just $129, and quad rooms (meaning four separate beds) start at $149 at Freehand’s New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago locations only. There’s limited availability, so don’t wait too long to get plans in order, but the promotion technically runs through July 31 and applies to stays through the end of August, so you have a little wiggle room.
Save 30 percent or more on hotels with the Expedia Summer Sale
Expedia always offers enticing deals for last-minute bookers, but in these high-temp months, savings are even hotter. Expedia’s summertime sale means getting up to 30 percent or more off on select stays booked through August 20, 2023. Right now, we’re eyeing 30 percent off at Boston Harbor Hotel, 35 percent off at Secrets St. James Montego Bay and Zoetry Montego Bay in Jamaica.
Make up for part of those flight costs with perks at a new Cabo resort
Corazón Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is drawing people in right now with its Sea, Sun & Savings deal, offering credits on credits to help guests afford the full experience. Bookings come with a daily $75 credit for food and beverages, a $150 massage credit, a $50 credit for a rooftop tequila tasting, and $100 to spend at Cabolectric, a sustainable activity company most notable for its electric surfing equipment.
Get pampered with spa and flight perks at Sandals and Beaches resorts
This summer, in honor of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are hosting a Rhythm & Blues Caribbean sale that includes a $500 credit toward airfare for trips lasting seven nights or longer (or, a $250 credit toward airfare for five- or six-night stays), plus a $150 spa credit on stays at least five nights long. The bookings just need to be made before July 27, and travel can take place any time through New Year’s Eve.
Save 15 percent or more on spontaneous bookings with Booking.com
Booking.com loves a getaway deal, which comes in handy when you’re letting your wallet determine your next vacation. The site promises at least—not “up to”—15 percent off qualifying hotels of all price ranges, which are sorted by destination on the site to help guide you to a decision.
Stay longer, save bigger at Omni Hotels this summer
The longer you stay, the more savings you’ll rack up with Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Longer Days, Longer Stays promotion, running now through September 28 and eligible for trips during the same time frame. The enticing package means that a one-night stay equals 10 percent off, two nights equals 15 percent off, and three nights or longer equals up to 20 percent off the cost of the booking. Countless Omni properties in every corner of the United States are participating, giving you full control over where you venture. The question now is…how do you choose?
Celebrate the 120th anniversary of NYC’s Kixby Hotel
To celebrate its 120th birthday, the Kixby Hotel, one of the longest standing hotels in New York, has launched its 120 Days of Summer package, which applies every Friday this summer. The deal is chock-full of savings with a numerical nod to the hotel’s longevity, with $120 rates for lux king or queen room categories; $1.20 drinks and burgers at on-site restaurants; and $120 worth of in-room goodies. The deal runs through August (reserve at least two days in advance) and availability is limited; use code 120 to check available dates.
Earn 20 percent off nightly rates and a $100 daily resort credit at Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos
This butler-serviced villa resort in Providenciales is welcoming families this summer with 20 percent off the best available rate, plus a $100 nightly resort credit (and a gift for kiddos under 12), for travelers who book before September 30 for trips through December 18, 2023. Activities on tap for kids and teens this summer include bone fishing excursions, sailing lessons, and private cooking classes.
Get a sweet, suite deal at Mondrian Los Angeles
Level up your LA vacay with discounted suites at Mondrian Los Angeles—they’re currently 20 percent off and also come with a $25 daily in-room dining credit and guaranteed late check out of 1 p.m. (early check-in is based upon availability; the deal also is subject to availability, and blackout dates may apply). The suites offer travelers a spiffy home base right in the heart of West Hollywood, and the property’s dreamy rooftop pool is a perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing and celeb spotting.
Cruise deals
Hurry aboard Royal Caribbean with 30 percent off adult fares and free kids fares
Multiple offers are stacking up at Royal Caribbean from now through the end of July, with three fleeting and combinable offers: adults sail 30 percent off all sailings on or after August 1; kids 12 and under sail free on itineraries between August 1, 2023, and April 30, 2025; and an extra $50 to $150 (depending on the length of the trip) is automatically slashed from each stateroom on sailings between September 1, 2023, and New Year’s Eve 2024. Read the fine print for a complete understanding of how it all works.
Take your family on a Disney cruise with a 30-percent-off special
The famously family-friendly Disney Cruise Line is now offering between 20 and 30 percent savings on select cruises setting sail later this year from ports including New York City; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Port Canaveral, Florida; and Brisbane, Australia. The current cruises on sale include Halloween-themed sailings and a quick Christmastime trip, adding the joy of the holidays to the mix.
Kids cruise free in parties of three or four with Holland America Line
Family vacations with Holland America are extra affordable in 2023 and 2024 with the cruise line’s limited-time Kids Cruise Free booking deal. The special offer provides free travel to destinations like Alaska, Europe, and the Caribbean for up to two kids, if they’re booked as the third and/or fourth guests in the party. As far as Holland America is concerned, anyone 18 and under qualifies as a kid, so you can bring your teens along for the journey just as well.
Jump on a Mediterranean cruise sale starting at $399 for seven nights
Through September 8, Costa Cruises is taking some serious dollars off its Mediterranean cruises, offering a variety of 8- to 15-day itineraries. The two most affordable options start at $399: One departs from Savona, Italy, and the other from Civitavecchia, Italy (outside of Rome). The various itineraries on sale offer range, with many centered around Italy, Spain, and France, and others stopping through ports in Greece, Croatia, and Turkey.
Set sail to the Galapagos with 20-percent-off savings and free flights
Celebrity Cruises travelers can also enjoy major savings on an all-inclusive trip to Ecuador’s historic Galapagos Islands, if they play their cards right: that means 20 percent off cruise fares and free round-trip airfare when you book an offer package by calling the cruise line directly before July 31. By all-inclusive, Celebrity will cover flights, guided Galapagos National Park excursions, meals by a Michelin-starred chef, unlimited drinks and Wi-Fi costs aboard the ship. (Find more of our favorite Galapagos cruises here.)
Even more travel deals
Earn a free day with your Hertz rental car when you choose an electric vehicle
Hertz is going all-in on incentivizing its electric vehicles, which now includes offering one day free on electric car reservations lasting two or more days. Use promo code 211174 at booking to redeem the offer, and enjoy as much as 50 percent off your reservation, depending on how many days you’re away. The offer only applies on trips taking place by September 6, so start plotting.
Get a quarter of the price cut on rental cars picked up by December 31
Rental car company Budget is offering up to 25 percent off its weekly car rates for 2023 reservations lasting five nights or more, so long as you mention the code BCD D111800 at checkout. The offer is subject to vehicle availability, but there’s no room for complaining with a deal this painless.
Save hundreds on extended stays with Cabana Camper Vans
Cabana is a modern mobile hospitality company with a fleet of luxury, high-tech camper vans for rent. For travel beginning August 1, they’re offering $600 off trips lasting 10 nights or longer and $200 off trips lasting at least five nights. Use the promo codes EXTENDEDSTAY10 or EXTENDEDSTAY5 at checkout to cash in on the deal. Find additional deals to take advantage of on the site’s offer page, including deals for teachers and first responders.
Invest in a milestone trip
If a Kenyan safari is the adventure you need after the United States’ warm season winds down, Cottar’s Safaris, a luxury outfitter based in Maasai Mara, has an enticing offer for travel between November 1 and December 19, 2023 (Kenya’s springtime). Three-night stays at both of Cottar’s facilities—the 1920s Camp and the Bush Villa—come with a fourth night for free. Additional restrictions apply, and travelers also confirm availability before booking.
