Sherman's Travel

North Carolina’s edges tend to be full of adventure. On the western side, there are plenty of peaks to climb, the Blue Ridge Parkway to traverse, and the single most visited National Park in the entire U.S. system. (Yes, that’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park – thanks for sharing, Tennessee!) Most tourists set on visiting the state during this time of year focus on that sector, and for good reason, but here’s a little-known secret: right now is a perfect time to go against the grain and head to the beach.

The Outer Banks region is iconic in its own right, swelling in the summer with locals and visitors alike. But the powdery white sands and miles of seashore remain accessible throughout the year, and the dawn of fall means fewer frustrations, cheaper rates, and more wide open spaces. The weather this time of year actually isn’t as bad as many would think. Often, highs reach into the mid-70s, and the waterways are still warm enough for swimming. Unlike many summer destinations, the Outer Banks never truly shuts down. A great many people live in this region full-time, meaning that most stores, activities, and restaurants will still be alive and well as autumn crests. Read more

It was a pretty brutal summer all over the United States. Here in New York City, where ShermansTravel is headquartered, that meant plenty of sweaty commutes and indoor (read: air conditioned) activities. It’s no wonder, then, that we’re pretty excited for fall to be here. Cooler temperatures, changing colors, football, festivals, and a bounty of seasonal foods make autumn a great season for getting outside, taking trips, and celebrating the end of that oppressive heat.

If you’re looking for places to celebrate the season, you should check out our Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations. Additionally, you can heed the advice of some of our experts. We decided to ask our ShermansTravel colleagues what they love most about this time of year. How do we do fall? Take a look. Read more

Fall is the perfect time to escape to the Cayman Islands to enjoy warm weather, clear waters and serene surroundings. Now Cayman Airways makes it easy and affordable for travelers with its Fall Fun Fares promotion. Book now through October 1 for reduced round-trip airfare from New York, Miami or Tampa starting as low as $178 for travel through November 7. Situated in the Western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, as well as tranquil beaches, state-of-the-art spas, and world-class golf. The Islands are also known for their wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to charming bed & breakfasts. Flights are selling fast, so don’t miss out on these incredible rates!

THE VALUE: This round-trip air costs $100 less than the average rate of fall flights to the Cayman Islands.

THE CATCH: Time is limited – you have to book this deal by October 1st.

THE DETAILS: Visit Cayman Airways to book your flights now.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Cayman Island Travel Guide to plan your beach getaway.

Search for your perfect hotel with our Hotel Search travel comparison tool.

This fall, travel to beautiful Zion National Park in Southern Utah, a natural sanctuary with over 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons and diverse plant and animal life. Stay at the historic Zion Lodge during the month of November for $140 per night, plus breakfast for two; this offer saves you 25% off the regular autumn rates. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Zion Lodge is located directly inside the park and boasts 75 hotel rooms and 6 deluxe suites, plus 40 private cabins within walking distance of the Lodge. The 4-star Red Rock Grill offers outstanding American fare and spectacular views of the park, and there is also on-site shopping and a café. Zion National Park is renowned for its sightseeing and hiking, and guests particularly enjoy the colorful fall foliage and crisp temperatures during November. Other popular activities include rock-climbing, cycling and horseback riding. Don’t delay, because this amazing sale will sell out fast!

THE VALUE: Save 25% on fall rates plus receive free daily breakfast for two.

THE CATCH: These rates do not apply from November 24-26, and prices are slightly higher on weekends.

THE DETAILS: The “Fall into Great Prices” rates can be booked online with Zion Lodge using the promotional code FALL, or by calling 888-297-2757. Sale subject to availability at time of booking.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Utah, and check out our Utah Travel Guide for more inspiration.

It’s not too late to plan a summer vacation, nor is it too early to book a fall getaway. But you will need to act quickly if you want to take advantage of AirTran’s 72-hour sale, which features one-way flights to top destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Caribbean from just $54! Whether you’re looking to relax on the beaches of San Diego or San Juan, Puerto Rico; explore the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, D.C. and San Francisco; or enjoy the outdoors in Denver and Seattle, AirTran can get you there. Book by June 9 for travel through November 15, 2011.

Sample One-Way Fares:
•    Baltimore-Boston: $54
•    Tampa-San Juan, Puerto Rico: $84
•    New York-Orlando: $89
•    Atlanta-Bermuda: $99
•    And more!

THE VALUE: These fares can save you up $100 each way!

THE CATCH: Blackout dates apply and travel windows are smaller for select destinations.

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit www.AirTran.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find great rates on hotels in your destination city!

Not sure where to go? Look to our Travel Guides for some inspiration.

Fly non-stop to Istanbul October through March and save hundreds with this round-trip air deal starting at just $505, including tax. Spend Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s in Turkey, for an unforgettable Eastern vacation. Warm up with Turkish coffee while completing your holiday shopping in bazaars, relax in the famous Turkish baths, or soak in thousands of years of history in museums and mosques.

THE VALUE: Non-stop flights from Chicago to Istanbul typically cost over $1,000, so this deal saves over $500 on normal non-stop fares.

THE CATCH: These flights will get snapped up fast, so book now for the widest selection of dates. Lowest prices were found for weekday travel.

THE DETAILS: Click here to book your flight online with our Travel Search price comparison tool.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find the best place to stay in Istanbul with our hotel reviews page, or check out what to do when you get there with our Turkey travel guide.

It’s not nice to play favorites, and with airberlin’s EuropePass, you don’t have to! Visit four cities in Europe now through September 30, and get all of your European flights for just $249 – that’s just $62 per flight, including taxes! You could start in Barcelona and work your way west, stopping in Nice, Rome, and Vienna, or go north to Oslo, Manchester, or Berlin – the possibilities are endless! This pass is valid for dozens of cities in 13 countries, including Russia, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

THE VALUE: Save over $100 on each flight, for a total savings of over $400.

THE CATCH: You must book your international flight (from the U.S. or Canada to Europe) on airberlin, or an airberlin partner.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit airberlin’s website.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the best hotel deals in Europe. Can’t decide which city to fly to? Check our Travel Guides for inspiration.

Some may mourn the end of summer, but here at ShermansTravel.com we’re looking forward to the upcoming cool and breezy season. Plus, we’ve rounded up the best cool-weather travel deals to leaf-peeping locales and beyond to help you make the most of fall. With autumn in the air today, some of our favorite scenic hotels are rolling out packages in celebration of the changing foliage. These lovely New England gems shine their brightest under the red, orange, and yellow hues of autumn. (See our Top 10 Fall Foliage Travel Destinations for more ideas.) Read more

I go in roulette wheel-like circles about whether or not I want to expose my children to Las Vegas. On the one hand, it’s Las Vegas. On the other, who better than a child to appreciate the flamboyance?

You know what else is tempting? Prices. Average daily hotel rates in Vegas are the lowest in the nation this fall, which makes me wonder if I want to look past the fact that that flamboyance exists as an enticement for me to gamble and shop away my kids’ inheritance.

“Vegas, at its core, is really a playground for adults. That’s not to say a traveler can’t find kid-friendly options because they do exist. It might just take a little digging to find them,” says Genevieve Shaw Brown, senior editor at Travelocity. “And right now, Vegas is such a tremendous value that families on a budget might be more likely to consider it as a destination than in the past.”

Read more

Escape to the romantic island of New Castle, New Hampshire this fall and relax before New England’s majestic transition to fall. The Wentworth by the Sea is offering a fall foliage package that includes a two-night stay, breakfast for two each morning, $50 spa credit at the full-service Wentworth spa, and complimentary dessert for two with purchase of an entrée ? all for just $478! The historic Wentworth is situated directly on the harbor and just outside of Portsmouth, and offers additional amenities including waterside dining, tennis, golf, indoor and outdoor pools, and a marina!

THE VALUE: With the Fall Foliage package, rooms start at $239/night ? up to $80 cheaper than standard rates.

THE CATCH: Taxes and gratuities are not included.

THE DETAILS: This package is valid through November 24 and can be booked at www.wentworth.com, using the promo code FLP.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Find great flight deals to the Northeast using our Travel Search price comparison tool.

Use our New Hampshire Travel Guide to help plan your weekend getaway.