Pack Your Bags - SmarterTravel.com Announces Bargain Destinations for Fall

BOSTON, Aug. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- SmarterTravel.com, a comprehensive online travel resource, has revealed its list of bargain destinations for fall 2007: Mexico, Ireland, Australia, Germany and Columbus, Ohio. The annual list is the result of monitoring travel trends, industry news and sale patterns to inform travelers about the places that offer the best value for the coming season, especially for travelers who want to take advantage of the less crowded fall months, or those who could not get away during the summer.

"Our annual list of fall bargain destinations is compiled by carefully watching travel patterns and reviewing deals offered by airlines, hotels and other travel providers," said Anne Banas, executive editor at SmarterTravel.com. "As fall is a great time to travel -- with warm weather and fewer crowds -- we recommend booking early. Deals to these destinations are sure to go quickly."

    SmarterTravel's 2007 fall bargain destinations include:

    -- Mexico. With new service from two airlines and many ways to enjoy
       upscale accommodations on a budget, Mexico is at the top of the list
       this season. Not only is Mexico affordable and even more accessible
       with expanded air service,  peak hurricane season tapers off at the end
       of September (though it officially runs to November 30) and the crowded
       winter tourism season doesn't kick in until the holidays, making
       mid-fall the time to go for good prices, pleasant weather and fewer
       crowds.

    -- Ireland. Although pricey in the summer, autumn airfare sales put the
       Emerald Isle back within reach for travelers on a budget. Just keep in
       mind that the weather grows increasingly chilly with each month, so
       unless you want nothing more than to hunker down at the pub or spend
       your days museum hopping (not such a bad possibility, really), consider
       visiting earlier in fall rather than later. United, US Airways and Aer
       Lingus are offering sale rates this fall for travel between the U.S.
       and Ireland.

    -- Australia. Fall in North America means spring in Australia, but no
       matter what you call it, it's the time to head Down Under if you're
       looking for a bargain before the summer tourist season starts. Fall
       offers a good combination of low prices and good weather, but since
       airfares spike in January and don't come down again until May, the
       lower prices available now won't be around for much longer. United's
       fall sale includes Australia, and Australian airline Qantas is also
       running a sale.

    -- Germany. Fall in Germany offers better prices and a quintessential
       cultural experience. The country is at its liveliest after the summer
       crowds go home and the Germans come out for Oktoberfest, when beer,
       music, and dancing draw huge crowds. Recent and current sales suggest
       that, as usual, airfare prices to Europe are already dropping for fall
       travel. Both United and Lufthansa are offering airfare deals, and
       American recently kicked off a European fall sale, which included
       destinations in Germany.

    -- Columbus, Ohio. The recent launch of low-cost carrier Skybus means that
       cities such as Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, San Diego, San Francisco and
       Seattle have an inexpensive express route to Columbus. Two free
       festivals make fall even more affordable. The 100th annual Circleville
       Pumpkin Show in October features giant pumpkins, harvest exhibitions,
       parades and contests. The festival, which takes place about 25 miles
       outside Columbus, draws crowds from the city and beyond. And, at the
       Columbus International Festival, visitors can experience food, arts and
       entertainment from 75 cultures around the world.

The full article, "Top five bargain destinations for fall 2007," is available at http://www.smartertravel.com/link/top-destinations-fall-2007. More information on each destination included in the annual report is available in SmarterTravel's Travel Guides at http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-guides/.

About SmarterTravel.com

SmarterTravel.com is the most comprehensive travel resource site available, offering consumers up-to-date expert advice and information for their every travel need. Created by an unbiased team of dedicated journalists, the site's goal is to help travelers better manage every aspect of their travel experience by making researched, informed decisions. Unlike other online travel resources, SmarterTravel.com brings together all the best content in one place, giving consumers the tools they need to ensure a great travel experience. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com/