Scoring great deals on fall vacation destinations

Summer may be over, but one of the best times of the year to vacation is just getting started.

As the long, hot days fade away, consumers are now entering the largely unheard of Fall shoulder season for travel and that means you may be able to get some great deals.

With turning leaves, cooling temperatures and dropping prices, the fall season may be the best kept secret for travel.

"The Fall Shoulder Season is the sweet spot for travel," said Jeanenne Tornatore, Senior Editor at Orbitz.com.

Tornatore says that travelers seeking out fall color can get some great deals without venturing far from home.

"Gas prices are great right now, so you can still take a really easy fall drive getaway. The great thing about fall is there are so many regions of the country that have fall celebrations and beautiful fall colors," she said.

But if you're not ready to give up on summer just yet, Tornatore says take the high seas for a budget-friendly tropical getaway.

"This is the time of year to book and take a cruise. You can book cruises very last minute and still save up to 60%," said Tornatore.

Or if you're feeling really adventurous, Tornatore recommends heading abroad.

"If you've had Europe on your bucket list, this is the year to plan and take that European vacation in the fall. Airfare prices are coming down and the dollar is still very strong against many of the European currencies, including the Euro," she said.

She also advises booking trips in packages, combining airfare with hotels or car rentals will save you money during the off-season.

And if you're packing your bags to see the fall foliage, Tornatore says to look for rescources online that deatail when each region will peak fall colors to help you maximize your fall travel experience.