Still time for a summer vacation: best deals on 3-, 6-, and 7-day getaways

Summer is fading fast, but with these deals on airfare, hotels, and more, you can book a last-minute getaway and make it back in time for Labor Day. 

A flamingo walks along the beach on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, May 17, 2013. Norwegian Cruise Line has a deal for a 7-day cruise to the Caribbean in early December.

/Todd Vansickle/AP/File

July 12, 2013

You may not think there's a lot left to celebrate this summer, but we say there sure are plenty of places to visit while the sun is high in the sky. This week's best travel deals make it possible for you to fly coast-to-coast or cruise on down to the Caribbean and still have some cash left over for Labor Day fireworks.

American Airlines Nationwide Weekend Roundtrip Flights
Vendor: Shermans Travel
Price: From $112.80
Lowest By: $151
Expires: July 12

Is It Worth It?: We know you're saving those vacation days to extend a Christmastime getaway, so anything but a weekend trip this summer is next to impossible. But thanks to American Airlines' weekend airfare sale, you can still get in that mini vaca while the weather is warm. Destinations include Chicago, Miami, New York, and more.

This price is valid on flights departing from Dallas, TX, (DFW) to Wichita, KS, (ICT) on July 20 with return on July 23; prices vary depending on the travel cities and dates chosen. Book this travel deal by July 12 for travel July 19 through July 23.

Virgin America 1-Way Fares
Vendor: Travelzoo
Price: From $68.90
Lowest By: $50
Expires: July 31

Is It Worth It?: Famous for its low fares and high-quality service, Virgin America offers nonstop flights to major cities throughout the U.S. for as little as $69 each way. While these fares are for mid-week travel, destinations do include Boston, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, New York, and more.

This price is valid on flights from Los Angeles, CA, (LAX) to San Jose, CA, (SJC) departing on July 24; prices vary depending on the travel cities and dates chosen. A 14-day advance purchase may be required and blackout dates may apply. Book this travel deal by July 31 for travel July 22 through August 28.


7-Night Norwegian Cruise Line Bahamas Cruise for 2
Vendor: Travelzoo
Price: From $1,198
Lowest By: $60
Expires: July 31

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Is It Worth It?: For long-range planners, booking this cruise for two that departs on November 17 is a no-brainer. You'll save $60 now and then return relaxed and ready for the holidays after a week lounging on the lido deck. The Norwegian Breakaway leaves from NYC and makes port in Florida and Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau, Bahamas. And just think of all the real puka shell necklaces you could get away giving the relatives this Christmas!

This roundtrip cruise departs from New York, NY, on November 17 and includes stops in Port Canaveral, FL; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas; and Nassau, Bahamas. Some restrictions may apply; fees, government taxes, and fuel supplements are additional.

7-Night Norwegian Cruise Line Caribbean Cruise for 2
Vendor: Travelzoo
Price: From $1,158
Lowest By: $60
Expires: July 12

Is It Worth It?: If you want to see more than just the Bahamas, you could alternatively spend a week aboard the Norwegian Epic, named the "best cruise ship" in 2011 and 2012, and visit the beautiful and fun-loving St. Maarten and U.S. Virgin Islands, and then enjoy a stop over in Nassau, Bahamas before returning to Miami on December 14.

This roundtrip cruise departs from Miami, FL, on December 7 and includes stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Some restrictions may apply; fees, government taxes, and fuel supplements are additional.

6-Night Paris and Barcelona Flight and Hotel Package for 2
Vendor: go-today via Travelzoo
Price: From $2,398
Lowest By: $18
Expires: July 31

Is It Worth It?: Rather than the pier, head to the airport for a whirlwind tour of two of Europe's most dynamic cities, spending three nights in picturesque Paris before moving on to bold Barcelona. You'll enjoy a 3-night stay at the Comfort Hotel Lamarck Paris and an equally nice 3-night stay at the HCC Covadonga Hotel in Barcelona.

This price is based on departure from New York, NY, (JFK) with arrival in Paris, France, (ORY) on December 3; other departure cities are available for an additional cost. This deal includes roundtrip airfare, 3-night hotel stay in Paris, flight to Barcelona, 3-night hotel stay in Barcelona, hotel taxes, and more. Some dates may be excluded and additional fees may apply.