With the summer unofficially started and schools closing out the year, families are busy planning their summer vacation. With so many options, Travelzoo Deal Experts are sharing their top destinations and tips to get away this summer without breaking the bank:
Travelzoo Tip #1, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas: Families can take advantage of the year's biggest sale for Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas -- a luxurious resort playground that rarely discounts to this level. Save as much as 65% on regular prices at the five Atlantis "towers," plus special prices on activities, entertainment and two nearby Paradise Island hotels. Also, summer vacations through Aug. 18 come with a perk for every member of the family: free breakfast and dinner for kids 11 and younger, plus $150 worth of free food and drink samples for adults.
Travelzoo Tip #2, The Beaches of Fort Myers-Sanibel: The Beaches of Fort Myers-Sanibel provide a laid-back vacation alternative for Florida-bound travelers: Theme parks and nightclubs don't rule this part of the state. Seize savings up to 50% through early fall -- and spread out in hotels, resorts and condos along the Gulf Coast's linen-white beaches. Southwest Florida International Airport is serviced by more than a dozen airlines, with more than 40 cities offering nonstop service.
Travelzoo Tip #3, Myrtle Beach: The whole country is catching on to a secret we've known all along: Myrtle Beach is a great place to hit the sand without dropping much gold. Ranked as one of the top 10 affordable U.S. destinations by U.S. News & World Report, the Grand Strand offers deals that save up to 40%, even on peak summer pricing. In the last two years, several airlines have added direct service, making Myrtle Beach easy to reach from across the U.S.
Travelzoo Tip #4, British Columbia: Everything is "greener" in British Columbia -- from its lush landscape to the eco-conscious attitude of its locals. Discover why this corner of Canada is considered one of the best places to live with a summer trip that can save up to 50%. Vancouver, the ideal starting point for your adventure, is serviced by cities across the U.S. From there, enjoy ferry rides to Vancouver Island (recently voted the No. 1 island in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler readers) and scenic drives to Whistler.
Travelzoo Tip #5, Stay Local: Sometimes staying local can be more relaxing than jet setting to a far-off destination. Travelzoo Deal Experts have negotiated hundreds of spa, dining and entertainment deals perfect for some summer fun. Travelzoo subscribers can enjoy local deals in more than 97 markets including a luxe 4-course Italian picnic in New York's Central Park for $39 or Cirque du Soleil's "Quidam" in Indianapolis for $21 or a San Francisco Bay tour for $39. As an added bonus, Travelzoo is helping teachers kick off their summer by offering a http://www.travelzoo.com/from-the-deal-experts/travelzoo-celebrates-teachers/ on select Local Deals and Travelzoo Getaways now through June 17, 2012.
-- Andrew Young is based in New York City and is Travelzoo's U.S. Website Editor. Travelzoo has 250 deal experts from around the world who rigorously research, evaluate and test thousands of deals to find those with true value.