Best travel deals September 2023: Low Southwest fares and fall tickets to Busch Gardens or Universal

UPDATE: Sep. 13, 2023, 12:30 p.m. EDT This post is updated weekly with the latest travel deals on flights, cruises, theme parks, and more.

We all follow those people on Instagram who are somehow always on vacation. We don’t know their life story, but we’d be willing to bet they didn’t pay full price for that excursion — they just planned strategically. We’re keeping track of the best flight, train, luggage, and hotel deals below to help you do the same. Now get outta here.

Flights

Why we like it

The cold weather version of Frontier’s internet-breaking summer pass unlocks unlimited flights to both domestic and international Frontier destinations between Sept. 2 and Feb. 29, 2024, for a one-time fee of $299. Frontier serves more than 100 airports across the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America, with new locations frequently being added to the lineup. This is cheaper than even the summer pass’ debut price of $399 and its long-term sale price of $499.

Frontier also dropped a monthly pass that’s free for the first month (aside from a $49 enrollment fee) and renews for $149 monthly after that. Your unlimited monthly pass begins the day you purchase it and runs for 30 days each period. Be sure to read the fine print before snagging any of the tickets.

More flight deals

• Air New Zealand — get reduced fares to Auckland with the option to add cities like Christchurch, Wellington, and Queenstown (19 total options) at no additional cost

• JetBlue — save up to $600 plus your deposit discounted to $99 on flight + cruise packages

• PLAY — flights from BWI, BOS, SWF, or IAD to Iceland for $129 and to Copenhagen, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and Glasgow for $159 between Oct. 2023 and March 2024

• Southwest — one-way fares as low as $49 when booked before Sept. 17

Trains, cruises, and rental cars

Why we like it

If you need a sign to book that cruise you’ve been talking about taking since last year, Norwegian Cruise Line’s current deal is it. All cruises themselves are 35% off, with extra savings sprinkled in like an unlimited open bar, discounted shore excursions, and free airfare for a second guest — and the genius part is that you two can split that cost. The Greek Islands, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, Greenland and Iceland, and Northern Europe are all options available between seven and 10 days, plus trips to Alaska and Hawaii.

More train, cruise, and rental car deals

• American Airlines — save up to 35% on rental car base rates

• Amtrak — save up to 60% on eight tickets to various destinations, up to 50% on Northeast trips, up to 15% on California and Virginia trips, and more

• Celebrity Cruises — save 75% on a second guest plus up to $200 in onboard credits

• Holland America — get included gratuities for two guests plus up to $300 to spend on board

• Priceline — get up to $1,000 to spend at sea on selected discounted cruise destinations

• Princess Cruises — save up to $1,800 in coupon savings plus up to $285 in combined onboard spending

Theme park deals

Why we like it

Universal can probably convince you to stay in the area for a week with this deal: Buying a three-park ticket package (visit Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay on the same day) and staying five nights at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Universal’s Aventura Hotel will knock 30% off the total package. You’ll also get early admission to the parks.

Regulars (or future regulars) at Universal Orlando can also get three months for free with the purchase or renewal of any annual pass.

More experience deals

• Busch Gardens — buy a 2024 Fun Card and get the rest of 2023 for free at Tampa or get trips now through Oct. 31 for free plus unlimited visits between Jan. 8 and Sept. 2, 2024 when you buy a 2024 Fun Card at Williamsburg

• Hersheypark — save up to 40% on Halloween tickets

• Walt Disney World — get four days for $99 each with the 4-Park Magic Ticket through Sept. 29

Hotels

Why we like it

Quick weekend excursions are society’s sanity staples — but sometimes, you deserve more. If you didn’t get to take that long trip this summer, Kimpton’s extended “Stay Longer and Save” promo is your nudge to get away before 2024. Through Dec. 31, you can save between 15% and 20% on stays three nights or longer at a ton of stylish participating Kimpton locations across the U.S.

If a one or two-night trip is in the cards, however, you can also save up to 20% off the best flexible rate when you book at least seven days in advance.

More hotel deals

• B Hotels and Resorts Orlando — save up to 25% on stays of three or more nights when booked by Sept. 30 with code BSUMMER

• Casa de Sierra Nevada — stay three nights and get a fourth night free through Dec. 15

• Extended Stay America — save up to 45% on stays longer than 30 nights

• Hampton Inn — save up to 17% on the Best Available Rate when you book at least seven days in advance

• Hotel Belmar — save 25% when you book two or more nights through Sept. 30

• Hotels.com — save up to 25% when you book through the app

• JetBlue — save up to 20% on hotels if you have a JetBlue flight

• Marriott — save up to 20% on hotel and flight bundles to select destinations

• Priceline — save up to $625 on hotel and flight bundles to select golf destinations

• Red Roof Inn — save an extra 15% on your stay with Redi Rewards

• Sonesta — save up to 30% on stays through Sept. 15 when you stay two or more consecutive nights with code SUM2023

• Walt Disney World — save up to 25% on stays most nights Sept. 15 through 28

• Wyndham — Wyndham Rewards members can save 15% on two or more consecutive nights when you stay by Oct. 31, 2023

Luggage

Why we like it

Still putting up with your suitcase’s busted wheel? Longstanding luggage icon American Tourister’s extended site-wide Labor Day sale is your excuse to finally replace it. Save up to 20% on hardside and softside spinners, carry-ons, garment bags, and more.

More luggage deals

• Away — save up to 35% on select best-selling styles

• Bagail — save 15% on a set of six packing cubes

• Calpak — save up to 60% on best sellers during the Labor Day sale

• Dagne Dover — save up to 25% on limited edition SS23 styles

• Herschel — save 30% on Forever Classics

• Kohl’s — save up to 50% on suitcases from Delsey, London Fog, Rockland, and more

• Macy’s — save up to 60% on Bric’s Milano, DKNY, Jansport, and more

• Mark & Graham — save up to 50% on select personalized totes, handbags, travel pouches, and more

• Paravel — save up to 30% on select luggage, fanny packs, and more

• Samsonite — save 25% on select styles

• TravelPro — save 20% on all luggage sets

• Tumi — save up to 25% on hardside luggage and carry-ons, totes, backpacks, and more at the semi-annual sale