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9 End-of-Summer Travel Deals to Book Now

By U.S. News & World Report

Learn where to plan an affordable late-summer vacation.

Experienced globetrotters understand that traveling at the end of the summer has many advantages. Crowds have usually thinned and bargains abound. And for travelers yearning to plan a last-minute weekend escape, hotels and resorts are offering an array of special discounted packages. So, if you want to slash costs on a spur-of-the-moment summer getaway, look no further than these enticing, wallet-friendly vacation destinations, where it’s easy to find a deal.

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, you can help preserve the environment through the Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort’s Reforest the Rainforest initiative. Located on a 1,100-acre tropical rainforest, resort guests can immerse themselves in the regional culture by learning Spanish with a language instructor. Plus, you can taste local flavors with cooking classes, and you can even master the traditional art of cigar rolling before indulging in Costa Rican and global dishes at La Vista Restaurant. Nightly rates for a last-minute weekend package from Aug. 12-14 start at $174.

Aruba

Boasting 15 acres of white sand oasis, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino occupies an expansive strip of real estate on the iconic Palm Beach strip. Guests have an unparalleled vantage point when enjoying activities such as paddleboarding, biking, tennis and aqua aerobics. Try your luck at the resort’s casino with a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and Caribbean Stud Poker. Visit the capital city of Oranjestad for an afternoon of shopping, and explore the downtown area via the free eco-friendly trams. Nightly rates start at around $239 from Aug. 26-28.

Dubai

Inspired by the imperial palaces of the Ottoman Empire, Dubai’s Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is a five-star hotel located on the elusive west crescent of the Palm Jumeirah. This summer, the resort celebrates its fifth anniversary and is inviting travelers to enjoy five nights at a bargain-friendly rate. Until Sept. 30, you can book a deluxe king room with sea views at a special discounted rate with the promo code ANNIVERSARYP. With your stay, you can also enjoy unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark along with access to a stretch of pristine private beach. Nightly rates start at around $232 from Aug. 26-28 with the anniversary promo code.

San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico

Known as the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, San Felipe lies just 118 miles south of the U.S. border. An outdoor paradise filled with warm waters and beautiful landscapes, San Felipe features a wide expanse of flat sand that is ideal for walking, shelling and rounds of golf. Because summer is considered low season (high season takes place throughout spring), the San Felipe Marina Resort & Spa is offering a variety of packages. The Sunday through Thursday promotion for two adults (for $90 per night), for example, includes one continental breakfast for two, a 10 percent restaurant discount and one welcome margarita per person.

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

For a sunny beach retreat that won’t hurt your wallet, look no further than Grand Cayman. At The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, you can save 40 percent on the second night of your stay from July 31 to Oct. 31. The picturesque resort is nestled amid tropical palm trees along the island’s famous Seven Mile Beach. Spend the day soaking up the sun beachside or venture out on the water for water skiing, sailing or other sports. And for a little extra pampering, rejuvenate at Hibiscus Spa or spring for a meal at the Beach House, an award-winning restaurant that serves mouthwatering dishes like sea scallops Benedict.

Houston

With plenty of free outdoor attractions to explore, Houston offers lots of reasons to plan a summer getaway. And at the Hotel Granduca, Houston, you can pick from a variety of enticing packages. From August to September, the hotel is offering the Ultimate Experience package, which includes a free suite upgrade (based on availability) and extra amenities and perks, such as Italian coffee or tea delivered to your room, plus a daily $15 credit in the hotel restaurant or bar. And when you’re not checking out Houston’s sights, you can unwind at the hotel’s tranquil veranda for an afternoon tea or evening cocktail, or you can enjoy some laps in the cabana-lined swimming pool. Nightly rates start at $199.

Budapest, Hungary

This summer, guests staying at Aria Hotel Budapest will experience the local Hungarian culture and flavor through the A Taste of Aria package. Refresh your taste buds with this two-night package that pampers travelers with discounted rates and craft cocktails — think: the Budapest Mule and Barbados Rum Zing — at High Note SkyBar, Aria’s rooftop bar that affords panoramic city views. At the hotel, you can also take advantage of the rooftop garden, the pool and fitness center, the spa and complimentary wine and cheese each afternoon. The package is available for travel through Aug. 31, with nightly rates starting at $248.

Duck, North Carolina

The Outer Banks will be buzzing with activity later this summer thanks to Sanderling Resort‘s Take 5! promotion, which offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary fifth night for each four-night stay. Aside from its two pools, recently renovated rooms and expanded restaurant space, the hotel also offers a wealth of recreational activities, including kayak tours, paddleboarding classes, surf lessons, sailing cruises, water skiing and tubing. Plus, the property boasts its own idyllic beach. With the resort’s seasonal promotion from Aug. 19-21, nightly rates start at $419 and include the fifth night free.

Manalapan, Florida

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is currently offering a Stay Two, Third Night Free guest room package through Nov. 20 for ocean-facing category rooms and suites. Situated on a private beach on seven acres of oceanfront with lush tropical gardens, guests are welcomed with Champagne, resplendent ocean views and cooling tropical breezes. During their stay, couples can also indulge in a rejuvenating massage in a serene private garden villa, which comes appointed with an outdoor shower, bathtub and lounge area. Nightly rates start at $199 for Florida residents and $379 per night for non-Florida residents from Aug. 26-28.

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9 End-of-Summer Travel Deals to Book Now originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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