Kiss the summer goodbye by taking a romantic vacation with your significant other.  These romantic Labor Day travel deals will allow you to spend quality time with your partner while enjoying a relaxing, fun-filled getaway in an exotic new locale.

1. Get a $100 Activities Card and Historic Area Passes by booking a 3 Day/2 Night Package at the Williamsburg Lodge

The Williamsburg Lodge is offering a 3 day/2 night Labor Day package that includes nightly accommodations, daily breakfast, historic area passes for the length of stay, a “tavern ghost walk” in colonial Williamsburg, and a $100 activities card that can be used for dining, shopping, spa treatments, or golf at any location in colonial Williamsburg.  This offer is valid from September 3^rd to November 24^th, 2010.  Prices started at $449 per couple.  Visit www.visitwilliamsburg.com for more information about this deal.

2. Book the Sail Seneca Package at Rosemary’s Legacy B&B near Seneca Lake and Get a Sailing Trip, Complimentary Gourmet Breakfasts, and a Candle-Lit Gourmet Dinner

Sail the gorgeous Finger Lakes of central New York in style with the Sail Seneca Package.  You’ll sail aboard the Lee Sea Anne I, a 38-foot Cabo Rico Pilot House Sailing Vessel captained by a USCG licensed captain.  Labor Day weekend rates start at $340 per person for one couple and $270 per person for two couples.  The package includes a full gourmet breakfast each morning, a three hour sail on Seneca Lake, a two night stay at Rosemary’s Legacy, and a candle-lit gourmet dinner.  Visit www.rosemaryslegacy.com/Packages.html for details.

3. Buy a 3 Night Golf Package at the Grand Bay Hotel in Colima, Mexico and Get the 4^th Night FREE

The golf package at the Grand Bay Hotel at Isla Navidad Resort in Colima, Mexico includes one round of golf for two people each day.  If you book 3 consecutive nights of this package, the 4^th night is free!  Prices start at $299 for a luxury suite and do not include taxes, gratuities, and service charges.  Visit www.wyndham.com/hotels/ZLOGB/main.wnt for more information.

4. Save $135.60 on a 4 Day/3 Night Package for Two at Los Sueños Resort Costa Rica

Normally priced at $878 for two people, this 4 day/3 night package at Los Sueños Resort in Costa Rica will cost only $742.40 for two people this Labor Day weekend.  The package includes 3 nights of accommodation in a one bedroom luxury condominium, daily maid service, a welcome package with refreshments and snacks, a private beach club pass, and free ground transportation in a luxury private van.  Visit www.stayincostarica.com for more information.

5. Receive a 20% Discount on Spa Treatments, Free Daily Breakfast, and More at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa in Fort Myers Beach

For $699 plus 11% room tax, book a 4 day/3 night package from September 3-6.  You must book by September 3^rd in order to qualify for this deal.  As part of this package, you’ll receive a one bedroom suite, daily breakfast for two, two welcome drinks, two beach chairs and one umbrella daily, and a 20% discount on any Aquagene spa treatment.  Visit www.pinkshell.com for more information.

6. Save $60 Per Night on a Beachfront Suite at the Reef Resort on Grand Cayman Island

For only $99 per night ($60 off the standard nightly rate), stay in a 450 square foot beachfront suite at the Reef Resort on Grand Cayman.  At this one-room beachfront studio suite, guests can enjoy a restful, rejuvenating vacation by the water.  The Reef Resort is located on the quiet East End of Grand Cayman, where guests can enjoy exceptional diving, snorkeling, and kite surfing.  Visit www.thereef.com for more info.

7. Save 44% Off of Rack Rate at the Bentwood Inn, Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Book any available room at the Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole within 72 hours of your visit and save 44% off of the rack rate of $350 per night.  This deal includes a chef prepared breakfast and evening wine and cheese.  The cost is $195 per night for two.  If you book your room within two weeks of your stay, the cost will be $250 per night for two, saving you 29% off the rack rate.  Stays at the Bentwood Inn in Jackson Hole always include a private balcony, breakfast, and concierge support for dinner or activity reservations.  Visit www.bentwoodinn.com for details.

8. Stay 3 Nights and Pay for Only for 2 Nights at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne, Florida

Stay three nights and pay for two at the Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne.  Rates start at $339 and include daily breakfast for two, deluxe accommodations, internet access and local calls, and overnight parking.  Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/KeyBiscayne/Default.htm for more information.

9. Save 30% Off Standard Pricing at the Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek in Colorado

For $498, get two nights in a spacious studio suite, a $100 credit to Spa Anjali, a $50 credit to Restaurant Avondale, two 2-hour cruiser bike rentals, a welcome amenity, and complimentary valet parking at the Westin Riverfront Beaver Creek in Colorado.  To make a reservation, visit www.westinriverfrontavon.com.

10. Stay Four Nights for the Price of Three at the Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos

Parrot Cay Resort in the Turks and Caicos is offering an “Extend that Summer Feeling” deal this Labor Day weekend and through December 20^th on all room categories.  As part of this deal, guests can stay four nights at the resort for the price of three and take daily yoga classes at no extra cost.  The offer also includes breakfast and return airport transfers.  Rates start at $696.  Parrot Cay is an idyllic private isle that is only accessible by boat.  Off the coast of the isle, you can find some of the world’s best diving spots, and the isle itself boasts hidden coves, pristine beaches, and reefs.

Travelers looking for big savings will find them before midnight tonight with two 24 hour sales from Spirit and Expedia.  Spirit Airlines is offering flights from $2 for members of their fare club.  Sample flights include $2 from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Nassau, Bahamas or $18 from Detroit, MI to Tampa, FL.  You must book by midnight tonight.

Combine your cheap airfare with a 24 hotel sale from Expedia.  If you book by midnight tonight you can find great prices to you favorite destinations. Sample rates include $20 at the Circus Circus Hotel in Las Vegas, $118 at the Capital Hill Suites in Washington DC,  and $103 at the King George Hotel Union Square in San Francisco. You must book by 11:59 PT tonight.

This week marks the 63rd anniversary of India’s Independence, declared on August 15th 1947

Jet Blue is bringing back their All You Can Jet Pass. With the All You Can Jet Pass you can fly anywhere you want from September 7th to October 6th-either 7 days a week with the AYJC-7 pass for $699 or 5 days a week with the AYJC-5 for $499.  They are on sale now and must be booked by August 20th or as long as supplies last. Once you purchase your pass you can start booking your flights on August 23rd.

Want to end the summer with a bang? If you’d like to take your kids on one last vacation before school is back in session, check out these 5 Labor Day travel deals for families.

1. Save 33% – Buy 2 Nights, get the 3rd Night FREE at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Arizona

Book a stay of two nights in one of the Starr Pass Resort’s spacious guest rooms with a private patio or balcony and get the third night free! Labor Day weekend rates at the Starr Pass Resort are $179 per night. There will be a number of family-friendly events going on this Labor Day weekend, including a Nickelodeon Mass Sliming, dive in movie, Sponge Bob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer character breakfast, and animal exhibit. The resort itself boasts stunning mountain views, scenic desert landscapes, four pools, and a lazy river. Visit www.jwmarriottstarrpass.com for more information.

2. Book a Stay of 3 Nights or Longer at a Hotel in the Beaches of South Walton and Get a $250 Gift Card

The Beaches of South Walton, a 26 mile stretch of sand along Florida’s Northwest Gulf Coast, are offering guests who stay three or more nights with an official lodging partner $250 gift cards for Silver Sands Factory Stores or future travel on Southwest Airlines. Silver Sands features more than 100 factory direct stores, where shoppers can save up to 75% off retail price. Visit www.beachesofsouthwalton.com for details about this unbeatable offer.

3. Get $15 Off Per Room, Per Night at the YMCA of the Rockies

Save $15 per room, per night at a family-friendly LEED certified lodge from September 3-6 if you mention that you’re a Facebook fan when you make your reservation. A lodging facility that caters to families, the YMCA of the Rockies has locations in Estes Park and Winter Park. The lodges are surrounded by pristine, natural landscapes, and activities are organized for family members of all ages. Visit www.ymcarockies.org for more information.

4. Complimentary Firepit Storytelling and Movie Nights at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort

Hilton Head Island is located on the southernmost coast of South Carolina. The island boasts beautiful sandy beaches, coastal estuaries, and wildlife preserves. Complimentary evening activities that guests at the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort can enjoy on Labor Day weekend include fire pit storytelling and movie nights by the pool. Labor Day weekend rates at the resort start at $249 per night. Visit www.westinhhi.com for more information.

5. Save 30% Off Published Rates at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs

The Broadmoor is the longest running five-star, five-diamond hotel in the United States. From September 2-7, the Broadmoor will be offering a three night package with prices starting at $459 per person. Prices are based on double occupancy. The package includes a horseback trail ride or jeep tour, a bicycle and paddle boat rental, 50% off an adult priced ticket at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and 10% off select spa services and golf tee times. Children aged 10 and under can eat and stay free. Visit www.broadmoor.com for more information or to make a reservation.

If you haven’t made your Labor Day plans yet it’s not too late.  You can save up to 40% off hotels for Labor Day from Hotels.com.  You will find savings on hotels throughout the U.S. and beyond.   This deal expires September 6th.

The Lake Tahoe region is home to beaches, hiking trails, spectacular views, and other attractions which can be enjoyed free of charge! If you’re looking to save money on your next vacation, there are many great Lake Tahoe hotel deals to be had!

1. Tahoe Rim Trail

If you came to Lake Tahoe to get some exercise and explore the surroundings, the Tahoe Rim Trail is a must! The trail is over 165 miles, winding through six counties in both California and Nevada. The trail offers spectacular views for hikers, bikers, and equestrians alike. There are many trailheads to start from around the Tahoe-region.

2. D.L. Bliss State Park

The California side of the lake is home to this beautiful and historic state park. With over 1,800 acres of natural beauty, D.L. Bliss contains a wide array of trees and wildlife. It is also home to Rubicon Point Light – the highest-elevation lighthouse in the US. Spend the day hiking and appreciating this great park!

3. Stream Profile Chamber

One of the most beautiful and unique nature walks Lake Tahoe has to offer is the Stream Profile Chamber. Start at Taylor Creek Visitor’s Center and walk into a profile chamber. The chamber contains a huge window through which marine life can be viewed in their natural habitat. The fish differ throughout the year but are always a sight to behold.

4. Tallac Historic Site

This site, which used to be a three-estate retreat for the wealthy, is now a publicly maintained, free museum. Explore the lavish buildings and then take a dip in the lake.

5. Eagle Falls Hike

This quarter mile hike brings travelers through the Sierra Nevadas to a beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. If you’re feeling up to it, the trail continues all the way to Eagle Lake.

6. Stateline Fire Lookout

A short climb up to this site will reward visitors with one of the most beautiful views Lake Tahoe has to offer. The area is relatively natural, with minimal signs of human development. This adds to the beauty of the spot but be sure to ask a tourist guide for directions, as it can be hard to find.

7. Eagle Lake

Just west of Lake Tahoe is Eagle Lake – a smaller, less developed but very beautiful site. A mile-long hike which starts near Emerald Bay takes visitors through beautiful wilderness before they arrive at this destination. Great place to swim, picnic, explore, or just relax.

This week marks the 873rd anniversary of the beginning of construction of The Leaning Tower of Pisa, located in the Italian City of Pisa.

Photographer: Robert Holmes

The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition, the largest sandcastle competition in the United States. The U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition is an annual, free summer weekend event held at Imperial Beach, San Diego California.

The contest consists of kids, amateur and professional sandcastle building contests. The event also includes a street fair, which features local and regional vendors, as well as entertainment.

The contest begins Friday August 6th, 2010 at Imperial Beach, California located 12 miles south of downtown San Diego.