Last-minute Labor Day travel deals

Cape Cod: No doubt you'll sit in traffic over the Sagamore Bridge, but it could be worth it for these hotel steals:

• International Inn Cape Cod, Hyannis, $122
• Ambassador Inn & Suites, South Yarmouth, $124
• Bayside Resort, West Yarmouth, $189

*the above prices were found on Expedia.com

Maine: Chebeague Island Inn in Casco Bay, Maine, is a quaint 21-room retreat located just 90 minutes from Boston (if you leave before the Labor Day rush). The Inn features a wrap-around porch perfect for watching the water go by while you enjoy a Labor Day cocktail. The beach is just 5 minutes from the Inn, too. The starting rate for an Ocean View room from Sept. 2-5 is $336 per night, including breakfast.

Vermont: The Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing confirms that the vast majority of the state is accessible despite Hurricane Irene. Businesses need guests now, more than ever, so go enjoy the weekend in Vermont. The State Parks are up and running, there's much to do, and I even found a great deal at Topnotch Resort and Spa in Stowe. This weekend, the resort is selling rooms for $297.50, including a $50 Resort Credit.

New York City: The Red Sox-Yankees rivalry may be in full swing, but you can enjoy NYC without feeling a trader, thanks to these prices:

• Park Central New York, Midtown, $321
• On The Ave Hotel, Upper West Side, $339

*the above prices were found on Expedia.com

• New Yorker, Midtown, $333
• The Alex, Grand Central, $339
• Milford Plaza, Times Square, $282

Feeling somewhat spontaneous? Hop a flight and truly escape the city for the weekend. American, Delta, JetBlue, and AirTran are having sales from Boston to destinations nationwide. The best airfare I found was Boston to Baltimore for $59 each way (JetBlue, AirTran). At this price, you might as well spend the weekend in Washington DC.

For families: The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC is hosting a "First Family Package" with rates starting at $399 per night. The package is full of children’s activities, including a scavenger hunt and patriotic themed Ritz Kids backpack. You'll also get a full American breakfast for two adults and two children, complimentary Internet, a free movie rental, and overnight valet parking.

For friends: The Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC, has a "Luxury Breaks" package starting at $255 a night for the holiday weekend. What I love about this hotel is its proximity to the Smithsonian museums and Capitol Hill. The package also includes a daily dining or spa credit from $50 (the credit varies based on your room choice).

If you don't need the full package, these hotels are selling rooms at great rates:

• Hotel Madera, Dupont Circle, $99
• The Churchill Hotel, Dupont Circle, $89
• Helix Hotel, Downtown, $119
• Mayflower Renaissance Washington, DC, $127

*the above prices were found on Hotels.com

Pack up, and head out of town (or enjoy a mini-break in town) and have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend.