By Logan Hawkes
To the navigator it is known as a waypoint -- the longitude, latitude and sometimes the altitude of a particular point on Earth. The end of August and most of September in the Lone Star State represents a form of waypoint in the annual and cyclic Texas travel season. Summer vacations are all but over and it's back to classroom frenzy and down-to-business work schedules which are usually crying for attention about this time of year. The time for summer fun is past, Right? And it's time to forget about travel getaways and settle back down into the grind.
It doesn't have to be that way. In fact, the ringing in of September often means a lowering of seasonal travel rates at many hotels, resorts, and even car rental and airline counters, not to mention the availability factor and ease of smaller security lines at airports, restaurants and major attractions like theme parks. Even with school age kids, many families take advantage of three day school weekends and some plan ahead by securing excused absences from class for a day or two in exchange for a trip to the museum, the aquarium, planetarium, and other educational destinations.
 For couples without kids it's certainly one of the best times of year for a romantic getaway. Much smaller crowds, better travel bargains and smaller wait times for just about everything can make the early fall season a superb time to hit the road for an 'unseasonable' getaway.
PSYCHED OUT YET?
Hold on sport! You need to do a little homework first if you want to cash in on savings by finding off season travel bargains across Texas. Let your fingers do the walking alright, but let them walk across that big keyboard in front of your computer monitor. And don't be bashful. Start by picking out three or more destinations where you would really like to travel. If you're limited on time and budget, you will want to narrow your choices and your search to bargains at Texas destinations. Look over the offerings of the various resorts and hotels, check out the local entertainment and arts calendar. There might be a great show or concert you could include in your early fall getaway.
Next, look for off season rates on the individual Web sites of hotels and resort and airlines. Look deep and not just on the surface. And don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call a destination reservation agent and ask about seasonal packages and bargain rates. You might be surprised how a room rate or fare can be lowered over the phone by asking that simple question.
Keep in mind that the best bargains are going to be for travel on Sunday through Thursday, so work around this the best that your schedule allows. If you have vacation time to take, this might not be a problem. But weekend travelers should expect to get less of bargain, even during the off season.
 MIX IT UP...What to do and what to see? That's usually the question, right? Our advise is to mix it up a little. If you're managing to take a getaway in a nontraditional time of the travel year, why not make it a nontraditional getaway. Spend a little time pampering yourself in resort luxury if that's your goal, but mix in a little hiking at an uncrowded state park on deserted beach. Drive out West to simply enjoy the West Texas sunset and breath in the cool night air of the Davis Mountains.
Sports fans can check out the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington or take in a Saturday afternoon at Austin's Memorial Stadium and still getaway to historical Granbury or Wimberly to grab a little saddle time at the stable or ranch. At least take a riverboat dinner cruise up Lake Austin or a long walk on the lighted River Walk in San Antonio and enjoy the changing season Texas style.
TAKE HEART
If you're just not in a position to getaway in September or even October, remember the holidays are quickly approaching and that's also a grand time of year for travel across Texas. Consider a night or two in the haunted Jefferson or Minger Hotel for Halloween, or take in the Ice Exhibit at Grapevine's Gaylord Texan.
Anytime is a grand time to travel in Texas. But the early fall and holiday seasons can be just as fun as summers in the sun. Make it happen!
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