4 Off-Season Vacation Packages in the Midwest That Cost Less Than $400
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Angela Mae
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Amber Barkley
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The Midwest has a lot to offer to off-season travelers, not least of which is more budget-friendly vacation options. If you’re booking an off-season trip to this area, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Emily Dreilich, travel expert at Voyagers Travel, suggested choosing packages that include transportation, lodging and activities, as they are often offered at better rates. “Look for packages offering free meals, guided tours or complimentary tickets to local attractions.”
And if possible, choose a package with flexible dates or itineraries. That way, if you have to cancel or if you want some wiggle room in your trip, you’ll have options.
If you’re thinking about booking an off-season trip to the Midwest, here are some vacation packages that cost only a few hundred dollars or less — though you can always spend more based on your accommodations, the trip length and your other preferences.
America’s Heartland (Missouri to Minnesota)
Starting out with a pricier option — that could still be worth it for those looking for a cruise — is this trip that goes from St. Louis, Missouri to St. Paul, Minnesota. It includes seven nights on a cruise ship and a shore excursion at every port of call. The itinerary includes:
- Day One: Arrive in St. Louis and make your way onto the ship. If you arrive early enough, you can explore the city on your own first. Options include the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. Dinner is included.
- Day Two: Dock in Hannibal, Missouri, where you can see historical sites related to Mark Twain, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum.
- Day Three: Arrive in Burlington, Iowa and take part in a guided tour of the historic downtown. The tour includes sites like the Des Moines County Heritage Center, the First Congregational Church and the Capitol Theater. Return to the ship for an afternoon cookout.
- Day Four: Heading over to Quad Cities, Iowa, you can see the John Deere Pavilion, the Quad City Botanical Center and other parts of the city. There’s also an optional tour of a local family-owned farm.
- Day Five: Still in Iowa, the next destination is Dubuque. This part of the trip includes the Mathias Ham House, Cable Car Square and the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.
- Day Six: After enjoying breakfast on the ship, check out La Crosse, Wisconsin. There’s plenty of architecture to see. Alternatively, head to Decorah, Iowa if you’re looking for a small-town feel.
- Day Seven: Next up is Red Wing, Minnesota. This day includes a city tour and the chance to see the National Eagle Center.
- Day Eight: Last but not least, disembark in St. Paul, Minnesota. Explore the city or return home at your leisure.
Meals are included. Pricing varies based on exactly when you go.
Birthday Getaway Package (Missouri)
Located in Hermann, Missouri, The Inn at Hermannhof combines historic elegance with new luxury. There, you can stay in a luxury suites or rent out a private home.
The inn offers many vacation specials and packages, including the Birthday Getaway Package. This particular package comes with Hermannhof Chamborcin, a dry red wine, and a platter of fruit, cheese and meat. It also includes a flower bouquet, birthday cake and two Hermannhof glasses, so you can celebrate in style.
The package costs $165, excluding accommodation.
Pamper Your Sweetheart Package (Indiana)
In South Bend, Indiana, you can stay at The Oliver Inn and add the Pamper Your Sweetheart Package for $85. It includes a dozen roses, silk rose petals, chilled sparkling juice and a dozen double dark chocolate truffles from South Bend Chocolate.
This package isn’t available on holidays or during special events, like Notre Dame home football games. Other than that, it’s a great — and inexpensive — way to spend the off-season.
If you want to take relaxation to a whole new level, stay at The Carriage House, a Bavarian Tudor-style retreat. It includes a jacuzzi tub, a jetted spa shower and a private porch where you can cozy up with a loved one or just enjoy a peaceful day.
Taste of Elgin (Kansas)
Located in Marion, Kansas is the Historic Elgin Hotel. It was established in 1886. The hotel combines past and present luxuries, along with a restaurant, bar and an outdoor veranda where you can sit and enjoy a quiet day. There are also 12 suites to choose from, each with its own theme and amenities.
As for an off-season vacation package, there’s the Taste of Elgin. It costs $231 per couple and includes sparkling cider, gourmet cheese with crackers, a welcome basket, hand-crafted chocolates, two handmade Elgin mugs and two wine glasses you can keep.
The package also includes a self-guided historic tour of the area. You can also opt for either a breakfast for two at Parlour 1886 on Saturday and Sunday mornings or get a homemade breakfast Monday through Friday mornings.
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