Last minute Labor Day getaways

It doesn’t matter how old you are, we all get that same feeling when it comes to summer. It has always meant fun outside and summer vacations. Luckily, the weather stays nice through part of September, so it’s a great time for that last-minute Labor Day vacation before summer is officially over.

Why go for Labor Day: Every year dozens of whale sharks migrate off the coast of Cancun making Labor Day weekend a perfect time to swim & snorkel with these gentle giants. Paired with quick & affordable direct flights from almost every major US city on the eastern and southern seaboard, it’s no surprise that Cancun is a coveted long weekend escape. Book it to Marriott Cancun Resort where all 450 guest rooms have ‘gram-worthy views of the Mexican Caribbean. This beach retreat is perfect for families, couples, girls / guys getaways, solo travelers, adventure seekers — in other words, anyone who can relish in having nowhere else to be. Satisfy your quesadilla fix at the new SacBé Beach Shack, or cool off with a frozen chelada made with Mexican beer, lime juice & salt. Hungry? Indulge your inner-foodie at the seven on-property international restaurants including Thai, American, Japanese and more. Rates start at $155/night. To book, visit www.marriottcancunresort.com.

Why go for Labor Day: Set your OOO and jet off to the islands of Turks + Caicos this Labor Day for a relaxing, celeb-inspired stay at Wymara Resort & Villas on the sands of Grace Bay Beach. Make every minute count, starting with flights from the US at just under two hours and an easy 15-minute drive from the airport that makes getting from the jet bridge to a beachfront lounge at Pink Bar a breeze. Spend your days sailing over reef-protected waters, soaking up the sun from your private overwater island pod, sipping on fresh coconut juice after a deep tissue massage, or working off any excess calories with a barre class.

Why go for Labor Day: With direct flights from New York and Miami on JetBlue and American Airlines, Curaçao is just a hop, skip and a jump from the U.S., making it the perfect last-minute Labor Day getaway. Its idyllic location outside of the Hurricane Belt means peace of mind for travelers worried about pesky storms thwarting their Labor Day plans. With more than 35 cove-like beaches, clear-blue waters, and unique colonial architecture, the ‘C’ of the ABC islands is like a slice of Europe in the Caribbean. Book a stay at Lions Dive Beach Resort purely for its Chill & Grill Beach Bar, the place to be for happy hour when the clock strikes 5’oclock on Friday. Then amp up the volume and snag tickets to the popular North Sea Jazz Festival with this year’s lineup that includes Maroon 5, Mariah Carey, Pitbull, Earth Wind & Fire and more!

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

• Aruba

Why go for Labor Day: This Labor Day, grab your S.O. and jet off to the One Happy Island of Aruba for an adult-cation at the Aruba Marriott Resort. The resort’s exclusive, adults-only Tradewinds Club offers a kid-free paradise right on the sandy white shores. Enjoy exclusive access to the Tradewinds Club Lounge with complimentary F&B, adults-only seating on the beach, complimentary WiFi, and panoramic views of the turquoise waters from this premium room category. Soak in the sun at H2Oasis, the adults-only pool, unwind at the Mandara Spa, the largest spa on the island, sip craft cocktails at the bustling lobby bar, or enjoy complimentary transfers to destination activities like a snorkel cruise or adventurous UTV tour through De Palm Tours. With multiple nonstop flights out of major US airports, including JFK, EWR, MIA, and ATL, spending the holiday on the One Happy Island is easier than you think!

Why go for Labor Day: Embrace Sarasota’s vibrant arts and culture scene at Art Ovation Hotel this Labor Day and enjoy both beach and the arts in all its forms. Art Ovation offers everything from in-room instruments for private jam sessions and art installations on each floor with Art+Wine tours hosted every evening, to jewelry-making workshops and instrument rental programs. Rest and relax at the Perspective Rooftop pool and bar to take in Sarasota skyline views, take the property’s shuttle to the powder sands of Lido Beach and enjoy a twist on American classics at Overture Restaurant.