Last-Minute 4th of July Beach Getaways

Photo by Amani Hassan
Sure, it's fun to watch the fireworks in your hometown with friends and family, but let's face it, you've probably done that almost every year of your life. So why not try something new this 4th of July -- like a last-minute beach getaway?

"There are plenty of last-minute deals for the 4th of July, especially if you're flexible about location and travel times," says Lindsay Sakraida, the features director atdealnews.com. For one, Hotels.com is offering30% off of a bunch of hotels this 4th of July, and then FatWallet.com is giving 4% cash-back on top of that. And a lot of hotels in Myrtle Beach and Orlando are offering big discounts, says Sakraida. Furthermore, if you're considering a last-minute cruise, "look to Carnival options first -- lately the cruise line has had a higher number of budget-friendly options than any other carrier, so you'll increase your chances of getting a good price," she says.

And those deals are just the beginning. That's why Bundle.com asked deal experts fromtravel-ticker.comanddealnews.comto highlight some of their favorite deals for this July 4th holiday week. Here's what they told us.

Miami Beach, Florida

In Miami you'll do the beach by day and the clubs by night. If this seems like your scene, check out the Hotel St. Augustine, a boutique hotel in Miami Beach's historic Art Deco District, which is offering a rate of $99 per night for Sundays through Thursdays or $119 per night for Fridays and Saturdays, which includes breakfast at the Tangerine Bar and parking. Last-minute flights from New York to Miami are running about $350 round-trip, depending on dates, according to a search on Travelocity.com.

Get the most for your money at the best Miami Beach hotels

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Known for some of the whitest sugar-sand beaches on earth, this is a trip most beach bums will want to take at some point in their lives. And now's as good a time as any, seeing as how the beachfront, four-star Punta Cana's Riu Palace Bavaro is featuring all-inclusive stays in a junior suite from $136 per person per night(that's 30% regular rates), including golf and spa discounts. While last-minute round-trip flights from New York to Punta Cana over the holiday aren't cheap (they start at about $600, depending on dates), the resort is all-inclusive so you'll eat free - and sleep for cheap.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

With over 60 miles of soft, sandy beaches, Myrtle Beach has become one of the top tourist destinations on earth. And with deals like this, we can see why: Ocean Creek Resort - a 57-acre beachfront resort - is offering two-night stays for just $138, or $69 per night. Flights to Myrtle Beach begin at around $300 round-trip from New York, depending on dates.

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Riviera Maya, Mexico

While this area of the country might conjure up not-so-pleasant visions of drunken Spring Breakers, there are actually a number of high-end resorts where your experience will be a lot more adult (though you'll still get those fruity drinks, of course!). You can now stay in the four-star Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, situated on two miles of white-sand beach and offering seven bars and restaurants, starting at$899 for a three night stay in the hotel, all meals included, and airfare.

Orlando, Florida

Okay, so Orlando isn't right on the beach, but who can pass up a last-minute trip to Disney World? You can get round-trip flights for two people plus four nights in a hotel starting at just $688. This deal is for several different hotels in the area and airfare rates are based out of New York.

Which are the most Disney-crazy cities in America? Find out here