Tighter budgets and hurricane season mean Florida beach destinations have to work extra hard this fall to appeal to visitors. Ft. Lauderdale stands out among the state's many sun-and-sand hot spots with plenty of deals and even new air service. Plus, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel recently reported that the Ft. Lauderdale airport ranked as the fourth-cheapest airport in the country, another sign of the city's strength as a bargain destination.

No one, least of all bargain travelers, wants to be nickel-and-dimed even before landing. Unfortunately, the recent airline trend of adding fees—for everything from checking a first bag to sitting in an aisle seat—does just that.

However, Southwest hasn't jumped on the extra fees bandwagon, which makes its already competitive fares an even better deal. Plus, the airline is celebrating the November launch of new daily nonstops to Ft. Lauderdale with introductory rates of $149 one-way from Las Vegas and $89 each way from Albany, New York, and Kansas City, Missouri. AirTran is also introducing new service and will begin a nonstop route from Milwaukee this fall.

Deals on vacation packages and hotels for fall travel include Continental Vacations' fourth night free at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper, plus a $50 resort credit if you travel by the end of September. And Orbitz is offering 20 to 25 percent off Ft. Lauderdale hotel stays booked by August 31 for travel through November 24 as part of its Great American Sale.

For more tips on travel and to see the latest deals, visit the Ft. Lauderdale Vacation guide.