“Bicycling in Nantucket is as charming as bicycling in Provence,” says Andy Alpine, co-founder of Specialty Travel Index, a magazine-directory. “And an all-American deluxe dude ranch can be just as relaxing as a week at Club Med." His point is a good one: During this recession -- or anytime for that matter -- you can save a lot, at least compared to a similar trip overseas, and have a quality vacation in North America. Alpine gives some examples:
* Become a family of dudes. With comprehensive programs for children and teenagers, , rafting, riding, fly-fishing, hiking, massage, swimming, trips to nearby Mesa Verde, hayrides, and melodramas, Colorado Trails Ranch could please every member of the family. Rates begin at $950 for children under 5, $1,935 for children 5-12 and $2,335 for adults. Click here.
* Go island hopping -- on a bike. Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket are perfect for Cycling . A trip from Bike Riders offers daily rides of 15-35 miles on flat to gently rolling terrain. Pedal past lighthouses, windswept dunes and cranberry bogs with stops for kayaking, a stroll through the whaling museum, some of the best restaurants in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, or a sunset sail on Nantucket Harbor. Stay in quaint (and sometimes) luxurious) inns. A 5-day trip is listed for $2,880. Click here.
* Go on safari ... in Alaska. Great Alaska Adventure Lodge offers custom-designed safari vehicles for up-close wildlife and nature viewing with groups of just 6-12 people. One day you will be on a cruiser surrounded by birds and mammals, another day deep in a national park at a private bear viewing camp and another day on a flight, seeing mountaintops. and glaciers—and you’ll be back at a beautiful riverside lodge in time to share photos during happy hour. Rates vary but expect to pay $2,00-$3,000 a person. Click here.
* Have a culinary adventure. House on Bayou Road Inn in New Orleans is a petite plantation set on two acres and features inviting antique-filled rooms, and a pool and hot tub among other amenities. The innn is also the setting for a cooking schoo featuring authentic Creole cooking and hands-on classes. In one long weekend, participants tour New Orleans, take two cooking classes (afterwards enjoying the fruits of your labors) and have a three-course dinner at Brigstens, considered one of the finest restaurants in New Orleans. Prices from Epiculinary Distinctive Cooking Journeys are $975-$1,045. Click here.
For information about Specialty Travel Index, visit www.specialtytravel.com.
(Photo by Rick McIntyre/Alaska Division of Tourism)
Trivial question
What is the world's tallest mountain? Hint: It's not the one you're thinking of. (Answer Tuesday.)
Ever considered a vacation rental?
A sometimes money-saving alternative to staying in a hotel is renting an apartment, condo or cottages. Rentalo.com, which specializes in such rentals, cites this example for fans of golf and the music of Branson, Mo.: Two miles from the Stonebridge Golf Course and five miles from Branson, a two-bedroom, two-bath condo is part of the Eagles Nest Resort at Indian Point. The recently remodeled apartment has air conditioning, high-speed Internet, hair dryers and a hide-a-bed. The nightly rate is $115 until May 31, $130 after, with a three-night minimum. The Rentalo ID is No. 101306.
For vacation properties everywhere, visit www.rentalo.com. For the above offer, click here.
Jazz Festival update: free Stevie Wonder show
Stevie Wonder will launch the Montreal Jazz Festival's 30th anniversary with a free concert at the brand-new Place des Festivals on Tuesday, June 30, at 9:30 p.m. on the General Motors stage. See earlier item in May 10 posting.
You can sort of count on it
I wouldn't bet money on it or anything, but if you're flying coach and the passenger next to you is wearing a Rolex watch, chances are that watch is a fake.
$75-a-week parking for Logan Airport
The Park, Taxi and Fly Service for Logan International Airport, Boston, will be launched Saturday and cost you $75 a week. Travelers who leave on a Saturday or Sunday can park at the Wonderland Dog Track lot, about 10 minutes from Logan, and take one of the Onsite Taxis directly to their airline terminal. Upon their return, travelers call the local taxi company for transportation directly back to their car. Customers can return at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parking is $49 per week and the taxi costs $26 roundtrip for a total of $75. William Bell, who heads the company, says, “The new service even includes a free jump-start if needed and if your car still won’t start, customers will be given a free ride home anywhere in Massachusetts."
Phone 781-289-4200. Bell's other parking plan can be found at www.loganairportvaletparking.com.
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