Face it: Everyone has made vacation plans but you. The Travel Industry Association of America predicts Americans will take 325.6 million domestic leisure trips this summer (and a possible record 13 million-plus are off to Europe). Fortunately, we live on a big planet. There are still exciting vacations to be had. And some are relative bargains. You just have to know where to look.
MONTENEGRO. This former Yugoslav republic on the Adriatic coast may be “the next Croatia,” says Susan Randolph, a travel agent with AAA Mountain West in Billings, Mont., who specializes in eastern European destinations. It’s got mountains, a coastline, a medieval walled city, and affordable prices–at least by European standards. Rooms at the Hotel Crna Gora in downtown Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, start at about $80, double occupancy (381-81-634-271). Overseas Adventure Travel has a 16-day tour, air from Newark included, starting at $3,370.
COZUMEL, MEXICO. Hurricanes Emily and Wilma tore through this resort town last year, and while some hotels have not yet reopened, there are plenty of deals to bring back tourists to the unharmed beaches. Charter vacations offer good rates, according to Donna Alkarmi, an agent with Carlson Wagonlit Travel in McKinney, Texas. For example, four nights at the all-inclusive Iberostar Cozumel for two adults, air included from Dallas, is $723–about $90 a person per night.
KENNICOTT, ALASKA. You can still plan a getaway to the state’s lesser-known national park (Denali is the big draw). Wrangell-St. Elias is about a five-hour drive east of Anchorage. “There are great hiking trails, mountain bike trails along old mine roads, and fly-in locations for raft trips and other adventures,” says Scott McMurren, an Anchorage radio show host. Best of all–you can cavort on glaciers (while they last). McMurren recommends the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, where the $189-a-night room rate (double occupancy) includes transfers to a ghost town tour.
SANIBEL ISLAND, FLA. Lie to your kids and tell them this Gulf Coast island, about a three-hour drive from Orlando, is the state’s newest theme park: Sea Shell Isle. Conch shells, sand dollars, and lightning whelks are among the cool souvenirs that are absolutely free, waiting for you on laid-back, white-sand beaches. Summer low season is hotter than winter high season, with average highs around 90. But a breeze blows off the ocean, and you’ll practically have the place to yourself. Hurricane Charley ravaged the area in 2004, but it was quickly rebuilt. A room on the beach at the Island Inn, established in 1895, starts at $130 a night, double occupancy. During high season, the rate is $205.
NEW ORLEANS. OK, it’s hot. Really hot (average highs in late summer push 90 degrees, and we won’t mention the humidity). Then there was that hurricane. But 27,000 hotel rooms have reopened, and the French Quarter is bustling. Since summer is slow season, bargains abound. A room at the HH Whitney House, an 1865 bed and breakfast, starts at $75. At Hotel LaSalle, by the French Quarter, rates start at $69 for two; book three nights and get a fourth free. Summer specials are at neworleanscvb.com. For a reminder of Katrina’s fury (and the slow pace of rebuilding), tour devastated areas via operators like Grey Line.
CAMBRIA, CALIF. It’s the next Napa–only with beaches! Cambria, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles along Highway 1, is an emerging hub for visitors who’d like to stop by a few of the newish 80-plus wineries (like award-winning Harmony Cellars, known for its Riesling and Chardonnay), visit art galleries (modern, folk, and seascapes), and relax on pebble beaches (don’t worry, the elephant seals are there only in winter). “And it’s only 6 miles from Hearst Castle,” says Irvine, Calif.-based travel agent Tommie Imbernino. The “Big Sur Special” at rustic Cambria Pines Lodge offers one night (double occupancy), breakfast, and a tote bag with picnic blanket and $20 coupon for a deli lunch for $99; a standard room is regularly $159.
QINGHAI AND SICHUAN PROVINCES, CHINA. It’s not too late to go Chinese. Big-city residents can usually get a visa in a week from the embassy (in D.C.) or general consulate. The fee is $50. Or you can pay about $100 to a company like mychinavisa.com. Now it is true that China, like New Orleans, is kinda hot in summer. But the 2-mile-high elevation of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in west central China keeps it cool enough for the yak butter sculptures of animals, people, and landscapes at the Ta Er Si monastery. Pagodas and pandas (at the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding) are among the attractions. A $2,199, 16-day package from windhorsetours.com departs at the end of July, highlighting local horse racing festivals. Airfare is extra.
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