PROCRASTINATORS STILL HAVE GREAT VACATION CHOICES

USTOA Cites Packages & Tours for Families, Gays, Boomers, and History Buffs

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The United States Tour Operators Association has good news for procrastinators who want a vacation tailored for their specific demographic group or special interest and who haven’t yet planned their getaway. The organization’s 125 member companies report that there is still space available on some departures for July, August and early autumn. Below is a sampling of offerings. All prices are per person, double occupancy.

DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES
For parents who want to rough it in style with their kids, the Salmon River in Idaho, with its steep walled canyons, and plenty of rapids is where Abercrombie & Kent’s most popular whitewater adventure takes visitors in July and August. This 5-day trip ends with a private high-speed jetboat ride on the Snake River through Hell’s Canyon – North America’s deepest. Families sleep on comfortable cots in luxury tents set up by experienced crews. Parents and kids can paddle, or take a kayak for a little excursion. Land only prices, which include all meals, begin at $2,071 per person, double occupancy. Each child under 12, sharing with two adults, is $1,932. Most people fly into Lewiston, or through Spokane, Washington. For additional information, visit www.abercrombie&kent.com.

Take the family to China on an all-inclusive, 2-week escorted Yangtze River Escapade from Pacific Delight Tours (www.pacificdelighttours.com). Included are a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River, and 3 nights of sightseeing in Beijing. The tour also covers Xi’an – featuring the site of the terra-cotta Legion – Wolong, with a visit to the Nature Preserve to view pandas; Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai. Of particular interest to the kids is a visit to the Beijing Opera School, a tree planting at the Great Wall, and dinner with a local family. Departures from New York or begin at $3,030 per person, double occupancy, and run from June 27–August 8.

DESIGNED FOR BABY BOOMERS
Time-strapped baby boomers can take a quick getaway to the land down under any time before August 28th on an 8-day, 7-night “Aussie Getaway” independent tour offered by Australian Pacific Touring (www.aptours.com). Highlights include a cruise of Sydney’s Harbor, Hyde Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, Kings Cross and the infamous Bondi Beach. The package also covers the Blue Mountains National Park and Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary where travelers hear ancient Native dream-time tales and see koalas and kangaroos. Prices from New York begin at $1,866; Los Angeles from $1,496, and include International and inter-Australian airfare, 5 nights accommodation in Sydney, transfers, and a luncheon cruise.

Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Riviera from Insight Vacations is ideal for baby boomers who want to enjoy their travels without the hassles of pre-planning. Travelers sample central Europe’s cities and the Adriatic coast by luxury motor coach with a professional, multi-lingual tour director. In Budapest a highlight is dinner with gypsy music. The two-week tour departs regularly until September 24. Prices, with airfare from New York, excursions and sightseeing, 13 breakfasts, and 6 dinners begin at $2,425 per person, double occupancy; Los Angeles $2,615; and Chicago, from $2,545. Land only price, when available, is $1,799. Additional information is available from www.insightvacations.com/us/.

DESIGNED FOR HISTORY BUFFS
History Buffs, World War II veterans, and their families can commemorate past events on a 15-day escorted Memorial Tour offered by Image Tours (www.imagetours.com). The tour revisits the dramatic history of World War II while showcasing the beauty of Western Europe's small villages, scenic countryside, and grand cities. Beginning in Holland, the itinerary continues through Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and France. On the agenda are American military cemeteries, the Landing Beaches of Normandy, and Dachau concentration camp. Departures are scheduled for September 14 and October 8. Prices, including airfare, all transportation and a tour manager in Europe, hotel accommodations, 25 meals, airport transfers, and tips begin at $2,840 from New York; $2990 from Los Angeles; and land only, from $2220.

DESIGNED FOR GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVELERS
Southern Italy with Pride, by PrideWorld Travel (www.prideworld.com) offers gay and lesbian travelers an all-inclusive itinerary, October 9-16, using the gay friendly Hotel Panorama in Maiori as home base. The comprehensive sightseeing program includes LGBT history in Capri, Naples, and Pompeii, with excursions to Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano. There are an Italian “Cooking with Style” lesson and a hands-on “Italian Ceramics” experience too. The 7-night land only package is priced from $1,190 per person, double occupancy.

See Your Travel Agent, and Visit www.ustoa.com
For more information on these and other vacations offered by USTOA member companies, see your travel agent. A full listing of USTOA member companies and the destinations they serve is available at www.ustoa.com. USTOA member companies are responsible for the vacations of 10 million people yearly. To qualify for USTOA membership, a company must meet the travel industry’s highest standards, including participating in the USTOA Travelers Assistance Program to help protect consumers in the case of a member default. For a free copy of the USTOA Smart Travelers Planning Kit, phone 1-800-GO-USTOA (468-7862); or see your travel agent.