Still chances to find your summer getaway
Wait! Don't change the channel yet! Retail stores may be stocking their shelves with back-to-school stuff, but, folks, summer is not over. Yet, as a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, I must admit this has been the most unusual vacation season we have ever seen.
In the month of June, most of our travelers were like a race horse that accelerates from a resting position at the gate to a speed of up to 40 mph--and they were chomping at the bit to do so! French horse racing researchers recently determined that winning is all about the fast break at the start of the run. The winning horses are able to optimize and maintain high oxygen levels throughout the race!
Training, fitness and a smart jockey are definitely factors, but their studies suggest tactics like walking the track and studying the competition pale in comparison to being able to break hard from the gate. So, for all of you travelers out there who may be lagging in the back of the pack, it is time to take a big deep breath and, like our four legged friends, you need to get going. The race to enjoy a little bit of summer before it is finished is on, so, to help you out, I wanted to share a few tours in the travel marketplace with some last minute availability that are sure to give you a winning experience.
HIKE THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO--from the jaw dropping beauty of the Pyrenees to the iconic 14th Century Alhambra to the white washed villages of Spain, this trip dparting Sept. 6-17 /from $6595 is sure to win your heart!
HIKING IN THE ALPS--This Tour du Mont Blanc made National Geographic Traveler's "50 Tours of a Lifetime" not to miss list. On this program, an expert guide leads you from village to village in France, Italy and Switzerland for 9 days. Trip dates are Aug. 13-21 and Aug. 27-Sept 4/ from $4795
Sunny Days, starry nights in AMERICA'S ROCKY MOUNTAINS is what this 8 day fully escorted group bus trip is all about. Departing from Billings to Spokane, only 4 seats remain for the August 13-20 departure/ $2970
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' in NORTHERN CALIFORNIA--this fully escorted bus tour round trip from San Francisco is on September 16-24. You will enjoy Yosemite, Sacramento, Mammoth Lakes, Eurenka and the grapevines of California's wine country/$3239.
CRUISE ALASKA's amazing INSIDE PASSAGE round trip from Seattle. A deluxe balcony cabin, with port taxes, beverage package, wi-fi, and tips is $3126 for TWO on an August 21 sailing. Remember, the cruising season in Alaska has been extended this year into October so you might want to think about getting onboard.
AMERICA'S COWBOY COUNTRY is the West at its best. This fun-filled 9 day journey through Yellowstone, Grand Teton Nation Park, Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorials is an excellent way to see the beauty of our country. Grab your Stetson and saddle up because this trip leaves on July 23/ $2999.
ISLANDS OF NEW ENGLAND calling your name? Then, take this 8 day fully escorted bus trip and travel the Atlantic coast from Rhode Island to Cape Cod, from Providence to Newport and to the delightful islands of Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, and Nantucket. Two dates--Aug. 26 and September 8/$2519.
BEAUTIFUL UTAH with its five National Parks is a 9 day, 8 night escorted bus trip designed to make you fall in love with the Southwest. Tours depart from Denver on August 14 and also September 5/ $2879. Ask about our October dates if you can't make it now.
FROM SCOTTSDALE TO RAPID CITY is a 12 day adventure from with 3 seats open on August 20. This trip is a winner featuring 5 fantastic national parks, including Old Faithful in Yellowstone .See America's finest and let someone else do the driving and the planning for $4499. Singles are welcome!
RUN AWAY TO CANADA on this small group tour of the majestic Rockies from Vancouver to Calgary on July 24/ $3841! I know this is a fast break but it is really a very cool 11 day trip!
CANADA's MARITIME COASTAL WONDER tour departs on September 1-11 and has 2 spots remaining on this 11 day journey from Halifax for $2969. FYI: the high temperature in Nova Scotia last week was 57 degree. Want to go cool off?
Calling all SINGLES who love cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Mexico. CELEBRITY CRUISES announced this week that solo travelers sailing with them are now entitled to enjoy the same rate as those who book double occupancy on their sailings. This is great news and a serious savings for all of you singles wanting to cruise, so call 323 3465 for a free brochure.
TAHITI CRUISING on your mind? Then, you need to call Monroe Travel Service by August 31st to reserve your 7, 10 or 11 day Tahiti Cruise during this summer's celebration. Your private luxury yacht like cruise will be aboard the Wind Spirit or Star Breeze and will include air from LAX+ hotel package + all drinks, Wi-fi and tips+ cruise accommodations/$5099.
The vacation season is still happening. So, folks, if you are chomping at the bit and ready to make a fast break, give Monroe Travel Service a call. We will not only get you to the gate on time but help you win big this summer.
Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service. For your next vacation, please call Page, Linda, Rob, Lori or Dianne at 318 323 3465. We are waiting to send you away.
This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Still chances to find your summer getaway
