Top 5 Last-Minute Travel Ideas

With families preparing for back-to-school activities and only a few weeks left to make holiday vacation plans, many Americans are looking for last-minute vacations to take the edge off before the winter season begins.

According to a new survey conducted by the Travel Industry Association, one out of five adults planning to take a home-based vacation during the next six months fully expects to stay in a local hotel, motel or resort at least one night during their “staycation.”

This suggests that many Americans still plan to “get away” even if their destination is local. Fortunately, a number of ARAMARK Parks & Destinations’ national park lodges and tours are offering travelers the perfect end-of-season packages to entice them to take advantage of an array of cultural and adventurous activities nationwide.

Top Five Summer & Fall Vacation Packages for Last Minute Travelers

1. Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina’s Fall Fuel Package.

Sapphire blue water, sandy beaches and lush green pines make Lake Tahoe the prime location to experience nature. In addition to Zephyr Cove Resort’s popular cruises, marina activities, and rustic camping sites, guests can enjoy the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe at an affordable price! During the day, guests can explore the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe while partaking in the M.S. Dixie cruise that offers an historic breakfast buffet, champagne brunch, in addition to a sightseeing and dinner/dance cruise.

*The Fall Fuel offer, valid September through December 15, 2008, offers guests the chance to receive a $25 fuel card when booking a two night stay, or a $50 fuel card when booking a three night stay. Reservations must be made by Sept. 30th, 2008. Fuel cards distributed at check out. For more information, please check out www.zephyrcove.com/specials/index.cfm. *Must book by September 30th, 2008. No substitutions are permitted. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid on new reservations only.

2. Lake Powell’s “Final Fueling Free” Package.

The rising tide has changed life at Lake Powell this year! Castle Rock Cut, a passage that cuts off 12 miles of travel on Lake Powell, is open first the first time in five years. Travelers will experience a double-win when enjoying new ways to explore Lake Powell at low costs. Travelers who book reservations now until Aug. 15 can get their final fueling for free*! PLUS, GET A 20 PERCENT DISCOUNT FROM PEAK SEASON on Voyager, Adventurer, Discovery or Expedition houseboat rentals and 50 percent discount on 19-foot powerboats when booking reservations between August 15 and December 31, 2008. For more information, or to book the Final Fueling Free deal, check out the Web site at www.lakepowell.com/gasonus, or call 888-896-3829.

*Offer valid on arrival August 15, 2008 - December 31, 2008. Offer valid for rentals of 5 or more days only. 20% offer based on availability and good on Voyager, Expedition, Adventurer and Discovery series of houseboats. 10% discount available only on Navigator, Escape, Discovery XL and Excursion houseboats is based on availability. Does not include waiver of liability, damage deposit, fuel energy surcharge, applicable taxes and other charges that may apply. No substitutions are permitted. Not valid with any other offer or discount.Valid on new reservations only.

3. Denali Park Resort’s “2-for-1” Holiday Package.

Guests who reserve a two-night stay at any of Denali’s first rate accommodations between August 1st and September 15th will receive the second night free, along with two Denali Natural History Tours for the price of one, through the Holiday Special! Better yet, Denali Parks is also throwing in a free $100 Visa gift card to help kick off the 2008-2009 holiday shopping season. Denali National Park & Preserve spans six million acres and includes Mt. McKinley, the tallest mountain in North America. The park provides visitors easy access to undisturbed wilderness including sweeping tundra visits and abundant wildlife. Travelers taking advantage of this great offer will learn about the rich, cultural history of Denali National Park firsthand when participating in the Natural History Tours. Each tour is guided by a seasoned naturalist who provides an in-depth background of the landscape, geology and heritage of Denali National Park. The Natural History Tour also stops at the Wilderness Access Center for a viewing of “Across Time & Tundra,” an award-winning presentation on the building of the park road. For more information on this package or other great packages, please visit www.denaliparkresorts.com  for more information.

*Disclaimer: This offer is valid through 9/17/08 and is subject to change without notice. Deal is limited to Denali Natural History Tour. Cancellation fee is waived up to 10 days from time of booking. If cancelling 31 days or more prior to travel there will be a 10% cancellation fee charged for the total price of the reservation. Reservations cancelled within 30 days are 100% non-refundable. Please call 866.761.6631 to make your tour reservation.

4. Shenandoah National Park Lodging’s Last Minute Deal

The arrival of leaf-peeping season is the perfect time for a quick getaway to the country to see the fall foliage, take a hike in the brisk outdoors and make a stop or two at roadside farm stands and antique stores along the way. Shenandoah National Park is just 90 minutes from Washington, DC in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is the quintessential fall foliage destination. Shenandoah National Park Lodging is offering a Last Minute Deal* Sundays through Thursdays beginning Aug. 14 through Sept. 25 excluding Labor Day weekend. For only $59 per night, guests can stay in a traditional accommodations at Skyland Resort and explore all that Shenandoah has to offer. Go to www.visitshenandoah.com for more details or call 1-800-778-2872 to book.

*Disclaimer: Valid Sunday thru Thursdays excluding Sun, 9/31/08 at Skyland Resort. $59 rate does not include additional taxes & surcharges. Meal gratuities not included.

5. Mesa Verde’s “Out & About” fall package.

This fall, guests to Mesa Verde National Park are welcome to explore the natural wonders and outdoor adventures of the area via the “Out and About” package, available now through October 20, 2008. Starting at just $699 for two, the package includes Kiva lodging at the Far View Lodge for two nights, a welcome bottle of premium wine, full American breakfast buffet for two mornings, two evenings of fine dining at the award-winning Metate Room, private tour of Mesa Verde’s ancient sites. The tour includes regularly-scheduled Cliff Palace ranger-led walking tour with up to 60 park visitors in addition to your party. Mesa Verde National Park is presenting its most extensive and deluxe three-day, two-night package. Go to www.visitmesaverde.com/specials/index.cfm for more information.

*Disclaimer: Plus taxes, energy surcharges and NPS fees. Full pre-payment required; minimum 7-day cancellation required to avoid forfeiture of full pre-payment. Unused package components are not refundable, substitutions are not allowed. Dinner includes soup or house salad, entree and dessert. Other than welcome wine, alcohol is available but not included. Server, Guide and Housekeeping gratuities, and National Park vehicle entrance fee ($15) are not included. Price applies to 2008 dates only.