Spring Travel Deals

We're all sick of hearing the depressing news about the economy, so why not take a vacation? It may sound like the last feasible thing to do as we're all trying to cut down on spending. But with many travel destinations slashing prices and offering added value to their lodging, a quick getaway might be just the ticket to relax and recharge. Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center in Ohio, Lake Quinault Lodge in Washington and Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado are destinations offering great specials this spring:

Shenandoah National Park Lodging's "Early Bird Special" offers $104 room rate – more than 30 percent in savings – on traditional lodging at Skyland Resort and Big Meadows Lodge on Mondays through Thursdays and includes breakfast for two. Everyone comes to Shenandoah for the fall foliage, but locals in the area say spring – with the abundant wildflowers and no crowds – is the best time to visit this park.

And one of the best ways to visit Shenandoah National Park is with friends. For women, taking a trip with the girls can be the perfect way to escape the stresses of everyday life and come back feeling ready to take on the world again. This season, Shenandoah National Park Lodging is inviting women to grab a girlfriend, leave their Blackberries behind (okay, maybe not, but at least turn off work email!) and explore the serene panoramic views and unique wildlife that the park has to offer with the Girlfriend Getaway package.

Starting at just $399, the Girlfriend Getaway package** allows girlfriends to bond with one another, embark on an adventure or just relax. The package offers a two-night weekday stay in a traditional room at Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge, a guided hike and horseback ride through the Shenandoah Mountains with box lunches for two and local Virginia wine and cheeses. The package represents a savings of more than 25 percent. Located just 90 miles from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park provides the perfect getaway right outside of the city limits.

For more information about Shenandoah or to book a package, please visit www.visitshenandoah.com or call (800) 778-2872.

Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center

Families looking for fun outdoor activities in the Midwest region will enjoy great savings with Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center's new spring travel deals. Deer Creek Resort, located within Deer Creek State Park and less than thirty minutes from Columbus, offers families an array of outdoor activities, including miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, fishing on Deer Creek Lake, and a renowned 350-acre golf course.

Deer Creek's Spring Fling Package includes:

• Book two nights, get the third free
  
• Package starts at $178*, plus tax
  
• Available March 20, 2009 – May 22, 2009
  

Deer Creek's Spring Any Day Golf Package includes:

• A one night stay, any day of the week
  
• 36 holes of golf with cart rental
  
• Package starts at $148* per night, plus tax
  
• Available March 13, 2009 – May 22, 2009
  

Designed by Jack Kidwell and opened in 1982, Deer Creek's 350-acre course is diverse, challenging and exciting for golfers of all skill levels, and includes two practice greens, a practice sand trap and a driving range. Deer Creek's 18-hole championship golf course also has a level terrain and appeals to golfers traveling by foot or cart. The course offers four par 3's guarded by water and trees, ten lengthy par 4's, and four par 5's that combine to create an enjoyable, challenging experience.

Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center is open year round, and the golf course is just one of its many alluring features that add to the comfort of staying in a lodge room or spacious cabin. Guests can also enjoy dining at Rafter's Restaurant, which offers both upscale cuisine and traditional dishes to meet the specific tastes and needs of every guest.

For more information on Deer Creek Resort, please visit www.visitdeercreek.com or call (866) 292-9391.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National park, a World Heritage Site and the largest archaeological preserve in North America, is celebrating the spring opening of the Far View Lodge with the Spring into Mesa Verde package, priced affordably at $199. The package includes a one night stay and full American breakfast buffet for two. Guests will also experience a half-day ranger-guided bus tour for two of Mesa Verde's ancient sites, including Cliff Palace, the largest Cliff Dwelling in North America! The package deal is available April 23, 2009 – May 21, 2009. For more information, please visit www.visitmesaverde.com or call 866-292-8295.

Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Additionally, Lake Quinault Lodge in the Olympic Peninsula is offering a Spring Fling room rate, starting at just $79. Valid now through May 15, 2009, guests can stay Sunday through Thursday in a non-view or boathouse room for $79 or in a view or lakeside room for $89. Retreat to the historic lodge and let the beauty and tranquility of the Quinault Rainforest surround you; with gorgeous views of the Olympics and Lake Quinault, this is a perfect getaway at an unbeatable price.

For more information about Lake Quinault Lodge, check out www.visitlakequinault.com or call (866) 297-7367.

Shenandoah
*Valid April 12 through June 25, 2009 at Skyland Resort and May 25 through June 25, 2009 at Big Meadows Lodge in standard and traditional rooms. Rate includes taxes, utility surcharge and meal gratuities. Excludes all Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, May 24, 2009.

**Disclaimer: Based on double occupancy Weekend rates start at $499. For each additional person, costs start at $154 each night. Blackout dates apply. For a complete listing of dates, visit the Web site.

Deer Creek
* Some blackout dates may apply. Packages are not applicable to groups or to be combined with any other offers. Prices based on parkview rooms. Prices for upgrades are available.

Lake Quinault Lodge
*Package available Sunday thru Thursday and for new reservations only, not valid during holiday periods, inventory is limited and some blackout dates may apply, rate based on single or double occupancy, does not include tax, fees, or gratuity, additional people and pet fees apply.