It's not too late for a vacation
Residents seeking one last getaway before school starts need look no further than this guide to last-minute summer vacations provided by local travel agents.
Keep it local
"People choose these places because not a lot of driving is involved and as a result it is not as expensive. It's a very good choice for budget travelers because there is still so much to see," Travel Consultant for Elite Travel Roger McWhorter said.
There's always Disney
Another family-friendly getaway is Disney World. It, too, is far enough away to be considered a destination, but close enough to drive.
Children easily enjoy themselves in the four theme parks and two water parks with theatrical shows, stunt scenes, elaborate costumes, wild animals and indoor roller coasters.
"A tremendous amount of young parents and grandparents with smaller children choose Disney World because it is a phenomenal place. Old Man Disney did himself proud with the building designs of the shops and castles. People can believe they are in another place. Kids have a great time there and believe it or not adults do, too. It's magic," McWhorter said.
Adventure at sea
Sometimes grandparents choose a cruise, including the Disney Cruise Line, over a land based trip. Travelers without passports can still visit St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Many tourists have ventured into Blackbeard's Castle said to have been a lookout tower for the infamous pirate of the 1700s and Magens Bay, a well-protected world famous beach found on the north side of the island.
"St. Thomas is far enough away that you feel like you have gotten somewhere, but without leaving the United States. People there speak beautiful English," McWhorter said.
Viva la Mexico
Tourists who have a passport find Mexico a popular location.
The Mayan Riviera, found on the Yucatan Penninsula, has a little something for everyone. Adventure seekers have ample supply of jungles to explore featuring Mayan ruins including the ancient observatory Tulum. Beachgoers have miles of white sand on which to lounge.
French diver Jacques Cousteau claimed that Cozumel was one of the most beautiful underwater locations in the world. The Riviera also boasts the legendary party town Cancun.
"As more travelers have arrived air line prices have dropped making the Mayan Riviera the most affordable international destination and there has been a large number of all-inclusive resorts built in the area to accommodate tourists. This time of year it is mostley families traveling, but at the beginning of summer there are recent graduates and obviously college students on spring break visit Cancun," McWhorter said.
Beating the heat in cooler
climates
For those seeking a little less heat there are still a variety of offers. Alaskan cruises offer a different landscape featuring whales, ice caps and nearly endless sunlight.
Some cruises take passengers through waterways once used by miners in the Alaskans gold rush, while other cruises bring people past glaciers including Glacier Bay National Park.
On the other hand, Europe presents an 'Old World' allure. Popular destinations include London, Paris, Dublin and Copenhagen.
Travelers can also try a Trans-Atlantic cruise to locations such as Iceland, Greenland or Portugal.
"In the summer people like to visit Alaska and Europe because these cruises are seasonal so they not offered in the winter. They are a little more expensive than Caribbean cruises and usually start at $1,000 per person. The travel dates and landings affect prices. Airfare will also affect the cost if it is included in the price," General Manager of Cruise One Jim Velezis said.