Still time for last-minute summer trips.
There is no need to shelve that summer vacation you wanted to take but never got around to planning: The last two weeks of August may be the most popular time to get away for the season, but there are still plenty of options available for travelers who are game for a last-minute escape.
Jack Ezon, the president of travel company Ovation Vacations, said that July is actually an opportune time to book a late August trip. “Room cancellations in coveted places like the Mediterranean happen in July just before hotels impose cancellation fees, cities in Europe are quiet, and many resorts all over the United States have space, especially if you’re willing to go midweek,” he said. “Africa, South America and Canada are possibilities, too.” Here are a few options for a memorable summer vacation that you can plan right now.
EXPLORE ARGENTINA
The luxury travel company
Royal Travels & Tours is offering a private seven-night trip to Argentina that includes three-nights in Buenos Aires with a city tour, tango lesson and museum tours; two-nights in Salta, in the northwest, with a city tour, a winery visit and tasting and a cooking lesson; and two nights in Iguazu Falls with hiking and white water rafting excursions. Prices start at $1,900 a person.
LONDON CALLING
Maybourne Hotel Group ,a collection of three high-end properties in London, including The Berkeley, Claridge’s and The Connaught, has an offer in August where guests who book a four-night stay enjoy one of those nights for free.
Those who book through a travel agent who is part of a luxury travel network such as Signature Travel Network or Virtuoso also get a space available upgrade, breakfast and a food and beverage credit. Prices per night (before the free night) start at 425 to 500 pounds (about $550 to $650).
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE IN SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY
Montage Palmetto Bluff ,in Bluffton, S.C., is offering a fourth night free for travelers who book a three-night stay. The resort is situated among 20,000 acres of land where walking, biking, canoeing, kayaking and wildlife viewing tours are all possibilities. Prices start from $300 a night before the free night.
AN ISLAND GETAWAY IN MARYLAND
The Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond, in the charming town of St. Michaels, Md., has a “Skip the Bridge” package available for late August. It includes accommodations, and the name comes from the included 90-minute Champagne cruise from Annapolis across the Chesapeake to reach the resort — an appealing alternative to the dreaded traffic on the 5-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Prices per night start at $865.
EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF IRELAND
Wilderness Ireland has a six-night Hiking & Island Hopping Cork and Kerry trip available for Aug. 18-24. Travelers discover the landscape of southwest Ireland through scenic coastal hikes and boat trips. You will also visit the Wilderness Ireland via New York Times Ring of Kerry, Skellig Michael and Dursey Island where you can go wildlife spotting, and see puffins, sharks, whales and dolphins. Prices run $1,962 per person and include accommodations, tours, transfers and most meals.
GO CAMPING IN GREENLAND
Natural Habitat Adventures has the eight-night Discover Greenland: The Natural Habitat Experience trip available from Aug. 16-24. Travelers stay in a deluxe expedition camp near the edge of the Greenland ice sheet and explore fjords and islands through boat excursions and guided walks.
Visitors also have the opportunity to meet with local Inuit residents and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Prices are steep, starting at $10,995 a person.
ENJOY YOURSELF WHILE WALKING AMALFI COAST
Exodus Travels has a seven-night Walking the Amalfi Coast trip available from Aug. 18-25, and Aug. 25 to Sept. 1. Travelers enjoy daily guided walks that take them through some of the region’s most popular attractions, such as the towns of Positano, Ravello and Amalfi and the remains of Pompeii. Ticket prices start at $1,525 a person and include accommodations, the guided tours, transfers and most meals.
A BRAND-NEW CARIBBEAN ESCAPE
The new Skylark Negril Beach Resort in Jamaica is offering a starting rate of $115 a night during the second half of August in advance of its official opening after Labor Day. The 28-room hotel is situated along Negril’s famous white sand Seven Mile Beach and is home to the first Jamaica outpost of the popular New York City restaurant Miss Lily’s. In celebration of the opening, guests will receive a free foot treatment in the hotel’s spa.
SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MEXICO
The Mexico travel company
Journey Mexico is offering a four-night Riviera Maya Family Adventure trip which includes an excursion to swim with whale sharks, guided visits to sites such as Coba, an ancient city on the Yucatán Peninsula, and a swimming excursion through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
All excursions and transfers, luxury accommodations, and some meals are included. Prices start at $4,500 for a family of four, or $800 per day for two travelers. Book by calling Journey Mexico directly.