March 12, 2004 -- We briefly reported Wednesday that the National Parks Service was starting a more robust promotion for summer travel. Travelers will be wise to book as soon as possible to get guarantee that camping spot or room in a lodge during the parks' busiest season. Here are some current deals to consider:
In Shenandoah National Park, the rangers and their friends there have come up with three kinds of packages to help you save. The first is a "Friday Jubilee Package", available from May 21 through November 5. It is, as the title says, for Fridays only (except for September 10). You get one night's lodging at the Skyland Resort or Big Meadows Lodge in the park, breakfast for two and two tickets to the Shenandoah Jubilee Music Show (including country and patriotic songs and a tribute to veterans in the audience), all this for $119.
A "Family Hiking Package" includes two night's lodging at either spot mentioned above, two boxed lunches, a book featuring maps and description of best-loved hikes, and two hiking caps, for $182.You make it a family outing by bringing the kids along for an additional $33 per person, per night.
The "Blue Ridge Package" combines discounts on meals and lodging to make a two-night value stay in the park, for $269. This gets you two night's lodging at either of the two spots mentioned above, two breakfasts for two and two dinners for two (dining locations may be alternated). You can combine this with the Jubilee or Family Hiking packages for a longer stay.
Note that none of these packages are available on Saturdays or during the month of October, and prices are based on double occupancy, taxes and tips not included. The resort and the lodge open in April and close in the fall. For more information, check out www.visitshenandoah.com or phone 800/778-2851.
Out West, there's a "See America's Grand Canyon" package that combines lodging, breakfast, tours and gift shop savings. Available starting today through November 6, this package includes single or double occupancy at Yavapai West Lodge, breakfast for two and a ten percent discount at any gift shop at the South Rim operated by Xanterra Parks & Resorts. The cost for two persons is just $99 per night plus tax, each additional person in the same room being just $9. Some blackout dates may apply. In this package you also get a twofer on a narrated motor coach tour, your choice of those priced at $12.25, $15.75 or $28. To get the package, phone 888/297-2757 or 303/297-2757 and mention code SAGC. You can also book online at www.grandcanyonlodges.com.
May is the perfect time to visit Alaska's Denali National Park say the operators of the park's McKinley Chalet Lodge. In a "Twice as Nice" program that runs only from May 16 through June 1, 2004, the lodge has a package with a room going for $165 per night, after which you get the second night free. Prices are for single or double occupancy, with $20 for an additional person. Some blackout dates apply. For reservations, phone 800/276-7234 or 907/276-7234. For more information about the park, visit www.denalinationalpark.com.
The park, by the way, has six million acres and is just 300 miles south of the Arctic Circle, home to North America's tallest mountain, and plenty of wild life, such as moose, Dall sheep, grizzly bears and wolves.
Even if a park has no special or promotional package as yet, don't despair, as prices can be reasonable in any case. Consider the Grand Teton National Park, thought by some to be the "best place for wildlife-viewing" in the contiguous 48 states. In spring and early summer, many of the park's mammals are giving birth, including elk, moose, antelope and bison during May and June. There are 17 species of carnivorous mammals, six of hoofed mammals, three of rabbits and hares, six of bats, four of reptiles, 22 of rodents, five of amphibians, 16 of fish and more than 300 of birds. Rooms at the park's Colter Bay Village go for as low as $37 (with semi-private bath) and $73 (with private bath). Visit www.gtlc.com or phone 307/543-3100 for information on the park and the accommodations, restaurants, tours and activities of the Grand Teton Lodge Company.