As summer’s end nears, quick getaways beckon
discover oklahoma

LINDSAY VIDRINE Comments 0
Published: August 23, 2009

By now, many parents are in full back-to-school mode. But Labor Day is right around the corner, and one last summer getaway beckons.

Whether the summer slipped by without a vacation or you need one last retreat to recharge yourself, making plans now can give you something to look forward to beyond packing lunch boxes and enforcing bedtimes.

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Here are several resources to help make planning a breeze.

→Take advantage of discounts. Many attractions and destinations offer discounted packages and coupons near the end of the summer travel season. Check out the "Hot Deals” section online at www.TravelOK.com for special offers, hotel packages and coupons for attractions, lodging and more. From working ranch getaways to bed-and-breakfast retreats to discounted museum admissions, you can easily plan activities while making the most of your dollar.

→Escape for the day. Don’t have the time or budget to stay overnight? You can play tourist close to home by visiting that museum you always see ads for but never have time to experience. Or take a short drive to a state park near you and pack a picnic lunch and a flying disc. With more than 50 state parks, there’s one within easy driving distance from your house.

→Talk to the experts. The state’s Tourism and Recreation Department has a staff of travel counselors available Monday through Friday to answer travel questions and provide free brochures and information. All you have to do is call (800) 652-6552, and they will get you on your way. From trip planning to insider tips on where the locals eat, Oklahoma travel counselors are the resource for trip questions large and small.

→Order brochures. For the do-it-yourself researcher, you may prefer to order free travel guides and brochures through the click of a button. Online at www.TravelOK.com are more than 100 brochures to choose from; just click the ones that interest you, and they will be mailed to you free. Among the selection are the official Oklahoma Travel Guide, Route 66 Ultimate Roadtrip Guide or Exploring Oklahoma with Children magazine.

No matter how you go about it, take advantage of these late summer days when the sun stays high to make a few lasting memories before the hustle and bustle of the school year kicks into high gear.

Lindsay Vidrine is director of travel communications for the Travel and Tourism Division, state Tourism and Recreation Department.