There’s still time for holiday travel

Some good last-minute deals are available, according to travel agents.

By TRAVINA COLEMAN

Most folks who plan to travel this holiday season have probably already contacted a travel agent or made arrangements themselves.

But for procrastinators who would still like to get away for a few days over the break, a few options are still available.

A pack-and-go cruise is a good choice, and a way to escape the chilly weather.

Linda Spyres, owner of Vacations R Us, said if travelers book now, they can get some incredible rates.

“We have cruise packages being offered that are very cheap,” she said.

Carnival pack-and-go cruises range from $279 for a four-night cruise, with ocean view room, to Key West and Cozumel, flying out of Miami, Fla., up to $749 for a Caribbean cruise with an ocean view room.

“They are great deals, but you have to book quickly,” Spyres said.

And if you think you would get seasick, Spyres said that’s not a problem.

“[The cruise ships] have stabilizers that are like wings that help keep things moving smoothly,” she said. “Unless you’re in really rough water, you won’t feel it.”

There’s also Bonine, a one-a-day pill similar to Dramamine, but it won’t make you drowsy.

“If I have travel, I just take one of those with my vitamins,” Spyres said.

The top vacation spots at the moment will depend on the family situation, according to Spyres.

“Empty-nesters seem to be ready to travel abroad,” she said. “Then there are those with families that are staying in the United States.”

Cheryl Nobles, office manager at Vacations R Us, recently booked a skiing vacation for a family to Keystone, Colo.

“Lots of hotels are having specials,” she said. “And Las Vegas is another big draw right now.”

Jeanette Rushing, agent with Jimmy Houston Travel in Cookson, recently packaged a Las Vegas trip for a couple.

“I was kind of hard-pressed to find a deal for under $1,500,” Rushing said. “That’s kind of high for Las Vegas. The dates are filling quickly.”

Rushing said those planning on traveling anywhere should start making arrangements about three months in advance, and to make sure you have your photo identification on hand, or passport if traveling outside the continental U.S.

“Also most airlines are charging at least $25 for a checked bag,” she said. “So you need to prepare for that, unless you are flying on Southwest.”

Other great places to go that aren’t too far to travel from Tahlequah for the holidays are Branson, Mo., and San Antonio, Texas.

“The lights are amazing on the Riverwalk,” Rushing said. “And Branson is always a great holiday destination.”

If you are planning a spring break, early summer trip, or maybe even a honeymoon, now is the time to book for the best specials.

“If someone is planning on popping the question over the holidays, it’s a good idea to start planning the honeymoon now,” Spyres said. “And we have a honeymoon registry that is great.”

The couple chooses the trip they would like to take and they put down a deposit.

“The couple just lets friends and family know how to contribute,” she said. “It’s just like being registered at Dillard’s or someplace like that. They give money, and if the amount in gifts is more than what the trip costs, we just rebate the money. And it’s very simple to track. We contact you to let you know when a contribution has been made and you send out the thank-you note.”

Nobles said anyone who is planning to travel with the Sequoyah Lady Indians to the Nike tournament in Portland, Ore., needs to call right away and make arrangements.

“They are leaving on the 26th,” she said. “Those who think they will be able to do it when it’s down to the wire probably won’t be able to book.”

And that’s another perk of travel agencies: They even handle sporting events.

“We can see to it the tickets are delivered to your room,” Spyres said. “And that goes for Broadway plays, NFL tickets, or even NASCAR.”

Nobles said she’s heard rumors of the Oklahoma State University Cowboys going to the Cotton Bowl.

“That’s pretty close to home,” she said. “But call us and we can arrange your stay and tickets.”

She said the company just booked someone flying out to Phoenix for the Minnesota Vikings football game against the Cardinals this weekend.

“If you think it,” Spyres said, “we can try to do it.”

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