Last Minute Summer Specials

Here are a few great summer specials.

New York City
The deal: NYC's historic, art-filled Buckingham Hotel, located just a block from Central Park, is offering a family package that includes overnight accommodations for four (there's a two-night minimum), four tickets (two adult, two children) to the Central Park Zoo, stuffed-animal toys, and a family snack pack to take with you on your journey to see the zoo's more than 130 species.
How much: Starting at $339 per night.
When: Through September 7.
Typical cost for a similar trip: At least $370
Find it: http://buckinghamhotel.com/specials_and_packages/cental_zoo_package.cfm or tel. 888/511-1900
Promotion code: Zoo

London
The deal: London's stylish Draycott Hotel, in the heart of in the heart of Chelsea, is offering the three-night "London Culture and Dine-Around Package," which includes accommodations, two tickets each to the Churchill Museum and Benjamin Franklin House, two theater tickets to the best available show, a full English breakfast, and VIP treatment at your choice of three out of five of London's trendiest eateries, including Daphne's (Italian), El Balson (Spanish), Chutney Mary (Indian), Amaya (Indian), or Boisdale of Belgravia (Scottish). All hotel guests also get free Wi-Fi access, afternoon tea and biscuits, a glass of champagne in the evening, and hot chocolate before bed.

How much: $2,165 for a deluxe double, including taxes and based on double occupancy.
When: From July 31 until Dec. 31.
Typical cost for a similar trip: At least $2,440 for a deluxe double, including taxes and based on double occupancy.
Find it: http://www.draycotthotel.com/ or tel. 800/747-4942

Yukon, Canada
The deal: Horizon & Co. is offering a special price on its "Into the Wild -- The Great River Journey," an 8-day luxury wilderness safari through Yukon, Canada that includes all accommodations -- mostly in rustic, elegant lodges, hotels, and camps along the Yukon River; meals; transportation via canoe, mountain bike, kayak, floatplane, and riverboat; all outdoor equipment (canoes, kayaks, etc.); and the services of all local guides and experts. Not included are international or domestic flights to the start of the trip, taxes (5% in Canada), and gratuities.

How much: $3,900. In July, this price includes return flights from Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver.

When: July 25-Aug. 1; July 27-Aug. 3; Aug. 1-8; Aug. 3-10; Aug. 8-15; Aug. 10-17; Aug. 15-22; Aug. 17-24; Aug. 22-29; Aug. 24-31; Aug. 29-Sept. 5; and Aug. 31-Sept. 7.
Typical cost for a similar trip: $7,800 per person, not including any airfare.
Find it: http://www.horizon-co.com/ or tel. 800/387-2977 or 416/585 9911.
Know a great deal to a top destination? Send your tips to editor@frommers.com.

The company Pleasant Holidays (tel. 800/742-9244; http:///) offers just what it promises, especially for this week's smart deal, which offers a Hawaii summer sale for 50 percent off the companion airfare, with vacations starting from $509 per person.You must book by July 31, but the special is valid for travel now through December for San Francisco and Los Angeles departures. The sale covers the roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and hotel taxes and the airline fuel surcharge. Other taxes and charges up the price by $100-$160.
The lowest advertised price reflects a trip to Oahu for select travel, daily departures from late August through December 8. The special requires a three-night minimum stay and full payment of airfare and deposit are due within 24 hours of booking the trip. The $509 rate specifically reflects Waikiki's Aqua Continental, which is two blocks from the beach and features several restaurants on site. The property is also offering a special incentive for the fifth night free. Other hotels in Waikiki are part of the special, too, such as the Sheraton Princess from $625 and the all-suites property Castle Hokele from $549.

If you are interested in other islands, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island are also included in this special. Maui starts from $565 per person for Lahaina Shores Beach Resort, a condo property right on the beach, whereas Kauai's availability starts at $869 for the Sheraton Kauai Resort, located on Poipu Beach. Finally, stay from $705 per person on the Big Island at Uncle Billy's Hilo Bay Hotel, where the stay at this oceanfront property includes free continental breakfast and children 17 and younger stay for free.
Talk with other Frommers.com readers on our Hawaii Message Boards.

Rome
The deal: Expedia is offering a 4-night air and hotel package at the Residence Vatican Suites, which is in central Rome, near St. Peter's Square.
How much: $518, including airfare and a four-night, double-occupancy hotel stay.
When: Book by Through September 5. Book by July 31.
Typical cost for a similar trip: 30% more.
Find it: http://www.expedia.com/daily/vacations/summerofadventure/sale/europe/default.asp?dest=Rome&emlcid=MMN-TR-issu272-testX-segm-sega-date20080605224003-vers01-link199468-paid81983772-dma-wave7933