Summer 2008 is destined to be the summer of highest prices ever for fuel (so far); and given that so many families take holiday road trips, any relief at the pump is good news.
A growing number of hotels and even entire towns are offering a gas rebate deal or similar promotion, if you'll motor on over.
Hotels.com Gas Rebate
Major booking site Hotels.com has a Summer Drive and Save Program. Book until July 6 2008 for travel through September 1 2008; minimum stay of three nights is required for each booking, and thousands of properties are available, including hotels, vacation rentals, B & B's, and all-inclusive resorts. A $50 gas rebate card will be mailed to guests at the completion of their stay. The gas rebate deal can combine with other deals, too.
Branson, MO - Gas Rebate
For several years Branson has had its act together, with a city-wide promotion. Drive to this Missouri tourist mecca from May through October, save your fuel receipts, show up at one of Branson's Welcome Centers, and get a $50 gas rebate -- a "Gas Buster" discount card -- for every $50 worth of receipts dated within the previous two days. Discount cards can be used at many attractions and lodgings options. Read about Branson for families.
Hershey PA: "Fill Up On Fun"
Three hours from NYC, "Chocolate Town USA" is dotted with Hershey attractions, plus the classic Hotel Hershey (with kids club, and chocolate spa), and family-friendly Hershey Lodge. Hersheypark theme park is the main draw for families. In July 2008, on many dates, guests at The Hotel Hershey can get a complimentary gas certificate worth $50.
ResortQuest International - Gas Rebate
This big player in vacation home rentals-- with some 17,000 properties in the US and Canada-- once again has Gas Up and Go promotions for summer travel, with gift cards from $50 to $100 depending on length of stay.
Best Western - Gas Rebates
This major hotel brand is also on the bandwagon. Check for Gas Rebate Promotions at many participating properties.
Inns and B & B's
Many country inns and B&B's welcome families, and BedandBreakfast.com is a handy site for finding them: click on Search, and pick "Family Travel". Lots of inns and B&B's offer a gas rebate or similar deal, too; to find them, try this Gas Promotion link, or look for "Gas Rebates" on the BedandBreakfast.com welcome page.
Destination Hotels and Resorts
A "Destination Drive" promotion runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day: for every night booked at any Destination Hotels & Resorts property in the US, guests receive a $25 daily room credit that can be spent on golf, spa, dining etc. To find properties, use the clickable map at the site.
Gas Rebates at Individual Resorts and Hotels
Lots of individual hotels and resorts are mounting their own gas rebate or similar promotion. For example:
Myrtle Beach: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes: luxury AAA Four Diamond resort with large suites offers a “Summer Fun Per Mile” deal, with gas rebate of 10 cents per mile deducted from the room bill of guests who arrive by vehicle. (3-night minimum stay, maximum 1600 miles round trip).
TradeWinds Island Grand: this resort on St. Pete Beach in Florida has an unusual "Barrel of Fun" package. At check out, guests get a room credit equal to the price of a barrel of crude oil. Package includes three nights in a parlor room, all-day pass per child for 3-story water slide, discount card for food and beverages, daily resort amenity fee (includes cabana, paddleboats, water trykes, mini-golf, and more.)
Check for more destinations with gas rebates:
About.com's Guide for Budget Travel is on the lookout for gas rebates and similar fuel-related deals.
