Gas prices needn't tank your summer vacation

Worries about the cost of gas compelled me to combine my son's birthday trip to the mall for some new clothes with a stop at the dentist for me. Believe me, both were fueled by anxiety. How does that bode for a family summer vacation?

Sharp hoteliers and travel companies are on board to detour some of that driving angst by helping with the wild gas prices.

No matter where you're headed, if you book three or more nights via hotels.com between now and July 6 (and travel by Sept. 1), a $50 gas card will show up in your mailbox after your trip. Be sure to use code GAS50 when booking either online at www.hotels.com or by calling (800) 762-3874.

The Kimpton group of boutique hotels offers gas packages at its Seattle hotels: Hotel Vintage Park, Hotel Monaco-Seattle and Alexis Hotel. You'll snag a $25 gas card and local road snacks (such as Washington apples) if you stay at least two nights. If your heart's set on New York City, consider the Road Warrior Package at Kimpton's 70 Park Avenue Hotel. You get deluxe accommodations; a $20 gas card; complimentary parking (usual rate is $52 for 24 hours for a standard-sized car; SUVs and larger cost $62 for 24 hours); hosted wine hour for the adults; and rates start at $289 per night. If you arrive at any Kimpton hotel across the country in a hybrid car, expect parking and hotel discounts as well as other promotions that vary depending on the property.

In addition, there's a KimptonKids program in place at more than 40 properties across the country that includes a welcome tote bag filled with goodies, such as yo-yos and bath sponges; kid-size animal print robes for your little travelers to use while visiting; a guide to local attractions such as parks, restaurants and toy stores; complimentary use of in-room cribs; in-room child safety kits, including outlet covers, toilet latches and nightlights; and special concierge services.

Take a look at www.kimptonhotels.com or ring (800) 546-7866.

Add fewer miles on the meter by staying at one of the Michigan resorts offering relief for gas pains. When you book a three-night stay at Cadillac Sands Resort (www.Cadillacsands.com), receive a $30 gas card (based on a minimum lodging rate of $99 per night, which puts you in a poolside or lakeside room). All room rentals include a free continental breakfast at the full-service resort that offers a beach and swimming area, pontoon and kayak rentals, indoor heated pool, dining room, lounge, outdoor bar and grill and a nightclub. Be sure to mention the promotion when making reservations to receive the gas card. Call (800) 647-2637.

The owner of the Cottages on Silver Lake, Robert Ortman, will pay up to $100 cash for any receipt(s) on gas, on any new reservations. Call (616) 392-8337 or visit www.cottagesonsilverlake.com for details. The offer is good through October. Accommodations range from two-bedroom, one-bath cabins on Silver Lake to a new, large home with Silver Lake access.

When you reserve with the Gas Card Promotion at the Holiday Inn - Grand Haven/Spring Lake, you receive a $25 gas card for each night you stay. Check it out at www.higrandhaven.com or ring (800) 788-8411.

Lakeside Inn Resort, family-owned for 69 years, hugs White Lake in Whitehall, Mich., (www.lakesideinn.net). Call (888) 442-3304 and ask about the No Fuelin' Package that offers a discounted rate on lodging - $99 a night, plus continental breakfast - and a $25 gift card to Shell Gas every night of your stay. "We'll do what it takes during these tough times to keep the doors open," commented Lakeside Inn's owners. "We're all in this economy together. We would like to be able to continue to offer our beautiful surroundings despite the high cost of gas."

Amen.

Once you get to your destination, park the car and turn to rail-trails as an alternative way to vacation. Rail-trails are pathways converted from old railroad lines traversing the country with more than 15,000 miles of trails connecting rural areas, suburban communities and urban centers. In fact, it's possible to explore areas near and far, in an inexpensive and healthy way, without ever having to climb in a car.

For example, the Monon Trail begins in the heart of Indianapolis and ends in the eclectic town of Carmel. Along the 15-mile trail you can visit cafes, the state fairgrounds and iconic sites such as Bubs Burgers and Ice Cream Shop.

For a more-pastoral getaway, rural rail-trails offer canoeing, picnicking and fishing along the way with accommodations from tent camping to bed-and-breakfasts. Plan your vacation around a rail-trail by racing over to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's link: www.railstotrails.org. Search by state, ZIP code or county to discover rail-trails in your particular area and access detailed trail maps.

Travelers looking for an urban vacation can turn to rail-trails that showcase cities from unique vantage points, such as the Minuteman Bikeway in Boston or the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle. More rural trails, such as the Prescott-Peavine Trail in Arizona, provide families with a more outdoors-focused vacation. Rail-trails are also ideal for the family looking for an affordable but fun and easy getaway. Tucked into many suburban towns around the country, trails such as the Washington & Old Dominion Rail-Trail Regional Park in Virginia, allow vacationers to hit the trail with minimal effort. Families can explore their own backyard and create vacation memories without the standard vacation hassles.