Carolina discount north package vacation

STRESSED out? Too pooped to move? It's time to break away on a real vacation. Not counting (he flu days and who knew-days, it's probably been a while since your last real vacation.

Hear that sound? It's the roar of the crowds in the ballparks; it's the tinkle of ice in summer drinks. Slip on your sandals, it's time for fun in the sun--and the best news is that it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

The trick is to do your homework and start planning early. There are great vacation deals in your own backyard and the early planner will get the best beach at the best price.

According to travel industry/statistics, the number of African-Americans taking vacation trips increased 16 percent between 1997 and 1999, compared with the 1 percent growth of' U.S. travelers overall. The average African-American spent $407 on trips, excluding the transportation cost. In any given month, on average, slightly over a quarter of African-Americans are living it up at vacation spots..

Now is the time for you to pack up and join these travelers.

Special vacation discount packages to domestic and foreign destinations are available from American Airlines and other carriers. American's special vacation packages combine air travel and hotel accommodations, fly/drive tours, and car rental in one easy package price. From Canada to Mexico and from Europe to Hawaii and islands in the Caribbean, the airline has a special package available. Delta and Southwest Airlines also offer affordable flights and special packages to vacation spots. Call your travel agent or check the Internet for bargain vacation rates.

Resort-and-island hopping may intimidate some travelers. But the Internet offers unlimited access for computer-savvy vacation shoppers to compare prices and get special prices.

A new Web site aimed at African-American travelers called Soul of America.com (www.soulofameric.com) offers electronic travel information with a cultural flair. Profiles of more than 40 major U.S. cities, travel specials, upcoming events and festivals and information on upcoming soulful cruises give the Black traveler a kind of one-stop travel shopping forum for sites and events throughout the Diaspora, all without leaving the comforts of home.

Island destinations, such as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Jamaica and the U.S. Virgin Islands, offer great summer getaways at reduced prices, Off-season rates compared to winter rates drop from 15 to 50 percent, but seasoned summer travelers don't have to island hop to get the best deals.

Since African-Americans tend to travel close to home, according to travel industry statistics, they know that some of the best deals are in the sunny South or nearby states. The states of Texas, Georgia, Florida and Virginia are the most popular Southern destinations for African-Americans. Also popular are Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Alabama, California, Illinois, and New Jersey.

Atlanta, the most popular city for African-American travelers, combines culture events, history and shopping. Among the city's popular sites are the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic District, which includes King's birthplace and final resting place; the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change; and the Atlanta University Center District, which includes a distinguished group of African-American colleges and universities. Atlanta's 24th Annual Jazz Festival, which is billed as the nation's largest free jazz festival, is scheduled for May 20-28. The festival features nine days of music, more than 100 entertainers, and more than 40 exhibits.

The whole state of Florida is one of the most popular destinations for African-American travel. From Jacksonville to Miami, travelers can immerse themselves in the sun and fun in the state where cold is a four-letter word. And for the final word in excitement and new attractions, spring into a world of excitement through the culture and beauty of Africa at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. Near Disney's Animal Kingdom, Wait Disney World Resort's fourth and newest theme park, guests can explore a whole new world through the hand-carved furnishings, rich wood and vibrant colors in authentic African architecture and design in Disney's newest deluxe resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, newly opened this spring. Also new at Walt Disney World is the high-flying excitement of a magic carpet ride in the Magic Carpets of Aladdin in the Adventureland planned for the park beginning in early summer.

And while you're in the mood for Southern hospitality, head next door to the natural beauty and cosmopolitan cities of Alabama. For those who love the outdoors, there is fishing off the Gulf Coast or in the placid waters of the state's pristine lakes. Golfers can find world-class courses from Huntsville to Mobile. There are also popular summer festivals, including the W.C. Handy Music Festival, a week-long celebration (July 29-August 4) honoring Florence native W.C. Handy. The Birmingham Heritage Festival is held in the city's civil fights district and features a number of special events. The festival is dedicated to preserving the legacy of African-Americans by education through the arts and entertainment.

And from Alabama, it's only a hop to Louisiana, which has no shortage of food, friends or fun. Two new attractions in New Orleans are the National D-Day Museum and Jazzland, the city's own theme park. Among the exciting spring and summer events in New Orleans are the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 27-29 and May 3-6), presenting music simultaneously on 12 stages; the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (July 11-15) in which wine masters and connoisseurs from across the country gather' to taste and judge the world's greatest wines; and the Satchmo Music Festival (Aug. 3-5), a brand-new event celebrating jazz and Louis Armstrong's 100th birthday;

Also celebrating jazz and the rich heritage of African-Americans are St. Louis and the state of Missouri, which produced musical legends like Josephine Baker, Scott Joplin, W.C. Handy, Charlie Parker and Chuck Berry: This year marks the 75th anniversary of the birth of jazz great Miles Davis, who was born near St. Louis just over the border in Illinois. Both St. Louis and East St. Louis, Ill., have scheduled celebrations and music festivals during the Memorial Day weekend. The Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, Mo., plans a special exhibit, Milestones, to honor the jazz pioneer from May 26 through July 25.

The annual Big Muddy Blues Festival is scheduled for Labor Day weekend in the Laclede's Landing district and will bring the biggest names in blues for three days of music.

The state also boasts ample opportunity for family fun and adventure with amusement parks, zoos and hands-on discovery centers for children of all ages.

And while you are considering these bargains, check out group package tours, especially the group package tours for Black professionals and other premium travelers. There are special themes (Africa, Black Music, Black professional advancement) for almost every interest. The National Professional Network attracts professionals and major-league speakers on its annual Caribbean tours.

So if you are looking for a bargain and an exciting summer outing, act now for the best buys in stress-free summer outings.