“Gas Beaters,” “Gas Tank Getaways,” “Tanks-A-Lot.” Sound familiar? If you’re planning a summer road trip they might be. From California to Maine, it seems like every inn, hotel, motel and mansion is running a promotion to offset the record high gas prices that are sweeping the nation.
I first noticed the offers in our local paper. Many of the resorts in the northern part of our state that cater to travelers from Michigan and Illinois are offering $50 gas cards to guests who stay two nights or more. The idea is to motivate summer travelers to hit the road even though the price of gas is hovering around the $3 mark.
Here are just some of the nationwide promotions offering ways to help “fuel your summer vacation”:
Traverse City, Michigan—Through Labor Day, The Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau will give a $25 Speedway gas card to visitors who stay of four nights or longer in any of its 43 participating hotels, motels or resorts. The cards are redeemable for gas or other merchandise at Speedway service stations anywhere in the country.
Aspen, Colorado—Visitors will get a $50 gas card when they book two or more nights at a participating Aspen lodge.
Bend, Oregon—Mt. Bachelor Village Resort is offering guests a $50 gas card redeemable at Shell stations when they book two nights or more through the resort.
New Mexico—The Hawthorne Suites Ruidoso is offering a $50 gas card to guests who stay two nights or more.
New York—from June through September, the paramount Hotel New York will refund up to $30 to guests who provide receipts for gas purchased within 24 hours of their arrival.
Vermont—The Arlington Inn is offering guests who stay two mid-week nights or more a $25 gas card.
Best Western—Stay three nights or more at participating Best Western hotels and receive a $50 gas card. Visit the Best Western website for more information.
Hotels.com—Travelers who book two nights or more online by May 29th for stays between now and July 10th, are eligible for up to $30 in gas rebates.
High gas prices don’t look they will be taking a vacation soon, but by doing a little research, choosing a hotel wisely, and planning ahead, you won’t have to let them put the brakes on your summer road trip.