Travel Notes: Travelers not necessarily on own during driving tours

Linda Strait is president of House of Travel Inc., a full-service travel agency in Springfield.

Vacationers now have a source for help while on driving trips to many of the popular North America destinations.

Travel companies that previously just offered escorted tours are now offering itineraries that give people the flexibility and the independence of a driving vacation. Individuals select the start date and go at their own pace.

Vacationers receive a packet full of maps, information on attractions, history of the area and mileage. They are provided with a toll-free number with service representatives always ready to help make reservations for the next evening's hotel, etc.

These prepaid vacations have the value of a packaged tour. Vacationers know what they will be paying before departing, which certainly helps budgeting.

Sample itineraries include a New England trip from Boston, which covers coastal towns to Bar Harbor, Maine; through the white and green mountain ranges of New Hampshire and Vermont; through The Berkshires to Newport, R.I., and Cape Cod.

Or, travelers may opt for the Niagara Falls, Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., route.

Other options include exploring the West or South, with adventures starting in California or New Orleans.

New products for families of all generations who want to experience a destination together are available. Programs are targeted for families with kids age 12 to 14, though younger children are accepted. Activities are planned for the whole family, rather than separating the age groups.

Some tour companies also offer personal discovery tours geared for those 55 to 65 years old. The idea behind these tours is to avoid the escorted tour regimen, but to have the ease of everything being taken care of. Participants are based in one region and can choose from several optional side trips during their stay.

An example would be staying in San Francisco and having a choice of a tour of the Mission district, the Museum of Modern Art or Victorian homes. On another day, travelers may choose between a walking tour of Nob Hill or a hidden parks/rooftop garden tour.

In such a diverse country, there is something for everyone. Don't stay home this year get out and experience life.