Press Release/May 21, 2008
Alicia Quinn
Phone: 570.421.5791
alicia@poconos.org 

  GAS BUSTERS TRAVEL PACKAGES IN POCONO MOUNTAINS BEAT PUMP PAIN
Pocono Mountains Region Offers Travel Rebates To Combat Rising Gas Prices

POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA, May 21, 2008 – Although prices continue increasing at the pump, the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania - a short drive from many major U.S. cities - makes a relaxing getaway affordable with "gas busters" rebates at various properties. 

Driving is the best option for a 2008 summer vacation: according to the International Air Transport Association, this summer is expected to be one of the worst on record for air travelers.  The cost of jet fuel has risen by 70 percent from May 2007 and plane ticket prices are expected to increase significantly, providing greater incentive to vacation within driving distance.

"The Pocono Mountains are located within a three-hour drive of 30 million U.S citizens," said Carl Wilgus, executive director of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.  "Our gas rebate packages allow travelers to take advantage of the region's abundant outdoor activities, waterparks, fine dining, luxury spas, and a wide array of accommodations."

Vacationers can ease "wilting wallet" syndrome with the following packages: 

Caesars Pocono Resorts' Top Off and Go
Guests booking a two-night stay will receive $100 in cash from Caesar's Pocono Resorts. The package includes a luxurious suite, breakfast-in-bed, all-you-can-eat dinner and live nightly entertainment. The $100 in cash can be used on gas, in the café or gift shop. Package rates start at $180 per person per night.  Available through December 27, 2008 at Cove Haven Resort (Lakeville, PA), Paradise Stream Resort (Mount Pocono, PA) and Pocono Palace Resort (Marshall's Creek, PA).  Call 888-963-3052 or visit www.caesarspoconoresorts.com.

East Shore Lodging's Midweek Summer Gas Rebate Getaway
Located on the banks of Lake Wallenpaupack, East Shore Lodging offers a midweek getaway this summer with a $50 gas card.  The two-night package includes: a King Suite with private deck; continental breakfast for two each morning; two one-hour, in-room massages; two tickets for an hour-long ride on a Wallenpaupack Scenic Boat Tour; dinner for two guests one night at a choice of restaurants; and a $50 gas card.  Package rates start at $519 for two nights, midweek, based on double occupancy.  Offer valid June 2-19, June 23-August 28, 2008. Call 877-226-8226 or visit www.eastshorelodging.com.

The French Manor's Tanks-A-Lot Package
The French Manor, an enchanting stone chateau situated atop Huckleberry Mountain in South Sterling, wants to say "Tanks-A-Lot" to guests staying two or more nights midweek with a $50 gift card that can be used towards a tank of gas.  The Tanks-A-Lot package includes lodging in a beautifully appointed guestroom or suite, complimentary fruit and cheese platter with a decanter of sherry in room upon arrival, turn-down service with Godiva chocolates each night and a full country breakfast each morning. When booking, guests must ask for the Tanks-A-Lot package by name. Packages start at $330, based on double occupancy and are valid midweek in 2008 with any Bed and Breakfast package rate. Not valid on weekends or holidays or with any other promotion.  Call 877-720-6090 or visit www.thefrenchmanor.com.

Mountaintop Lodge's Gas Buster Bonus
Guests presenting a same-day gas receipt will receive a $10 refund for each night booked at Mountaintop Lodge, located in Pocono Pines.  This charming bed and breakfast has an outdoor pool, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a nearby lake for swimming and boating.  The refund will be given in the form of a check upon check-in; guests must mention the special at the time of booking andpresent a same-day gas receipt to receive the benefit. Offer expires June 30, 2008; does not apply to reservations made prior to April 24, 2008.  Not valid holidays or for corporate or extended stays.  Call 877-646-6636 or visit www.mountaintoplodge.com.

About the Pocono Mountains
With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania's Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands and 170 miles of winding rivers.  Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261miles of hiking and biking trails, over 35 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing and open access to nine state and two national parks. 

Any time of year is a good time to visit the Pocono Mountains, located within driving distance of most major East Coast cities.  This region teeming with history offers year-round cultural tours and art exhibitions, abundant antiquing and brand-name shopping and a full calendar of festivals showcasing the heritage, music and food of the Pocono Mountains. 

Even the most discerning traveler will find comfortable accommodations in the Pocono Mountains, which offers an eclectic mix of resorts, distinctive properties and quaint, country inns and bed and breakfasts.                                                                                                                                 

Comprehensive Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at www.800poconos.com or by phone at 800-POCONOS (800-762-6667).  The Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne in northeastern Pennsylvania.   

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