School bells will ring again soon. Does that mean it's too late for a summer vacation?

Travel experts say it's not. Since the official end of summer is Sept. 23, there's still plenty of time for day trips or to book an out-of-state excursion. Whether traveling by car, bus, train, plane or ship, the possibilities are virtually endless.

With several travel planning Web sites offering last-minute ideas and weekend getaway suggestions, it may be the perfect time for that spur-of-the-moment trip to the beach, the mountains, or anywhere in between. The only downfall is choices may be limited when seeking deals online.

But don't worry. Local travel agencies agree that last minute options do exist - you just need to know where you want to go, and they'll help you take care of the rest.

Cam Underwood with Orangeburg's The Travel Center said popular destinations for families include Disney World, Williamsburg, Va., Washington, D.C., and New York.

For adults, Las Vegas is still a hot spot for last-minute travels, she said.

Underwood said you may want to limit your travel to the United States unless you already have a passport. Cruises departing U.S. ports can be taken without a passport, but she said it's not advisable.

"Carnival is the most popular cruise that is booked because of the large variety of choices," Underwood said. "There are four- and five-night cruises available that board in Jacksonville." She said other three- to seven-night cruises are also within reach at other Florida ports, and families can easily get to them by driving or taking a short flight.

"Airlines are flying smaller aircraft and don't offer as many seats, so sometimes it's a little harder to find a flight on short notice," Underwood said. "But there are lots of locations, like the mountains, the beaches and Atlanta, that are within driving distance."

Jean Dickinson, owner of Corporate Travel Inc., said people should never think it's too late to book a vacation.

"If you are somewhat flexible, there are still good deals to be found," Dickinson said.

However, planning a outing with your family doesn't even have to be that complicated. With the Palmetto State boasting some of the most popular beaches and tourist destinations in the country and numerous lakes, rivers and mountains only a short drive away, a last-minute summer vacation is as simple as loading your vehicle and hitting the road.

South Carolina offers waterfalls, hiking trails, 330 golf destinations, 46 state parks and has more than 1,300 historical sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You don't need to journey out too far to take that last vacation before school starts

* T&D Staff Writer Donna Holman can be reached by e-mail at dholman@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540.

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