Summer Hotspots

Do you know where you're going on vacation this summer?

If not, the editors of Travel + Leisure magazine have a long list of popular destinations for which it's not too late to reserve and still get a great deal.

Travel + Leisure Senior Editor Amy Farley had the scoop, on The Early Show Thursday.

CLASSIC BEACH ESCAPE - NANTUCKET

An island 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Mass. Together with the small islands of Tuckernuck and Muskeget, it constitutes the town of Nantucket, Mass. and Nantucket County, which cover all three islands. The region of Surfside on Nantucket is the southernmost settlement in Massachusetts.

Nantucket is a tourist destination and summer colony. The population of the island soars from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 during the summer months, due to the influx of tourists and summer residents. It has some of the highest property values in Massachusetts.

You can still find good values on this classic New England island. Stay at the well-located Sherburne Inn (rooms from $105/night until mid-June and from $225/night in high season).

FAMILY ALASKAN CRUISE

Cruises have become one of the most popular ways to visit Alaska. They feature glaciers, wildlife, great food, entertainment, interesting ports of call, and fascinating tours, and you only have to unpack once! There are a number of different cruise itineraries in Alaska, offered by most of the major lines.

There is still a deal for this summer on Regent Seven Seas Cruises, where kids go for free. They also have a new educational program for kids created with Jean-Michel Cousteau.

DUDE RANCH VACATION

Most ranches have activities for the whole family -- roping, riding, cattle drives, western riding, resort relaxing, ranch activities.

Some are farm vacations.

In British Columbia, there are special values at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch.

Elkin Creek Guest ranch is a 28,000 acre cattle operation, central to the world-famous Wild Horses of the Brittany Triangle, and where many of the traditions of the early Chilcotin cowboys are still followed today.

You'll be welcomed with genuine western hospitality, and enjoy comfortable accommodations in traditionally-built log cabins with two bedrooms and comfortable twin or king size beds, a private, three-piece end suite, comfortable sitting room, and private decks with mountain views. Larger groups can be accommodated in the privately situated Hill House. Along with five bedrooms, each with a private three-piece end suite, there's a massive floor-to-ceiling river rock fireplace warming the large living/meeting room.

As a guest of the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch, you can to fill your days horse back riding with wranglers, river kayaking, fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking on a variety of trails, sailing, windsurfing, fishing on pristine Vedan Lake, or simply relaxing in the clear mountain air. Elkin Creek Guest Ranch has an adventure experience for everyone.

HAWAIIAN OASIS

There is no place in the world like Hawaii! Home to the world's most active volcano and the world's tallest sea mountain. Birthplace of surfing and the hula. Hawaii is one of the youngest geological formations in the world, and the youngest state of the union. But perhaps Hawaii's most unique feature is its Aloha Spirit: the warmth of the people of Hawaii, which wonderfully complements the islands' perfect temperatures.

There are primarily six major Hawaiian islands to visit: Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii's Big Island. You'll find each has its own personality and offers its own adventures, activities, and sightseeing opportunities. Explore all of Hawaii to find the unique island experience for you!

This summer, you can get a great deal at the The Four Seasons Resort, Lanai. The Lodge at Koele has a fourth-night-free deal: nightly room rates from $295/night. This is a newly redone property on a quiet island, and a World's Best and T+L 500 hotel.

This is a great destination for many on the West Coast.

EUROPEAN GETAWAY

Europe will be pricey this summer, as the dollar continues to weaken against the Euro. For the first time since 1981, the British pound will be have an exchange rate of two-to-one. But that doesn't mean you can't still find some deals. Spain continues to be popular and affordable, and it's very accessible from the United States.

From the sunny Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees and the busy Mediterranean, Spain packs in mountains, beaches, nightlife, seafood, art, culture, foot-stomping music, and some of the friendliest, most lighthearted people on earth.

Spain is more affordable than many European countries right now, with many great spots to visit. Among them -- Seville: Casa Romana Hotel Boutique (rooms from $230/night); Marbella: Town House (rooms from $144/night); and Mallorca: L'Avenida Hotel (rooms from $230/night).

Seville, Spain's most romantic city, is the inspiration for Carmen, Don Giovanni, and the Barber of Seville. It's been known for almost 500 years that qui non ha visto Sevilla non ha visto maravilla (he who has not seen Seville has not seen a marvel).

Marbella is kown as a playground for the famous and super-rich. Marbella is internationally recognized as a favourite destination for extremely wealthy tourists from Northern Europe, Britain in particular, France and Germany, and wealthy Arabs. The area around Marbella is particularly popular with those who like golf.

Mallorca, Spain's largest island, is located in the Mediterranean and is part of the Balearic Islands archipelago. Like the other Balearic Islands, Formentera, and Minorca, the island is a popular tourist destination. In Germany and the United Kingdom, where package tourism to the island started in May 1952, Majorca has remained a popular destination. Since the 1960s, it has also become a synonym for mass tourism.

With just a few days, you can do the essentials in Barcelona, Seville, or Madrid. With a week, you can conquer two cities. Two weeks, and you can throw in day trips and downtime, and after a month, you can do major cities, small towns, beaches, mountains, two coasts, and a lot in between.