Special Travel Ideas for Father's Day

Wow your dad this Father’s Day—coming up fast on Sunday, June 15, 2008—with adventurous travel packages and recreational retreats from race-car driving to golf getaways to an epic scotch-tasting trip in Scotland.

Discovery Channel “Excitations” Adventure Packages

The Discovery Channel offers adventure gift packages for any occasion, including plenty of Father’s Day ideas. Give your Dad the gift of flight—and the thrill of a lifetime—with the Aerobatic Flight Adventure over the Arizona desert, that lets the guest flyer take the controls for 75 percent of the ride. Package starts at $775 for a 45-minute flight, with additional instruction briefing. The Crew a Sailboat package offers a full day of sailing instruction for four; rates start at $715. Other experiences include a hot air balloon ride and a hang-gliding flight. To browse more “exciting” ideas go to www.excitations.com or call 877-839-2483.

NASCAR Star

Several U.S. racing schools are offering Father’s Day deals for group lessons and an exhilarating day of driving on an actual NASCAR racing oval:

The Buck Baker Racing School offers rides, drives with an instructor and solo drives and various prices; a basic Day Ride and Drive packages start at $450 and includes up to 20 solo laps. Track locations include Darlington, S.C.; Atlanta, Ga.; Bristol, Tenn.; and two in North Carolina. Special Father’s Day deals: 10 percent off all courses, or bring four or more family and friends, and dad’s course is free. For more information call 800-529-BUCK or go to www.buckbaker.com.

• Spend some quiet time with the kids on a weekend getaway for Father’s Day.
• Annais Ferreira

The Jeff Gordon Racing School in Concord, N.C. and the Mario Andretti Racing School in Las Vegas, Nev. also offer a “Dads and Grads Supersale” featuring Indy-style, NASCAR and road racing. Ride or drive packages start at $99 at various U.S. speedways through June 15, 2008. Go to www.andrettigordon.com for more details or call 877-RACE-LAPS.

Escape to Jamaica

Air Jamaica is inviting dads and their families to experience island living with three-day, all-inclusive packages at three island resorts. Holiday Inn’s SunSpree Resort, Montego Bay has savings up to 50 percent off, and includes all meals, non-motorized water sport activities, and children under 12 stay and eat for free. Package includes airfare and starts at $525 per person from Miami; additional departing cities include Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York. Other participating resorts are Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa (www.sunsetjamaica.com) starting at $609 per person, and Couples Negril (www.couples.com) from $889 per person.  

The Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa Resort, in Rose Hall, Jamaica also offers the His Retreat package where Dad can golf on the 18-hole White Witch Golf Course then relax with an 80-minute deep tissue massage. Rates start at $295 per person. www.ritzcarlton.com.

• Father’s Day weekend is a great time to set off on a hike with the kids.
• Santiago LLobet

St. Ives Resort Golf Packages

Father’s Day weekend packages at St. Ives Resort in Stanwood, Mich. include one night stay and two rounds of golf for $199 per person. Minimum two golfers; good June 13-15, 2008. Call 800-972-IVES for more details or go to www.stivesgolf.com.

Pitcher Inn Father’s Day Retreat

Pitcher Inn, a Relais & Chateaux luxury resort, features a two-night Father’s Day weekend package in Warren, Vt. Rates start at $799 for two, and include accommodations, full breakfast, daily afternoon tea and one dinner for two. Guests can add two rounds of golf, or one round and one 60-minute spa treatment for $180. Offer good through June 2008. Call 802-496-6350 or go to www.pitcherinn.com for more details.

Scotch Lover’s Father’s Day in Scotland

This luxurious trip to Scotland is a once-in-a-lifetime indulgence for Dad and a guest to explore the world of Chivas Regal Scotch whisky. Travelers will get to make their own custom scotch with master blender Colin Scott and enjoy five days of whisky tasting. Package includes: airfare, transportation, accommodations, all meals, a mansion stay, dinner with the Duke of Argyle at Inveraray Castle, a round of golf at St. Andrew’s links and more—including your own personal butler for the entire trip! Total package for two: $117,650. To book, call 888-332-2907 or contact Travelcorp International at 225-231-4735 until June 16. Must be redeemed for travel the weeks of Aug. 3-8 or Aug. 31-Sept. 5.