It may seem crazy to think that a vacation to Europe may still be possible this summer and early fall, especially when you have yet to book it. But, when the top European destinations, hotels, tour companies and attractions announce fixed US dollar rates that go through the end of the 2008 summer season and beyond, you can begin to see how you and your family may be on your way across the Atlantic a lot sooner and easier than you think. Here are some deals that may blow your mind.

If Belgium has always been on your list of places to go, you can be spontaneous and take a three-day weekend to Brussels. When you book with European Destination packages, including round-trip airfare from JFK to Brussels and hotel, start at only $629 per person (based on double occupancy and price not does include taxes and fuel surcharges).

Do want to head to the beautiful beaches of Cannes (pictured above left) in France instead? The Cannes Tourist Board has coupled with nearly 30 of the nicest hotels in the area to offer guaranteed US dollar rates (no matter what the Euro is doing) starting at $240 per person for a three nights' stay and breakfast every morning. Four Canneshotels on the list feature special children amenities: the four-star Martinez Hotel and the three-star Suitehotel Cannes Carnot, Hotel de' l'Oliver and Residence Massena. Children under 12 years stay free at these hotels and they receive a special welcome with a children's magazine. Additionally, all of the hotels have a children's recreation area and offer in-room entertainment for the little ones, such as board games, videos and cartoons channels. Visit cannes-dollarate.com to learn more about each hotel and make sure to check out cannes-enfants.fr, a website that will give you plenty ideas of what your child can do on the soft sandy beaches of Cannes.

Imagine 13 days of exploring Germany's most famous and beautiful cities for only $1,340 per person. Contact Cosmos 800/276-1241 to learn more information about its guided "Highlights of Germany" tour. Starting and ending in Frankfurt, the tour includes a cruise down the Rhine River, a visit to a gothic cathedral in Cologne (that took more than 400 years to build), next is Hamburg and then to Berlin where you will learn how a once divided city functions today. There will be castles of all shapes and sizes, including Neuschwanstein Castle, which is rumored to have inspired Walt Disney's vision of Cinderella's castle, in between visits to Dresden, Munich and the Black Forest.

The green pastures and sod of Ireland are awaiting you and with Lynott Tours' your family can embark on a six-day self-drive package through the country. Starting at $1,572 per person, the package includes round-trip airfare and a rented car (remember, you will be driving on the opposite side of the road). Accommodations will be completely taken care of for you. For five nights your family can enjoy the comfort and ease of quaint B&Bs that offer hearty Irish breakfasts in the morning and then, on your final evening, you will sleep the night away in a historic castle. Plus, families can save up to $300 per person on admission prices with a Heritage Island pass that offers two for one admission to more than 90 Irish attractions, including the Blarney Castle, Dublin's Book of Kells and the Waterford Crystal Factory.

Other savings and deals continue to pop up all over Europe and remember its never too late to have your chance at a European get-a-way without letting all of your money get a way. Log onto the European Travel Commission website to learn about the newest travel deals.

by Jillian Ryan

Current special offers   Book this trip