Everybody's talking about the price of gasoline and some travel providers are doing something about it . . . sort of. What might ordinarily be a discount off the price of a room is being offered in the form of a gas credit or other gas-related incentive, and even if you don't save any more than with a different discount, it's a psychological boost to be paying less at the pump. Some petrol-related possibilities:
Nearly 200 inns and bed-and-breakfasts in 32 states have posted free gas offers in a Tanks a Lot promotion at BedandBreakfast.com. A couple of examples: Stay two midweek nights at the Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic, Conn., through the end of this month and get a $25 gas rebate. Paddle in complimentary kayaks or hike or pedal the back roads of this seaside town and save on gas that way, too. Two-night midweek packages start at $400 a couple, including breakfast for two. Or book a four-night midweek stay in a deluxe room at the Coppertoppe Lodge and Retreat Center, in Hebron, N.H., through October for $365 and get a car wash, wax, detailing, rim polish, oil change, and on-lift safety check, plus your tank topped off up to a $30 value.
For all the specials, visit www.bedandbreakfast.com and click on Free Gas Promotion.
To beat increased fuel surcharges by airlines, Grand European Tours, which specializes in escorted travel to Europe for mature travelers, is offering an unconditional price guarantee for all trips, allowing travelers to lock in a price now.
Visit www.getours.com or call 888-522-3950 .
Sunset Hill House in Sugar Hill, N.H., will pay 10 cents per mile for guests, based on Mapquest figures for the day's point of origin to the inn. There are no blackout dates, no limits on mileage, and no minimum stays required. The 28-room inn has views of six mountain ranges, golf, and a heated pool, plus lodging with balconies, Jacuzzis, and fireplaces. Rates range from $100-$399 including breakfast, per night.
Call 800-786-4455 or visit www.sunsethillhouse.com .
Five Gables Inn & Spa in St. Michaels, Md. , boasts a location that is less than 80 miles from Baltimore and Washington, 120 miles from Philadelphia , and 200 miles from New York . The spa's Gas Get-Away Package features a $35 gas card to guests booking a two-night minimum stay Sunday through Thursday . The 20-room inn is within walking distance of dining, boutiques, antique s shops, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Bicycles are available , and access to tennis, golf, sailing, hunting, and fishing is within five minutes of the resort. Rates begin at $160 a night.
Call 877-466-0100 or visit www.fivegables.com .
The Best Western Music Capital Inn and Best Western Center Pointe Inn in Branson, Mo., are among lodging places participating in a Gas Buster Program until Sept. 2. Families will receive one $50 Gas Buster discount card for every $40 worth of gas receipts dated within the previous two days of arrival at one of Branson's many Welcome Centers. The card will also entitle them to discounts at either hotel for up to five nights. Rates for both properties start at $74.99 any day of the week.
For more information , visit www.explorebranson.com . For the Best Western Music Capital Inn, call 877-334-8378 . For the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, call 888-334-1894 . For either, visit www.bestwestern.com .
Call 866-AFFINIA or visit www.affinia.com .
If Boston is your holiday destination, the annual Harborfest will be held June 28-July 4 and a listing of the many events can be found at www.bostonharborfest.com , or call 617-227-1528 .
The 25th annual Taste of Chicago festival takes place June 30-July 9 in Grant Park, with al fresco dining, outdoor concerts, and the annual Independence Eve Fireworks Celebration featuring more than 5,000 fireworks from around the world. The Taste of Chicago -- 4th of July Weekend Escape at the Fairmont Chicago includes accommodations for two, a 5 p.m. checkout time, and a CD sampler. Rates begin at $209 and the package is available July 1-5.
Call 800-526-2008 or visit www.fairmont.com/chicago .
When not included, hotel taxes, airport fees, and port charges can add significantly to the price of a trip. Most prices quoted are for double occupancy; solo travelers will usually pay more. Offers are subject to availability and there may be blackout dates. Contact Richard P. Carpenter at carpenter@globe.com. 
