Columnist Muriel Stevens: Plenty of travel plans to be made

Wednesday, May 29, 2002 | 8:27 a.m.

It's travel time, but where to go? How far away from home? These are troubled times and even though most of us are living as we normally do, there are concerns.

There are bargains galore for those willing to fly overseas and plenty more for those who don't want to venture too far from home and would prefer to travel by car. And if you're a Dracula fan, a Dracula Tour might be just what you're looking for:

Dracula Tour: Vampires are everywhere these days, especially in such recent films as "Queen of the Damned" and "Blade 2." But to experience Count Dracula and his spinoffs on their home turf, a trip to Transylvania, Romania, might be the thing to do. If you're really into vampires you probably know the history of the nocturnal bloodsuckers (is their theme song really "Fangs for the Memory"?).

Dracula Tour, departing from the United States Oct. 27 (returning Nov. 3), is billed as "the only true fully escorted vampire vacation." It has been professionally organized by fans for fans. Participants will spend Halloween in Dracula's castle (the tour highlight) and experience a travel adventure that follows Jonathan Harker's trail from the novel "Dracula."

Among the more haunting moments are a mock witch trial, visits to haunted graveyards and a torture museum. There is both "educational and entertainment value" with visits to Bran Castle, Clock Tower, the Black Church, Vlad's birthplace, Vlad's Castle (aka Dracula's Fortress) and also the monastery where Vlad is buried.

During a previous tour a couple got married on Halloween at Dracula's Castle. Instead of a kiss after the cake-cutting ceremony, this bride and groom bit each other's necks (tenderly, of course). Another couple has signed up to get married on this trip.

The annual Dracula tour is open to all ages. For additional information call Tours of Terror (866-TERRORTOUR), or e-mail DracTour@aol.com. Note: Dracula Tours advises that participants have the option of returning by plane with the group or flying on their own if they're smitten, bitten and turned into a vampire while on vacation.

La Costa Resort opens Chopra Center: La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., near San Diego, is partnering The Center for Well Being, founded by noted philosopher and health expert Deepak Chopra.

The program provides a variety of lifestyle and wellness sessions from yoga to mind-body techniques. Chopra Center guests will receive special group rates at La Costa.

The center offers three- and five-day programs, as well as lectures and a la carte treatments for resort guests. For more information call the Chopra Center at La Costa (760-438-9111) or visit chopra.com.

Summer at Stein Eriksen Lodge: Deer Valley Resort, Stein Eriksen Lodge at Park City, Utah, is a perfect mountain retreat for a cool summer getaway. The Mountain Magic package is $98 per person, per night, double occupancy. Included are a deluxe room and continental breakfast. Reservations for a deluxe room and Jazz Sunday Brunch package are $115 per night, per person, double occupancy. Call (435) 649-3700 for more info.