Sluggish Economy Creates Summer Travel Bargains, AAA Says

American Automobile Association -- Hotels, 6/20/2008 2:55:00 PM

Despite a down economy and rising fuel prices, millions of Americans plan to travel this summer. Many will find a growing number of travel bargains for dream destinations. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) reports that Americans are expected to take more than 327 million leisure trips during June, July and August of 2008. This represents only a slight decline over last summer, down between 1 and 1.5 percent. That decline, however slight, has created bargains to destinations worldwide for the summer.

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, the average rate for a AAA Three Diamond hotel room in July 2008 is $136 in Honolulu/Waikiki, $259 in Maui, $256 in New York City, $160 in Washington, D.C., $138 in Las Vegas, and $193 in San Francisco. Travel packages offer additional opportunities to save. Combining airfare and hotel stay in one package can provide significant savings as noted by some of the examples below. In some cases extras such as transportation from the airport or some meals will be included as well.

Additional opportunities for savings include traveling during off-peak times, taking advantage of discounts and booking early. Also consider using a travel agency. A qualified travel agent, such as your AAA travel professional, works directly with travel providers and may be able to provide additional savings or special values to you.

The following are examples of packages currently available from AAA.

Hawaii: Visit Maui for five nights including hotel and airfare from Los Angeles for only $529*; San Francisco, $529*; Chicago, $795*; Denver, $739*; Seattle, $625*; and New York, $799*.  Visit Kauai for five nights for only $685* including hotel and airfare from Los Angeles, from San Francisco, $665*; Chicago, $869*; Denver, $815*; Seattle, $759*; and New York, $975*. Prices are per person, based on quad occupancy (two adults and two children under the age of 13) for select dates available August through December. Book by July 13, 2008.

Girlfriends and the City Getaway: This package includes a 2-night hotel stay in New York City, a tour of sites from Sex and the City and all state and local taxes. Hotel prices start at $259 per person, based on double occupancy. Contact your AAA Travel professional for air-inclusive pricing.

San Francisco Adventure: Package includes a 2-night hotel stay, San Francisco CityPass Sightseeing booklet and all state and local taxes. Prices start at $209 per person, based on double occupancy, excluding airfare.

Our Nation's Capital: Package includes 4-night hotel stay in Washington, D.C. Prices start at $329 per person, based on double occupancy, excluding airfare.

Certain restrictions apply.  Visit AAA.com or speak with your AAA Travel professional for details and more information on these packages and other travel opportunities worldwide.  Don't forget AAA members receive exclusive Member Benefits when booking through AAA Travel.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.  Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com

Certain restrictions may apply. Taxes, gratuities, transfers, airfare and excursions are additional unless otherwise indicated. Rates shown include Hawaii ticket tax and round-trip fuel surcharge on United Airlines, but do not include Transportation Taxes of $15.40, Passenger Facility Charges of $3 - $18, a per segment tax of $3.50, or September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement (up to a maximum of $5.00 per one-way or $10.00 per round-trip).