NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, June 12 2007 – Americans will be saving big this summer at hotels, amusement parks, railways, restaurants and shops, according to newly released data from AAA. The auto club’s Show Your Card & Save® program is the world’s largest member discount program with more than 150,000 locations worldwide.

Based on data from AAA, Americans will spend more than $81 million this summer and save more than $15 million during the months of June, July and August.  Summer is the most active travel season of the year, accounting for about 30 percent of all travel in the U.S., according to the Travel Industry Association of America.

Theme parks are one of most popular summer activities for U.S. travelers; 40 percent of all vacation trips include a visit to a theme park. In 2006, American travelers spent more than $3.8 million at Universal Studios Orlando, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags and Busch theme parks, such as Sea World and Busch Gardens.

This summer, as part of a special promotion with Six Flags, AAA members can take advantage of enhanced Show Your Card & Save discount opportunities at Six Flags parks across the U.S. Along with discounted gate admission, members are eligible for savings of ten percent on “Brunch with Bugs” meals with characters and in-park merchandise purchases of at least $15 at all Six Flags locations.

“Summer is the hottest time of the year to save on travel,” said Krista Mullenger, vice president of Travel, AAA Oklahoma. “So when you open your wallet this summer for cash and credit cards, don’t forget your AAA membership card sitting there waiting to be used, too.”

Hotel discounts are the second most popular savings opportunity for Americans, which is not surprising since 28 percent of all summer vacation trips include a hotel stay.  In 2006, AAA members saved more than $1.4 million at Choice hotels, Hyatt, Marriott, Best Western, Starwood and LaQuinta hotels.   

Besides theme parks and hotels, AAA’s 50 million members will be using their discounts this summer with Hertz, Amtrak and the Grand Canyon Railway as well as at Hard Rock Café and all Landry’s restaurants, such as Joe’s Crab Shack.

This summer, Hertz locations in the U.S. and Canada are offering added  benefits for AAA members, such as increased discounts, one free child seat, 50 percent off SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and 25 percent off NeverLost™, Hertz’ signature on-board navigational system. 

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 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.