SLUGGISH U.S. ECONOMY IS CREATING SUMMER TRAVEL BARGAINS, AAA SAYS

Hot destinations may now be more affordable.

NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, June 20 – Despite a down economy and rising fuel prices, millions of Americans plan to travel this summer. The Travel Industry Association of America reports Americans are expected to take more than 327 million leisure trips this summer, a slight decline of between 1 and 1 ½ percent from last summer. 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-rated hotel room for 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. Denver’s average room rate of $121 is down from $136 last July.

AAA advises travelers that travel packages offer additional opportunities to save. Combining airfares and hotels in one package can provide significant savings and in some cases, extras such as transportation from the airport or some meals will be included as well. The following are examples of packages currently available from AAA.

Cruises:  Visit the Bahamas for three days in July. Cruises depart from Miami for as little as $279 per person aboard the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship Majesty of the

Seas. Ports of call include CocoCay and Nassau. Or consider a three-day cruise to the Mexican Baja/Riviera on board Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, departing Los Angeles July 25, with a stop in Ensenada. Cabins start as low as $299 per person. AAA Oklahoma Travel has a Royal Caribbean sale underway now through July 6 which entitles travelers to savings of $200 per stateroom on select sailings.

Girlfriends in the City Getaway:  This package includes a two-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.

San Francisco Adventure:  Packages include a two-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.

Washington, D.C.:  Packages include four-night hotel stay. Prices start at $329 per person, based on double occupancy, excluding airfare.

Certain restrictions apply. Visit www.AAA.com or call one of the twelve full-service AAA Travel offices in Oklahoma for details and more information on these packages and other travel opportunities worldwide. 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 Oklahoma can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.