Vacation Costs Rise 5% -- Biggest Increase in 3 Years

    ORLANDO, Fla.--May 23, 2001--Travelers will need to budget 5 percent more for vacations this year -- the highest one-year increase in three years -- according to AAA.
    AAA's annual vacation survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average of $223 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $113 a night, up $5 from last year. Meals will cost $110, also up $5.
    In the last 10 years, the average cost of meals and lodging has increased by 24 percent. That figure is modest compared with previous decades: from 1981-1991, those costs rose 105 percent; from 1971-1981, the increase was 167 percent.
    AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950 when the average cost of meals and lodging was $13.
    The least expensive vacations in the United States, unchanged from last year, are in North Dakota, where food and lodging will cost an average family of four $167 per day. The most expensive, also unchanged from 2000, is Hawaii at $417 per day.
    AAA recommends that vacationers traveling by car budget $14.15 for gasoline, oil and maintenance every 100 miles, based on an average price of $1.71 per gallon and a vehicle traveling 23 miles per gallon. It is also important for families to budget money for entertainment, souvenirs and unexpected expenses.
    AAA offers these tips for saving money on a vacation:

    -- Before traveling, have your car checked out by a qualified mechanic to help avoid inefficient fuel use and possible breakdowns.

    -- Book accommodations in advance to ensure availability, selection and to guarantee the best rate.

    -- Use discounts, such as those offered to AAA members, to help save on lodging, restaurant and entertainment costs.

    -- Cut food costs by packing your own snacks and meals whenever possible. Also, eat the largest meal at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices.

    -- Find lodging in outlying areas, away from tourist and business destinations.

    AAA's meal and lodging costs are based on prices listed in AAA's TourBook(R) guides.