Californians Head South
20 June 2000
Where Do They Want to Go? Mexico; Resorts Top International Destination List for Southern California, Says Auto Club
LOS ANGELES--June 19, 2000--Mexico is the No. 1 international travel destination for Southern Californians this summer, according to a survey by the Automobile Club of Southern California's AAA Travel Agency.The survey of Auto Club members showed that during the summer vacation season beginning now, international air travelers are choosing Mexican resort areas such as Cabo San Lucas, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, and Mazatlan as their favorite destinations. Rounding out the list of top international destinations are London and Paris.
"We are seeing more families who can afford to travel greater distances and who want to take multiple vacations this summer," said Tim Irwin, managing director of travel services for the Auto Club. "Driving continues to be the most popular way to travel to vacation destinations, but air and cruise travel are also increasing."
Some other "hot spots" for international getaways that are attracting increased interest from travelers include: Costa Rica, Germany (site of the 2000 World's Fair) and Italy.
The Auto Club advises international travelers to keep the following tips in mind:
-- Contact your travel agent or the U.S. State Department
(www.travel.state.gov) shortly before departure to find out if
any travel warnings exist for your destination.
-- Find out if the country you are visiting is one that
recognizes international driver permits. If it does, you might
want to obtain one even if you are not planning to drive,
because it can serve as a useful identification along with
your passport and U.S. driver's license. The permit costs $10
and is available at all Auto Club offices for both members and
non-members. To obtain the one-year permit, bring your valid
U.S. driver's license and two passport-sized photographs, or
the photos can be taken by the Auto Club for a fee.
-- If you are driving when you are overseas, familiarize yourself
with the rules of the road for your destination. Most European
countries, for example, ban the use of wireless phones while
driving. Contact your rental car agency or the consulate of
your destination country for information.
-- Bring with you the phone number and address for the American
embassy at your destination. You may also want to find out if
the country has an AAA-affiliated motor club that can assist
you with traveling needs.
For those traveling closer to home, top domestic air travel destinations are Las Vegas, New York City and Washington, D.C., according to the Auto Club survey. For those traveling by car, the most popular destinations are the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and other national parks and San Diego.
The locations offering attractive bargains and discounts for summer travel, according to the survey, include: Las Vegas, Mexico, the Caribbean, Southern California desert resorts and Phoenix.
More people are planning vacations this summer, said Irwin. The AAA Travel Agency has booked 10 percent more trips for this summer compared with 1999.
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs and legislative advocacy. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.
