Travel Opportunities Abound to Meet Individual Traveler Needs AAA Says
HEATHROW, Fla.--Oct. 16, 2001--While the events of Sept. 11 have had a dramatic impact on the travel industry, Americans can find exceptional values in all areas of travel, according to AAA.AAA, the largest leisure travel agency in North America, reports that consumers have a wide array of opportunities to choose from -- whether they travel by plane, train, automobile or cruise ship as the travel industry seeks to woo them back.
"Everyone's sense of security has been shaken by last month's attacks," said AAA Travel Vice President, Sandra Hughes, "and one size doesn't fit all when it comes to travel anymore."
"Some travelers may want to get on an airplane and fly to an exotic location while others may choose a car trip closer to home. The good news is there are excellent values if you are willing to travel, no matter how you choose to get there," said Hughes.
Hughes added that even before the events of last month, there was growing evidence that people were looking for different kinds of products because of the slowing economy. That trend accelerated after Sept. 11.
"People were already looking for less-expensive, more-flexible travel options before the attacks on New York City and Washington," Hughes pointed out. "Many were already considering shorter closer to home trips and the travel industry was responding to that demand."
AAA offered the following examples:
| -- | A Breakaway Leisure Experience product featuring three- to seven-day driving packages to U.S. historic destinations. This tour offers a customized itinerary focusing on the traveler's interests, detailed driving directions, admissions to attractions, museums and historic sites and information about no-cost activities in the area. Prices typically start from $316 per person. |
| -- | "City Break" packages for short-drive getaways, such as a four-day, three-night trip to the Monterrey Peninsula in California that includes hotel and admission to the Monterrey Aquarium for as low as $195 per person. "Drive America" packages for longer drive getaways include a Best of New England 12-day trip with guaranteed hotel accommodations, driving instructions and sightseeing information beginning at $699 per person. |
| -- | AAA Vacations(R) Walt Disney World(R) Resort offers specially priced packages. Packages include three nights accommodations at Disney's All Star Resort and an Ultimate Park Hopper(R) Ticket offering unlimited admission to all Disney theme parks and water parks throughout the stay (some activities/events may be separately priced) plus exclusive AAA Vacations(R) benefits. |
| -- | Some AAA clubs have developed additional regional packages and are offering "One Tank Trips" specifically for motorists in their areas. |
For travelers seeking a different type of getaway, AAA suggests:
-- A cruise -- cruise lines are re-deploying ships to the Western
Hemisphere. Delta Queen (Mississippi River) has shortened
seven-day itineraries to three, four and five days. Holland
America announced it would begin sailing from Port Canaveral
in hopes of making it easier for travelers who wish to drive
to the ship instead of fly. In addition, a 10-day Holland
America Panama cruise begins at $799 per person - a 50-percent
reduction from traditional rates. Finally, some cruise lines
are offering discounts of up to 70 percent on selected voyages
this year.
-- A Travel Bound trip to Hong Kong, which includes roundtrip
airfare from New York or California, transfers, three nights
at the Hyatt Regency Kowloon, and a one-and-one-half day
sightseeing tour for $799 per person.
-- Pleasant Holidays offers a six-day air/hotel package to
Waikiki for as low as $359 per person from California.
"The best advice I could anyone who is interested in a trip close to home or a voyage around the world is to check with a travel professional. They will know of the best deals and will be able to help you plan the perfect trip whether it's a weekend getaway or an exotic South Sea adventure," Hughes said.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 44 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 news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news