AAA Reveals How Much More This Year’s Summer Road Trip Will Cost

Phoenix, Ariz. June 11, 2008 – With gas prices having surpassed $4 per gallon across most of the state, many travelers may find themselves wondering if their annual summer road trip is still within their means. To assist travelers in answering this question, AAA Arizona recently conducted research to determine how much more this year’s summer road trip will cost consumers.

“When gas prices move beyond a milestone such as the $4 mark, consumers start to rethink their travel plans and recalculate their travel budgets,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs manager for AAA Arizona. “Our research found that while a road trip will cost travelers more money this year, the difference in price is much less than one might think.”

To illustrate how much more current fuel prices will add to this year’s road trip, AAA compared the cost of last year’s road trip to current roundtrip fuel costs to some of the most popular drive destinations for Arizona travelers. The auto club used Phoenix as its starting point and www.fuelcostcalculator.com to estimate round trip fuel costs for 2007 models of a 21/31 miles per gallon sedan and a 17/23 miles per gallon SUV to represent a family of four.

Here’s what AAA found:

“Ultimately, travelers will pay more to get to and from their destination this summer as a result of record high gas prices,” said Gorman. “However, there are plenty of areas where consumers can easily cut back in order to stay on a budget. In fact, by planning ahead and taking advantage of discounts when possible, many travelers will find that they will actually be able to travel within their means—or even for less—this summer.”

As a result of record high fuel prices AAA Arizona would like to offer the following recommendations for travelers looking for ways to save:

• Stay in a less pricey hotel. Travelers who make accommodations to stay in a Three Diamond hotel as opposed to a Four Diamond hotel can see significant savings of $50 or more per night, which is more than enough to recoup increased pump prices. To compare hotel rates by AAA Diamond ratings, visit www.AAA.com/travel.

• Plan for a shorter stay. Turning a five day getaway into a four day retreat can make travel much more affordable for those on a budget. To see the difference this can make on a travel budget, travelers should add the cost of one night of accommodations, an entire day of food costs as well as attractions and/or entertainment costs and subtract from their overall travel budget.
  

• Stay closer to home. Travelers looking to escape the daily grind do not have to go very far. As a result of record high gas prices, several resorts across the state are offering discounted rates, daily food and beverage vouchers as well as discounts on other amenities such as spa services and golf.   

• Budget fuel costs in advance. Use AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator (www.fuelcostcalculator.com) to determine what your roundtrip fuel costs will be based on the year, make and model of your vehicle. Also, create an Internet TripTik® to plot the cheapest gas stations along your vacation route.

• Consider vehicle options. Motorists who traveled in an SUV last year and opt to travel in a sedan this summer can easily recoup excess fuel costs and save when it comes to roundtrip fuel costs over last year.

• Search for savings! AAA members can save by taking advantage of AAA’s Show Your Card & Save program. Members who show their AAA card to over 155 nationwide partners can save on attraction tickets, lodging, dining and much more. Members can learn more by visiting www.AAA.com/discounts.

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Public Affairs Manager
Office: 602-650-2716
Fax: 602-776-0466

Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 602-650-2726
Fax: 602-776-0466

Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 602-650-2736
Fax: 602-776-0466
publicrelations@arizona.aaa.com