AAA Reports Vacation Costs Down in 2004

Lower Lodging, Meal Costs Offset Higher Gas Prices

MINNEAPOLIS, May 12 -- According to AAA, lower lodging and meal costs should help vacationers compensate for record-high gas prices this year. Lodging and dining costs are anticipated to be approximately four percent lower this year than in 2003. This represents the second largest decrease in core vacation costs since AAA began calculating these figures in 1950, when the average daily cost of meals and lodgings was $13. The largest decrease in prices was in 1962, when the average daily cost declined by 17 percent.

AAA's survey reveals that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $235 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $125 a night, down nearly six percent from last year. Meals will cost $110, down nearly two percent from 2003.

"The downturn in the economy in recent years had a major impact on the lodging industry and the rates properties could charge," said Wendy Weigel, AAA Minneapolis Travel vice president. "Many hoteliers, especially at properties catering to leisure travelers, reduced their rates this year to encourage vacation travel. Recent increases in business and leisure travel have allowed some hoteliers to raise their rates, but there are still opportunities for travelers to find deals."

Driving to vacation destinations will be more expensive this year, with prices for self serve regular unleaded gasoline currently averaging $1.93 per gallon nationwide, up almost 29 percent from the $1.50 price a year ago at this time. Travelers can estimate gasoline costs for many trips using AAA's Fuel Cost Calculator at www.fuelcostcalculator.com .

"Travelers will have to 'give back' some of their hotel and meal savings at the pump this year, but the record high gas prices shouldn't break vacation budgets for most Americans," added Karen Lefler, Director of Travel Services, AAA Minnesota/Iowa.

The least expensive vacations in the United States this year are in Kansas, where the daily cost of food and lodging for a family of four will average $169; North Dakota, $173; Nebraska, $175; Arkansas, $178; and Oklahoma, $178.

The most expensive state for vacationers, unchanged for more than five years, is Hawaii at $497. However, even the cost of staying in the "Islands of Aloha" is down $36 per day from last year. Other destinations with a high average daily cost include the District of Columbia, $378; Rhode Island, $306; New York, $305; and Massachusetts, $287.

Minnesota ranked 31st, at $215.38 per day for lodging and meals.

AAA's meal and lodging costs are based on prices reported by the more than 52,000 lodgings and restaurants listed in AAA's TourBook guides, the most widely distributed travel guidebook series in North America.

  AAA offers these tips for saving money on a vacation:

  -- To help prevent breakdowns and achieve maximum fuel economy, have your
     car inspected.  AAA inspects and approves thousands of repair
     facilities nationwide as a public service. Shop locations and contact
     information for these Approved Auto Repair facilities can be found at
     www.aaa.com .

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

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

  -- Where available, public transportation can help cut gasoline costs once
     you reach your destination.

  -- Remember to ask for every discount you are entitled to at lodgings,
     restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, etc.

  -- If you are vacationing in one spot for a while, consider getting a room
     with a full or partial kitchen.  If you are out on the town, eat the
     largest meal at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, with 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves more than 170,000 members in Hennepin County.