AAA Membership Provides Big Savings on Summer Travel

Discounts available on hotel stays, theme park tickets, car rentals and more

ORLANDO, Fla., April 9, 2010; Planning ahead can help you save big on your summer vacation, AAA says. Although spur-of-the-moment trips are exciting, a little research and advance planning can result in big savings. AAA recommends travelers take advantage of cheaper prices by booking early and researching any available discounts such as those available to AAA members on hotels, car rentals and attraction tickets.

Although last minute discounts can be found, typically the best bargains and availability are accessible to those who book in advance. AAA.com features a variety of discount packages every day. If you are planning a complex summer vacation consider visiting a travel agent. A qualified travel agent, such as your AAA travel agent, works directly with travel providers and will be better equipped to negotiate discounts for you and advise you on other savings or benefits that may be available.

"Household budgets will continue to weigh heavily on summer travel decisions as many Americans continue to be concerned about the economy," said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. "We are pleased to offer members many discounts on travel products and services that will ease the financial burden of a memorable vacation."

AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. The following is a partial list of travel discounts available to AAA members:

Lodging Discounts

AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hampton, including The Hilton Family, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Marriott brands including Renaissance, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts, including Sheraton and Westin.

Lodgings vary greatly by cost and amenities. Travelers can use the AAA Diamond Ratings to identify properties that meet their needs and budget. The AAA TourBook® listings, also available on AAA.com, include more than 31,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated® lodgings.

AAA members who visit AAA.com to book a room are more likely to find a better rate there than on other leading websites, according to a recent survey. A direct comparison of hotel rates offered on competing sites showed that AAA.com offered the lowest rate available 66 percent of the time.

Car rental discounts

As the exclusive car rental partner of AAA, Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers. AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel; reduced rate for NeverLost®GPS, Hertz's customized on-board navigational system, a discount on Hertz prepaid rates, a discount on the Fuel Purchase Option, no charge for additional qualified AAA drivers, free use of a child safety seat and more.

Attraction Tickets

AAA offers discounts at some of the most popular attractions for a summer getaway including Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Sesame Place and many other great places. Visit a AAA office at home or at your destination for additional AAA area discounts.

Discounts are also available to members to help prepare for travel. If you are heading out of town and can't take your pet, check out great savings from Fetch! Pet Care. Need sunscreen, sunglasses or other summer gear? Check out AAA's shopping discounts at partners such as Target.com, Kmart.com, Sunglass Hut and more. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

Finding discounts on the road has never been easier. Apple iPhone users can easily find their way to AAA member savings this summer by downloading a free application, AAA Discounts. The GPS-based "app" displays more than 110,000 retail locations of AAA Show Your Card & Save® partners near user locations.

Last year, members saved more than $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA's Show Your Card & Save program is the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 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 clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.