Higher Vacation Costs Greet Summer Travelers, AAA Says
14 May 1997
Higher Vacation Costs Greet Summer Travelers, AAA SaysORLANDO, Fla., May 14 -- Summer travelers will find food and lodging costs up 3 percent in 1997, bringing the daily costs for a family of four to $199, according to AAA. AAA's annual vacation cost survey shows that a family of two adults and two children will pay an average of $95 per night for lodging, up $3 from a year ago. Meal costs rose $3 to $104 per day. North Dakota is the least expensive state in which to travel, with family meal and lodging costs averaging $129 per day. Other low-cost vacation states include Nebraska, $137 per day; South Dakota, $140; Iowa, $146; and Kansas $147. Families visiting popular vacation or business travel destinations may encounter higher travel costs, AAA cautioned. The most expensive state for vacation costs is Hawaii, where lodging and meals average $411 per day. The second most expensive state is New York at $312 per day, followed by New Jersey, $272; California, $258; and Louisiana, $257. In addition, AAA said vacationers traveling by auto should budget approximately $5 for gasoline for every 100 miles of driving, based on gas priced at $1.25 per gallon and a vehicle consuming 25 miles per gallon. It also is important for families to budget money for entertainment, souvenirs and unexpected expenses. To save on vacation costs, AAA offers the following advice: -- Book accommodations in advance to ensure availability and selection. A travel agent can help find a room that meets individual needs and budget. -- Stay in outlying areas, away from popular tourist or business destinations. -- Pack a picnic or eat your large meal at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices. -- To lower fuel costs, keep your car in top condition and travel at a steady, moderate speed. -- Use discounts, such as those offered to AAA members, to save at hotels, restaurants and attractions. AAA's meal and lodging cost figures are based on prices listed in AAA's TourBooks(R). AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 motor clubs with more than 1,000 offices providing more than 39 million members in the U.S. and Canada with travel, insurance, financial and auto-related services. AAA ANNUAL VACATION COST SURVEY (For a Family of Two Adults and Two Children) Total Meal State (rank) Costs* Lodging** Total Alabama $107 $62 $169 Alaska $113 $104 $217 Arizona $112 $118 $230 Arkansas $89 $73 $162 California $124 $134 $258 Colorado $104 $132 $236 Connecticut $116 $89 $205 Delaware $135 $111 $246 Florida $110 $142 $252 Georgia $100 $115 $215 Hawaii $141 $270 $411 Idaho $94 $84 $178 Illinois $111 $114 $225 Indiana $90 $63 $153 Iowa $84 $62 $146 Kansas $84 $63 $147 Kentucky $100 $65 $165 Louisiana $122 $135 $257 Maine $103 $74 $177 Maryland $121 $123 $244 Massachusetts $111 $183 $294 Michigan $91 $76 $167 Minnesota $99 $53 $152 Mississippi $107 $67 $174 Missouri $92 $83 $175 Montana $94 $61 $155 Nebraska $82 $55 $137 Nevada $124 $88 $212 New Hampshire $100 $88 $188 New Jersey $131 $141 $272 New Mexico $105 $65 $170 New York $140 $172 $312 North Carolina $98 $96 $194 North Dakota $80 $49 $129 Ohio $99 $74 $173 Oklahoma $89 $71 $160 Oregon $112 $81 $193 Pennsylvania $111 $107 $218 Rhode Island $108 $98 $208 South Carolina $98 $56 $154 South Dakota $78 $62 $140 Tennessee $97 $72 $169 Texas $105 $79 $184 Utah $106 $85 $191 Vermont $105 $103 $208 Virginia $110 $88 $198 Washington $102 $93 $195 West Virginia $93 $82 $175 Wisconsin $94 $85 $179 Wyoming $91 $90 $181 National Average $104 $95 $199 Most Expensive States Least Expensive States 1. Hawaii ($411) 1. North Dakota ($129) 2. New York ($312) 2. Nebraska ($137) 3. New Jersey ($272) 3. South Dakota ($140) 4. California ($258) 4. Iowa ($146) 5. Louisiana ($257) 5. Kansas ($147) * excludes beverages, taxes and gratuity ** 2 person/2 beds rate plus $12 for two children SOURCE American Automobile Association