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CEO's Message
 How about a Staycation?
Gas prices are on the rise. Airlines are merging,
failing, delaying, raising prices. Budgets are
tightening, and yet…
“I need a vacation,” you say to yourself.
According to our recent Vacation Costs Survey, the
five most expensive cities to vacation in this summer
are Honolulu ($673 per day), New York City ($606),
Miami ($370), San Diego ($361) and Las Vegas ($358).
And those prices include only food and lodging for
two — not the cost of getting there, plus entertainment.
You’ll fare a lot better if you want to go to Tulsa
($179) or Albuquerque ($179), the most economical
cities on our survey, but there’s a slight trade-off
in the excitement factor.
So what’s the alternative? You could lounge in the
backyard pool, sipping a cool drink, but if you’re
anything like me, it won’t be long until you start
thinking about the things you could be doing around
the house. That paint needs a little touching up,
doesn’t it? What about the paperwork sitting in my
briefcase?
Eight months out of the year, Arizona is a vacation
Mecca for people from around the globe. During the
summer, well, we exist only as a novelty on the weather
map. To attract business, the exclusive resorts that
Arizona is famous for tend to drop their rates and
offer special packages that are a steal compared
to what you’ll pay in the high season. For example,
summer rates at Tucson’s Loews Ventana Canyon Resort
and Spa start at just $144 per night for a two-night
stay; you’ll pay about twice that in November. The
feature on page 36 of this issue gives you more information
on the type of luxury you can experience locally,
at a relatively bargain price.
Staying local is a great way to get away without
the hassle. And your AAA travel agents can help you
find the best vacation options for your budget, whether
your plans will take you near or far. If you’re planning
to drive, check out our Fuel Cost Calculator at fuelcostcalculator.com
to budget your fuel cost based on the year, make
and model of your vehicle. And, if you use our Internet
TripTik at AAA.com, you can plot the cheapest gas
stations along your route.
You do deserve a vacation, and AAA can help you plan
one that won’t break the bank. Happy travels.
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