Have you seen our AAA Travel experts on TV? Check this page often to get the details on our latest travel offers as discussed on TV.

Vacation ideas as seen on KGUN 9 "Good Morning Tucson" at 6:20am (every other Monday) and in Phoenix on ABC 15 "Sonoran Living" at 9am (every other Wednesday).

For more information, call your AAA travel agent at

1-877-248-6962 or click here.

07/02/08 - Sonoran Living

Join Jim Prueter, AAA's Sr. VP of Insurance and Business Development, as he provides some surefire “tips” on the art of tipping.

With summer travel season in full swing, families across the country are enjoying vacations across the globe.  However, to tip or not to tip is an issue that plagues many travelers—and unfortunately, there’s no easy, steadfast answer. 

While commonly practiced in the United States, tipping in foreign countries can greatly differ from what Americans are accustomed to. With customs varying greatly across the globe, tipping can trip up even the most seasoned traveler. 

Tipping is a way to show your gratitude to someone for performing a service or task, in a prompt manner. However, with so many people trying to help you to enjoy your vacation, deciding who to tip, how much and when can lead to stressful and confusing circumstances

Statistics show that Americans are the biggest tippers in the world! How does this vary in other countries?

Tipping abroad can vary from nothing to 15 percent of a total bill. On average, the appropriate gratuity at an international restaurant is approximately 10 percent.

However, it is important to remember that the percentage varies not only by country, but also by various regions within the country.

For example, tipping is much more common in larger cities as opposed to rural areas.

Some countries don’t practice tipping. Why is that?

In countries such as Malaysia, Japan, Oman, tipping is not practiced and can be viewed as an insult.

For instance, in Japan, tipping is viewed as demeaning and can be considered a bribe elsewhere.

Tourists who tip in these countries, despite the no-tipping custom, are often viewed by locals as people who did not take the time to learn about their country’s customs or culture.

So, how can travelers find out when to tip and when not to tip?

In most international destinations, tipping is not usually expected when a fee is charged for the service. For example, several European countries include a service charge on all restaurant and hotel bills. In this instance, tipping would not be expected or required. If a service charge has not been added to the bill, however, it is appropriate to tip 10 percent in a restaurant and $1 per bag.

The best way to learn about local tipping customs is to read guidebooks or ask your travel agent before departing. If you’re still unsure, you can ask your hotel concierge once you arrive.

Tipping can be pretty confusing even for people just traveling within the states.

There’s not an exact “science” when it comes to tipping in the U.S., but there are several set standards.

At the Airport

• Skycap: $1 per bag.
• Shoeshine: $2 - $5.

At the Hotel

• Bellman: $1 to $2 per bag.
• Doorman: $1 for assistance in hailing a cab, $1 per bag for luggage.
• Hotel Maid: $1-$2  per maid for each day of service.
• Room Service: 15 % of bill, if gratuity isn’t included already. An additional $1 tip or more for exceptional service is optional.
• Concierge: $5 - $10 for special service.

At the restaurant

• Maitre d’: $10 or more if a special service is performed.
• Server: 15% for good service, 20% for excellent service.
• Buffet attendant or server: $1 per person in your group.
• Bartender or cocktail server: $1-$2 for each round or 15% of total check; 20% for excellent service.
• Coat check: $1 per coat; $2 if you check coat and hat.

Drivers and Others

• Taxi drivers: $1 - $5 according to trip length and quality of service.
• Limo drivers: 15% for good service; 20% for excellent.
• Bus tours: $1 per person for the tour guide and the driver.
• Valet parking attendant: $5 - $10 as you enter and leave the establishment.

 

Miscellaneous

• Spa personnel: 15% for good service; 20% for excellent.
• Hairstylist: 15% for good service; 20% for excellent.
• Bathroom Attendant: $1.

 

TIPPING TIPS:

• Budget tip money ahead of time. Keep $1 bills in an envelope or your pocket.
• Get a business card-size tip rate table to help you calculate.
• Leave a tip with a personal note or thank you card.
• Hand deliver tip to ensure it ends up in the right hands.
• Tipping etiquette varies dramatically around the world. Know before you go.
• Never tip uniformed personnel, as it is considered bribery.

To find more information on tipping...

The best way to find more “tipping” information on your destination, whether domestic or abroad, is to do a little research.

Travelers can stop by any AAA office to pick up a guidebook that will tell them everything they need to know, including tipping customs, about their destination. 

06/30/08 - Good Morning Tucson

The 4th of July is right around the corner, which means many families are preparing to head out of town to celebrate the holiday. But with high gas prices and a downturn in the economy, how will this year’s holiday compare to year’s past?

Join Yvette Lopez from AAA Arizona to hear about AAA’s annual Fourth of July travel forecast and share some ways we can save this holiday.   

For the first time this decade, AAA is predicting fewer Americans will travel over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

We are estimating that 40.4 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home over the upcoming holiday weekend, a decrease of just over one percent or 550,000 less travelers from last year.

Locally, the West, including Arizona, is slated to produce the largest number of overall travelers with 10.5 million traveling from home.

This is also a decrease of about one percent over last year. It is also the first time the West has seen a drop in Independence Day travel since 2001!

Gas prices are probably the biggest travel deterrent, correct?

Yes. $4 per gallon gas prices are the primary reason why we are forecasting fewer travelers for the second holiday this summer.

However, it is important to note that a significant amount of the population is still planning to head out of town for the holiday. In fact, we are predicting that 13 percent of the U.S. population and 15 percent of the population from the Western states will travel over the upcoming holiday weekend.

How do other travel related costs such as hotel rooms and rental cars compare with last year?

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, air travelers are expected to pay 13 percent more for airfares than they did last Independence Day, with the average flight costing $202.

Travelers renting cars over the holiday weekend will also pay about 12 percent more than they did last year, at an average rate of $49 per day for an intermediate sized rental.

Hotel rates, on the other hand, are expected to remain unchanged from last year’s holiday weekend, with travelers spending an average of $114 per night for a AAA Two Diamond rated hotel and $156 per night for a AAA Three Diamond rated hotel.

Are there any deals out there for any of our viewers who might be planning a last minute getaway?

Actually, as a result of this being the first travel holiday in history where fuel prices across most of the country are above $4 per gallon, the travel industry has responded by creating several discounts, promotions and incentives to boost their business over the upcoming holiday and remainder of the summer.

We encourage travelers to seek out and take advantage of these deals, which include free gas cards and parking, breakfast promotions, kids-eat-free deals, car rental discounts as well as AAA member discounts.

Any other ways to save for those heading out of town this 4th?

Aside from budgeting your fuel costs in advance using AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator, travelers can also save by staying in a less pricey hotel and consider their vehicle options if they are looking to recoup the increased fuel costs they’ll be paying this year.

By staying in a AAA Three Diamond hotel as opposed to a AAA Four Diamond hotel, you can save upwards of $50 per night! And, by taking a sedan instead of a SUV for your trip, you can easily recoup the additional fuel costs you’ll be paying this year.

If you are heading out of town, be safe and be sure to fill up before leaving town! Tucson has the lowest gas price in the state! Also, be sure to get a pre-trip check-up and don’t forget to take your emergency roadside kit!

06/18/08 - Sonoran Living

With gas prices having surpassed the $4 per gallon mark across most of the state, many travelers may find themselves wondering if they can still fit their annual summer road trip in their budget.

To answer that question, join Michelle Donati to hear how much more that road trip is going to cost you this summer.

What effect does $4 and above gas prices have on consumers when it comes to summer travel?

When gas prices surpass a milestone such as the $4 per gallon mark, many consumers start to rethink their travel plans and recalculate their travel budgets. And while a road trip this summer will cost travelers more money this year, the difference in prices is much less than you might think.

• Phoenix to San Diego

Last summer, it cost travelers in a sedan just about $73 in fuel for this roundtrip while those traveling in an SUV spent just over $104 on fuel.

This summer, if you’re in a sedan, you can expect to pay $103 for gas and if you’re in an SUV, you’ll be paying upwards of $136.

On average, you’ll spend around or just over $30 more for fuel than you did last summer.

• Phoenix to Las Vegas

Last summer, motorists spent about $58 to get to Las Vegas in a sedan and $84 to get there in an SUV.

This summer, travelers in a sedan can expect to pay about $84 for fuel while those traveling in an SUV can expect to pay $110.

All in all, it’s about $26 more to get to Sin City this year over last.

There are several areas where consumers can cut back to stay on budget:

• Stay in a less pricey hotel. Travelers who make accommodations to stay in a Three Diamond rated hotel as opposed to a Four Diamond hotel can save as much as $50 or more per night which is more than enough to recoup this year’s higher gas prices.

• Plan for a shorter stay. Consider turning a five day getaway into a four day retreat…to see the difference this can make on a travel budget, you’ll need to add the cost of one night of accommodations, an entire day of food and entertainment and subtract from your entire budget.

• Stay closer to home. You don’t have to go very far to get that much needed R&R. Consider taking advantage of local resorts summer deals – many of which include F&B vouchers and discounts on amenities such as spa packages.

• Budget your fuel costs in advance

• Consider vehicle options

• Search for savings

By taking the time to plan ahead and look for deals, travelers will be able to recoup the additional money they’ll spend on fuel this summer and in some cases – may even be able to travel for less!

06/16/08 - Good Morning Tucson

With summer in full swing, many Tucson residents are preparing for their summer getaways, and many of those trips involve staying in a hotel. While most travelers will stay away from home without incident, others will not be so lucky.

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez for the latest on hotel security.

During the summer travel season, we often hear tips on how to secure our homes before leaving and how to stay safe at tourist destinations – but travelers don't often think past locking the door behind them when it comes to hotel safety. 

Ffor that reason, it’s important to know the “do’s & don’ts” when you stay at a hotel, especially because there aren’t many preventative security measures in place at hotels and resorts.

I don’t believe I’ve ever seen physical security personnel at a hotel. Why is that?

It is very rare to walk into a hotel and see security guards or security at all. In fact, most hotels have dozens of security cameras around the hotel and premises. But, those cameras are only really useful after the fact to determine what happened.

So how can travelers take a more proactive approach to their safety at a hotel?

There are several things travelers should be aware of, including:

• Reporting suspicious activity. If you see unattended bags in hallways or lobby, report them to the front desk. Hotels have a lot of doors and access, so it’s really important to pay attention to something as small as an unattended bag.
  

• Also, when you check-in, make sure the clerk does not announce your room number aloud if people are around. If they do, you can very simply ask for a different room. You don’t know who is in the lobby or around the corner listening to this information and you certainly don’t want people to know what your room number is.

• If you’re going to the elevator or towards your room and you feel someone might be following you, don’t get on the elevator or enter your room. You don’t know who belongs at a hotel and who doesn’t. Always use common sense and follow your gut instinct.

• When you leave your room, leave the television on. The last thing a burglar wants to do is go into a room with someone in it.
  

• Don’t leave the door hanger on that says you need maid service. This is a sure sign that there is no one in the room.

What is the best way to alert housecleaning that you need your room cleaned?

Before leaving your room, call housekeeping and let them know that you’re ready for your room to be cleaned. While you have them on the phone, let them know that absolutely no one, not even you, should be allowed into the room while they’re cleaning.

The housekeeper doesn’t know what you look like – so if a thief walks by and sees something valuable such as a watch or a laptop in your room while the door is open for cleaning, they could easily tell the maid they just needed to quickly grab something they forgot.  By letting housecleaning know ahead of time that absolutely no one is permitted in your room while they’re cleaning, you can further ensure the safety of items left in your room.

For further information, call one of our travel agents or visit any of our branch offices.

06/04/08 - Sonoran Living

AAA's Michelle Donati talks about trips you and your family can take this summer that will only cost one tank of gas.

School is out and summer is here, which means many families will be heading out for their annual summer vacation over the next couple of months. But with high gas prices pinching many household budgets, your annual summer vacation is going to be a little pricier this year.

Read on for some worthy, easy on the wallet destinations right here in Arizona – and the best news is that they’re less than a tank of gas away!

1.   First up, we have Patagonia Lake State Park. For a family who wants to get some beach time, the lake itself it 2.5 miles long and offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including water skiing, a swimming beach, fishing, camping and hiking.

Camping is available. However, if you don’t want to camp, Tucson is nearby so you could always lodge there and explore some additional attractions, such as Kartchner Caverns and Tombstone after a day at the lake.

From the Phoenix metro area, the Patagonia Lake State park is about 182 miles away, which means it will take about three hours to get there.

2.   Next up, we have the Mogollon Rim, which is located in the Coconino National Forest. Sightseeing is a favorite activity along the Rim, but there is also plenty of forest area for hiking and horseback trails, and picturesque lakes for boating and fishing and rock climbing.

As a bonus, the Northern Arizona weather offers a welcomed break from the Valley's summer heat. Temperatures during the day are in the 70s and 80s – but keep in mind that it’s going to be much cooler in the evenings – so if you plan on staying overnight, be sure to bring warmer clothes.

Like our first destination, camping is an option. But the Rim also has cabin rentals that range from $125-200 per night.

The Rim is located just 144 miles outside of Phoenix, which means it will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get there.

3.   Our final one-tank destination is in Eager, which is located in the White Mountains just 221 miles outside of the Valley in northeastern Arizona. The White Mountains are a great place to experience some of the state’s cleanest air while escaping the desert’s summer heat.

Eager offers many of the same amenities as the Mogollon Rim – with additional regional attractions including:

• The petrified forest national park
• The painted desert
• Navajo Nation

The best part about all three of these places is that they will only require one-tank of gas. So there is some serious savings potential for those who are interested in shifting gears and staying in state.

For more information on these destinations, or lodging or restaurant destinations in/around these places, call or come in to any of our branch offices. We have plenty of maps, Tourbooks and can of course provide a TripTik to any of the above locations.

06/02/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez to hear about the cheapest and most expensive cities to stay in this summer (see Sonoran Living entry below), in addition to the resurgence of Mexico as a summer travel hot spot June 2nd on Good Morning Tucson.

According to our International Travel Forecast, Mexico is this summer’s international hot spot, with a total of 5.8 million Americans slated to vacation there this summer.

Locally, we’ve seen a 24 percent increase in Mexico travel among our members over the last year.

A large part of the popularity can be attributed to more and more consumers realizing that they can vacation quite affordably in Mexico. Many families are turning to destinations such as Rocky Point where they vacation for much less than a destination like San Diego.

Aside from considering other destinations, what else can travelers on a budget do to vacation affordably over the next couple of months?

• If you drive, budget your fuel costs in advance. You can do this easily by using AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator to determine what your roundtrip fuel costs will be based on the year, make and model of your vehicle.

• Book hotel stays and airfare as early as possible to ensure availability, selection and the best rates for airlines and hotels.

• You also might want to consider traveling during the off-season. If you can plan your vacation after the summer travel season, you can stand to save a significant amount of money – not to mention you’ll be facing fewer crowds at tourist destinations.

• Pack your own food. Bring enough to feed the family for one or more meals a day to cut back on the costs of eating out. Also, reduce meal costs by eating your main meal at midday to take advantage of lower lunch prices at restaurants.

• Finally, be sure to purchase traveler’s checks and try to bring enough cash to avoid the use of ATM machines and surcharges. These charges might not seem like a whole lot at the time, but they can really start to add up… and when you’re on a budget, every little bit of saving helps!

05/21/08 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Public Affairs Manager, Linda Gorman, as she discusses the nation's most and least expensive cities to travel to this summer.

Travelers looking to stretch their summer travel budget need look no further. AAA recently released its annual Vacation Costs Survey, which revealed the most and least expensive destinations for summer travelers, while offering savings tips to help maximize vacation dollars.

According to the survey, on average, two adults can expect to pay $164 per day for lodging and $80 per day for food, for a total travel cost of $244 per day.

Top 5 Most Expensive Cities to Vacation:

* Average daily cost for two adults for food and lodging.

On the contrary, the five most economical cities to vacation in include:

* Average daily cost for two adults for food and lodging.

Some might say that the “cheapest cities” listed aren’t exactly world-class destinations. However, each offers its own unique attractions and festivals that locals love to share with travelers.

• Tulsa
• Boasts several River Parks including 10 miles of walking/biking trails along the Arkansas River, passing picturesque gardens and fountains.



• Albuquerque
  • Home of Sandia Peak Tramway, the world's longest aerial tram ride which takes visitors 2.7 miles to the 10,000-foot peak of the Sandia Mountains.
  • Each October, hot air balloon afficionados flock to experience the amazing International Balloon Fiesta.

• Wichita
• Several summer festivals including the Wichita River Festival and Wichita Flight Festival.

• Oklahoma City
• Hiking, camping, back-packing or walking at rugged Red Rock Canyon
• Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum.

• Fresno

Stay for the cheap rates and dining, and consider renting a car or driving your own to Yosemite National Park - only a two hour drive from Fresno.

For travelers on a budget, consider the following:

1. 1. Budget all costs into your trip. Use www.aaa.com/fuelfinder and www.FuelCostCalculator.com to find the cheapest gas prices in your area and on your vacation route, respectively. You can also use AAA's TripTik Travel Planner to map out directions, hotels, restaurants and other attractions on your route.
2. 2. Plan in advance.
3. 3. Pack snacks and drinks for the trip.

05/07/08 - Sonoran Living

With gasoline rapidly approaching $4 per gallon and the cost of airline tickets going up almost daily, the best vacation may be right here in our own backyard.

Join AAA's Senior Vice President, Jim Prueter, to hear about the best summer packages in some of the state's finest Four and Five Diamond resorts.

Camelback Inn, Scottsdale - Day and Night Savings Package:

• Rates start at $169 per night and includes free breakfast for two, and a $50 resort credit for each day of stay towards golf, spa, shopping, dining and more.

The Wigwam Golf Resort and Spa, Litchfield Park

• From May 21 to September 5, rates start at $149 per night. A two night minimum is required and includes a $50 food and beverage credit.

The Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North

• Stay between May 11 and September 6 for a minimum of two nights and the following night is free! Prices start at $205 per night.

The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Scottsdale - Summer ESCAPE Special:

• This package is available from May 24 to September 14 and starts at just $199 per night. Includes a daily $50 resort credit.
• Kids will love the four swimming pools, the lazy river and the 110 foot water slide.
• Other activities include the nightly roasting of smores and poolside movies.

Arizona Inn, Tucson

• Rates start at $169 per night and includesbreakfast for two, an ice cream social and dinner.

Loew's Ventana Canyon Resort and Spa, Tucson

• Queen for a Day Package - rates start at $150 and include an elaborate updo with a tiara, lip gloss application and lip tips, a classic manicure and pedicure.
• Extended Summer Package - From June 6 to August 31, rates start at $144 per night for a two night stay with a 6:00 pm checkout on Sundays. Also includes 50 percent off golf or spa treatments and free admission to "dive-in" movies.

05/05/08 - Sonoran Living

Last week, the United States government started to distribute tax rebate checks that aim to jump-start the economy.

Join AAA Arizona's Yvette Lopez, for some vacation options for those who are interested in spending their economic stimulus package check on summer travel.

In putting these together, we took into account that a family of four, (two adults & two children) will be receiving a stimulus check of up to $1,800, while a couple without children will be receiving a stimulus check of up to $1,200.

For a family of four, check out San Diego!

Try a 4 day, 3 night trip to San Diego, which is always a popular destination for Arizona travelers all year long, especially during the summer.

• There are endless things to see and do in San Diego, starting with the San Diego Zoo. Single day admission for two adults will cost $68, while two children’s tickets will cost $49.

For the next two days, you can enjoy Sea World, which is another destination that will have something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Two day passes for two adults will cost $128, while two children’s tickets will cost $100.

• Also, it’s important to note that you can save money by purchasing tickets for the San Diego Zoo and Sea World in advance. For example, if you were to purchase four tickets to the zoo and Sea World at a AAA office prior to your trip, you could save approximately $22.

• If you book your room far enough in advance, you can get some really good deals. Also, if you’re a member of a travel organization, such as AAA, you can receive discounted rates. For this trip, we factored in a 3 night stay at The Dana on Mission Bay, which is a AAA 3 Diamond hotel. A three night stay there will cost approximately $610.

• The total of this trip, including gas, is approximately $1,055. So a family of four that’s receiving a stimulus check of up to $1,800 would still have almost $750 for spending money or if they didn’t want to blow all of that on spending money, they could spend some of it and put the rest in savings or use it to help pay bills.

To determine the cost of gas, we used AAA’s Fuel Cost Calculator, which you can find at www.fuelcostcalculator.com.

For just the two of you, try Las Vegas!

In Vegas, time is money. So rather than spending nearly 7 hours in the car getting there, we decided to factor in what it would cost to fly there instead.

• Prices are a little more expensive to fly right now; however, contrary to popular belief, you can still get affordable airfare. The key to finding the best deal is being flexible with your travel dates and booking as early as possible. For example, roundtrip airfare for two, leaving on a Thursday and returning on a Monday, via Southwest Airlines is available for just $277.

• The price of hotels in Las Vegas can vary dramatically. But since we factored in the cost of flying as opposed to driving, we decided to choose a hotel on the strip, so you wouldn’t need to rent a vehicle which would add additional costs.

For this trip, we were able to find a room for three nights at the AAA Four Diamond Monte Carlo for about $410.

• The airfare and hotel stay would cost approximately $687, which would leave over $500 for spending money. And as you know, the entertainment options in Las Vegas are endless, so there would be plenty of money left over for that.

If you're interested in booking one of these trips or exploring other travel options with your economic stimulus check, give a AAA Travel Agent a call at 1-877-248-6962, come by any of our branch offices or visit www.AAAAZ.com/travel.

04/21/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez for the latest on the air travel industry and what precautions you need to take to protect yourself against unexpected flight cancellations.

Over the last couple of weeks, hundreds of thousands of travelers have been left stranded at airports across the country as a result of flight cancellations and two airlines, ATA and Aloha, ceasing operation after filing for bankruptcy.

When news broke of American Airlines grounding flights to conduct maintenance on their MD-80 aircraft on the heels of ATA and Aloha ceasing operation, the entire travel industry was caught off-guard.

Other major airlines have stated that they have already passed similar audits with the FAA and aren’t expecting to ground planes to conduct similar maintenance. However, with the FAA conducting a more stringent, by-the-book audit of aircrafts, it is impossible to say whether or not we’ve seen the end of these unexpected flight cancellations.

There are three key things consumers can do in the planning process that will help protect their travel investment:

• First, travelers should book their travel through a travel agent. Keep in mind that travel agents are professionals that work for travelers. If you have booked your travel through a travel agent and find yourself in a situation where your flight is cancelled, you can rely on your agent to work for you to locate a new flight or other arrangements to minimize the impact on your vacation.

• Second, consider purchasing travel insurance. However, keep in mind that all travel insurance is not equal. Before adding coverage to your trip, be sure you know what you are purchasing and what it will cover in the case of a cancellation or trip interruption. This can be difficult to do if you book online – so again, this is where booking with a travel agent can definitely come in handy.

• Finally, when you’re ready to pay for your travel, do so on a credit card.  Paying with a credit card offers protection that cash, check and debit card do not as most major credit card companies will allow their customers to dispute a charge within 90 days of a transaction. For example, if you had upcoming travel plans involving ATA or Aloha and paid with a credit card – you can simply dispute the charge. However, if you paid with a debit card or other form of payment, you’ll have to file a claim with the bankruptcy proceedings, which means it could take much longer to get your money back.

• AAA also advises travelers check their flight status before leaving for the airport and program important numbers in their cell phones prior to leaving home. This would include the numbers of their travel agent (if they booked their travel through one), airline(s), hotel, rental car company and any other numbers that might be relevant to your vacation. Again, this is where booking with a travel agent will come in handy. If you incur a cancellation or interruption on your vacation, you can simply call your agent. If you booked your trip yourself, you’ll be responsible for calling and rearranging your itinerary.

Are there any laws that are in place to protect air travelers from situations such as this?

There used to be. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act was signed into law shortly after 9/11 and contained a provision that would require other airlines to assist passengers stranded by airlines that go bankrupt.  Essentially, the law required other airlines to accept a passenger’s ticket on a space available basis with a charge of between $25 and $50 per way if their airline ceased operation.

So did this protect any travelers that had plans to fly with ATA or Aloha in the near future?

Unfortunately, it did not as it expired in November 2006. However, as a membership organization representing nearly 800,000 travelers in Arizona alone, AAA Arizona would like to see this law re-enacted on a permanent basis.

If travelers have any questions about the above information, they can call one of our travel agents at 1-877-248-6962 or visit any of our branch offices.

04/16/08 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Senior Vice President, Jim Prueter, for a discussion on summer travel.

Summer travel prices are soaring, don't wait any longer than you have to to book your summer vacation! 

Oil is well over $100 a barrel, the Euro is flirting with $1.60 and the dollar continues to slide against the British pound and Japanese yen.  Depending on where you live this is either good news or bad news. 

Last year 57 million international travelers came to the U.S., a whopping 11 percent increase over 2006.  Why?  Because the U.S. is on sale.  The exchange rate makes the U.S. a bargain which impacts U.S. prices for hotel rooms and airline seats.  International visitors are filling airline seats and hotel rooms driving up the cost you’ll pay this summer. 

To prepare for the influx of foreign travelers:

• Plan ahead – Now!
• Travel mid-week if possible as hotel rooms are cheaper during the week.
• Think “shoulder season” when prices are lower.
• Consider renting an RV – it's portable and cheaper than hotel rooms!
• Buy “All-inclusive” packages.

04/07/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez and Marty Rivera from Arizona Car Care Centers, a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, as they discuss April being National Car Care Month, a time for motorists to make sure their car is ready for the road before the heat arrives.

WHY you should prepare your vehicle before summer arrives.

Last summer, AAA Arizona’s Emergency Roadside Services came to the aid of over 124,000 stranded motorists. As many as 60 percent of these drivers could have prevented their need for services had their vehicles been serviced before the start of summer.

HOW to prepare your vehicle before summer arrives.

To help motorists and our members, AAA is encouraging motorists to spend 20 minutes to give their vehicle a “check up” to ensure a trouble-free summer.

To assist with this, all of our 155 AAR facilities across the state are offering free, 36-point vehicle maintenance inspections and charging system tests to AAA members for the entire month of April. These services combined would normally cost about $50.

Tips for the DIY (Do It Yourself) folks:

• Tires. While tires are one of the most important components on a vehicle, they are also one of the most  overlooked parts of a vehicle. Proper tire inflation is crucial to the life of the tire, maximizing a vehicle’s fuel economy and the safety of everyone on the road. Tire inflation should be checked while the tire is cold and at least once per month and to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which can usually be found on a sticker placed on the driver side doorjamb. 

• Belts and hoses. The belts and hoses on a vehicle should be inspected at every oil change and especially before the summer months. Arizona’s dry heat can quickly cause rubber items to dry and crack under the hood, which can adversely affect a vehicle’s electrical system, air conditioning, power steering and cooling system.
  

• Motor oil and lubricants. Because each vehicle is different, check your owner's manual for specific oil recommendations. When driving under extreme conditions – like very hot temperatures or towing a trailer – try switching to oil with a higher viscosity. Also, be sure to have all other fluids and lubricants checked and replaced as needed. Dirty and inadequate levels of these components can cause internal damage to your vehicle if not properly maintained.

• Batteries. Arizona’s hot summers can dramatically shorten the life of a vehicle battery. If your battery is low on water or becomes corroded, the power it provides to your vehicle could be eliminated. If your vehicle begins to crank slower upon startup, have your battery tested as it could be losing life.  

By taking the time to ensure these major components receive regular maintenance, motorists are not only lengthening the life of their vehicle – but they’re also saving themselves money.

If you catch a small maintenance problem before it turns into a major problem, you’ll be saving yourself a lot of money.

Also, regular vehicle maintenance will help your vehicle operate more efficiently and maximize your fuel economy, which will ultimately save you money at the gas pump.         

Prepare for the unexpected.

Even if you receive regular maintenance and have conducted a vehicle check yourself or have had one conducted at an auto facility, there’s still a chance that your vehicle may experience a failure.

We recommend that you keep an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle with you at all times. These kits contain the tools that could help you fix a minor problem, or at least make the wait for help a little more bearable. Essential items include jumper cables, a flashlight, duct tape and a first aid kit, among other items.

You can easily put one of these kits together yourself or you can buy one that’s ready to go at any AAA branch office.

For more information on how to locate one of AAA’s 155 Approved Auto Repair facilities, please click here.

04/02/08 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Senior Vice President, Jim Prueter, for a discussion on Travel Fact or Fiction.  Tune in to find answers to questions you’ve always wanted to know about travel.

Topics will include:

• Using cell phones and BlackBerrys on a plane.
• Circulated air's connection to the common cold/flu.
• Plastic hotel keys and identity theft.
• Rental car insurance.
• Running your laptop through the airport security x-ray machine.
• The best day of the week to buy airline tickets.
• Europe's train system vs. air travel.

03/24/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez for information on Insurance Fraud and how it is estimated to cost the average Arizona family an additional $300 per year in increased insurance premiums.

From staged auto accidents to the sale of fake Medicare cards, insurance fraud is an increasing problem across the state and country.

How it's Committed

Insurance fraud occurs when a person or company intentionally deceives another about an insurance matter to receive money or other benefits they aren’t entitled to.

The Cost to Everyone Else

There are several components that go into how insurance companies arrive at premium costs. One factor is the cost of fraudulent claims being divided among all policyholders, which results in premium costs for all insureds.  

It's Bigger Than You Think

Insurance industry studies reveal that 10 percent or more of property and casualty insurance claims are fraudulent. That doesn’t sound like a whole lot – but it adds up to over $30 billion a year nationally. And it’s important to keep in mind that this is a conservative estimate – as this is a crime that is severely underreported.

Common Types of Insurance Fraud

1. "Padding" actual claims. This generally involves someone tacking on additional costs or services to a legitimate claim.

2. Misrepresenting facts on an insurance application. This could involve someone who fails to inform their insurance company that they have a pre-existing condition or disease.

3. Submitting claims for damage or injuries that never occurred. This type of fraud occurs when someone includes pre-existing vehicle damage to be fixed when they submit a claim for damage to be fixed from a separate incident. 

4. "Staged" accidents. This could be a fake slip and fall at a store or a staged vehicle collision, which can range from vehicles deliberately stopping in front of a driver to cause a rear-end car crash to drivers who pretend they are being helpful but intend to cause a car accident that will look like the innocent driver's fault.

Is there anything consumers can do to combat this problem and prevent their insurance premiums from increasing as a result of it?

The best way to fight insurance fraud and the criminals who commit it is to remain alert and follow the proper procedures should you become involved in or witness an auto collision. AAA Arizona also advises consumers to:

• Be aware of possible fraud schemes. If you are involved in an accident and are approached by someone who suggests a doctor or lawyer who can help you “make money” or by a mechanic who offers to “bury” your deductible by inflating the estimate, do not accept these offers. Scenarios such as these are likely fraud schemes.
  

• Report accidents and losses. Report accidents to the police, whether you are involved or are a witness. If you are involved, let your insurance company know, regardless of who was at fault. Your report is important to establish the legitimacy of your claim, as well as to determine if claims made by others are fraudulent.
  

• Record pertinent information. If you are involved in an auto crash, keep a record of what happened and what was said. Get the names and phone numbers of all involved parties, passengers and witnesses, along with the name of their insurance company.  Keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment so that you may take pictures of any damage to vehicles immediately after a collision. Or, if you’re in an accident and don’t have a disposable camera handy, use the camera on your cell phone if you have one.
  

• Finally, be sure to report suspicious approaches to authorities. If you are approached with a fraud scheme, report it! Call the Arizona Department of Insurance Fraud Unit and keep your records of the incident. Your report can be enough evidence to initiate an investigation.

03/10/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez to hear everything you need to know about spring break travel to Mexico.  

Spring break is around the corner, which means thousands of Tucsonans will soon be headed south to Mexico for a well-deserved break from work and school in the sun and the sand.

While the majority of travelers will enjoy their week-long vacation without incident, those who are not aware of new border requirements and other restrictions in Mexico could find themselves in the middle of a spring break nightmare.

Mexico is an extremely popular destination for both students and families during spring break. In fact, last March alone, more than 718,000 passenger vehicles crossed the Mexico border by way of an Arizona border.

It’s important for travelers to remember that when they enter Mexico, they are leaving the US and entering into another country. Because of its proximity to Arizona, many travelers headed to Mexico fail to remember that when they cross the border, they are subject to Mexican law. Ultimately, we want spring breakers to enjoy themselves, but we also want to remind them to keep safety at the forefront of their travel plans.

To prepare for an incident-free trip before you leave home, follow these guidelines provided by AAA Arizona:
 

• First, you’ll want to be prepared for the new border requirement laws. Under the new requirements, U.S. citizens 19 years of age or older will be required to present both a government-issued photo ID and proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a birth certificate and drivers license. Citizens 18 or younger will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Keep in mind that passports and birth certificates must be original or certified copies, photocopies will not be accepted.

• If traveling by vehicle, you definitely want to buy Mexico auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico, even though some companies extend their coverage a certain number of miles from the border, Mexican officials will not recognize this. If a collision occurs, a Mexican auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept as evidence of financial responsibility. If you cannot provide Mexico auto insurance, you could be arrested and sent to jail.

• Pack smart. Leave valuables and other irreplaceable items at home.

• Bring copies of important documents. Make copies of your passport, birth certificate and driver’s license and store them separate from the originals.

• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home. Include approximate arrival and departure times as well as destination information so that people know where and when you are expected and how to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.

Once you've safely arrived in Mexico, these tips will ensure your trip remains incident-free:

• In Mexico, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent. This means that if you are arrested for any reason, you may be jailed until you can prove your innocence.  For this reason, be sure to obey all laws in Mexico.

• Stay with your party at all times and avoid sharing your travel itinerary with people you meet on vacation.

• If you are traveling to a part of Mexico you haven’t been, you might want to consider bringing a money belt to carry your money and passport underneath your clothing.

• Also, if you plan on renting recreational vehicles, such as jet skis and ATVs, use extreme caution. These may be uninsured, under-insured or not covered by your personal insurance. Read the rental contract carefully and do not operate these vehicles recklessly. If you incur damage to other vehicles or people while operating the rented vehicle, you could be subject to arrest until full restitution is made.

• Finally, be sure to drive carefully. In Mexico, speed limits are posted in kilometers rather than miles per hour. Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls, even if others motorists are ignoring them.
  

With the number of travelers that crossed into Mexico last year, travelers are going to be met with some pretty hefty border lines. Here are some ideas for making your return trip a speedy one:

• Pick your return day and time carefully. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, peak wait times at the border are Sundays and Mondays between noon and 7:00 p.m. Avoid returning on these days and arrive at the border before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. to reduce delays.
  

• Be prepared with all required documents for everyone in your traveling party before approaching border patrol agents.

• Finally, be sure to answer all questions truthfully and declare all items acquired while in Mexico. Each person in your traveling party is allowed to bring $50.00 worth of new merchandise back across the border, not including personal items such as clothing, toiletries, fishing tackle and toys.

By taking the time to do some of the precautionary steps listed above, spring breakers can ensure that they will enjoy a memorable spring break with their friends and family.

For more information on AAA Mexico auto insurance, border requirements or prohibited and restricted border items, travelers can stop by any AAA branch office or visit http://www.aaaaz.com/insurance/mexico.htm.

For more information on customs and border requirements, viewers can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at www.cbp.gov.

02/25/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez for information on how to keep more money in your wallets as opposed to our fuel tanks.  

Tucson drivers generally have the luxury of having the cheapest gas across the state. And even though that might be the case, current fuel prices are still much more expensive than they typically are this time of year.

Unfortunately, it appears that filling up is going to continue to pinch household budgets as we head into spring and summer – a time when motorists pay the most for fuel all year.

How current prices compare to year’s past and why we typically see gas prices increase this time of year.

Motorists are still paying an average of over 65 cents more for fuel than they were this time last year. Up until last week, we experienced slight relief at the pump as fuel prices dropped by several cents over a three-week period.   

However, current events such as the legal dispute between Venezuela and ExxonMobil, news reports that OPEC nations could cut production, as well as a refinery explosion at a refinery in Texas pushed oil back over the $100 mark last week – which ultimately resulted in pump prices firming up as oil makes up over 60 percent of the cost of gasoline.

On top of these events, we are also heading into March which is when refinery maintenance occurs as the heating season wanes.

What happens at refineries during maintenance?

During maintenance, machinery at refineries is repaired and upgraded and production of the cleaner-burning summer blend of fuel begins. It is imperative that this occurs prior to the summer driving season when gasoline demand peaks.

When maintenance occurs, refineries operate at lower capacity which means they aren’t producing as much fuel. If any outages or problems occur when the maintenance takes place, this could also affect fuel production. This places pressure on the market which generally results in higher fuel prices.

Blended Fuel vs. Conventional Gasoline.

The Phoenix metropolitan area, including Maricopa County as well as parts of Pinal and Yavapai Counties are required to use special gasoline blends during the winter and summer to meet federal air quality standards.

Tucson only uses a special blend of fuel during winter months. The rest of the year, Tucson uses conventional gasoline.

How different blends of fuel affect pump prices.

These special blends of fuel improve air quality in metropolitan areas and are more expensive to produce as they require intricate blend stocks and special equipment. Also, there are only a certain number of refineries that produce these blends.

Because Tucson uses conventional gasoline as opposed to a boutique blend, we typically have some of the lowest fuel prices in the state throughout the year. However, prices still rise in the summer months as gasoline demand rises and refineries have to make several types of fuel, in addition to conventional fuel, in order to satisfy federal air quality standards.

To conserve gasoline, motorists can:

• Plan their day to eliminate unnecessary driving. Consolidating trips when possible.
  
• Drive vehicles with higher fuel efficiency. If you have a sedan and a SUV at home – drive the sedan or whichever vehicle offers the best fuel efficiency.
  
• Join a car pool or ride share program with family, friends and/or co-workers. Carpooling just one day a week can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent!
  
• Walk, bike or use public transportation when possible.

Maintain your vehicle to help cut back on fuel costs:

• Check and replace air filters regularly
  
• Keep tires properly inflated. This can increase your fuel efficiency by as much as two percent.
  
• Use the recommended grade of gasoline. If your vehicle doesn’t require Premium gas, don’t buy it.

Motorists can also:

• Observe the speed limit. Driving any faster may get you where you want to go in less time, but it also means more trips to the gas pump. Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph will lower your fuel economy by 10 percent. Driving 70 mph instead of 55 mph will lower your fuel economy by 17 percent.
  
• Avoid excessive acceleration and idling.

• Use cruise control when possible.

• Find the cheapest gas.  Visit AAA’s Fuel Price Finder to locate the station with the cheapest gas in your neighborhood or along your route to work or home.

02/11/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez for ideas on how to find the best local romantic Valentine’s Day getaways.

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, many people have already made plans for the upcoming romantic holiday. However, there are also those out there that are scrambling to make last minute plans. Read below to find the best option for you and your sweetie!

Arizona Inn, a historic AAA Four Diamond oasis located in central Tucson.

For Valentine’s Day, the Inn is offering a “Romantic Retreat” package, which includes accommodations for two people for three nights in a deluxe guest room, which you can see below.

Also, upon your arrival for the “Romantic Retreat” package, you will be served chilled champagne and a fresh fruit basket. Dinner for two in the Arizona Inn’s award-winning, AAA Four Diamond restaurant is also included

The “Retreat” package also includes breakfast-in-bed delivered to your room each morning – along with the Inn’s standard amenities.

But this package isn't just for Valentines, guests can book this vacation all the way to May 31st of this year! That way, if you aren’t able to book on such short notice, find a babysitter or take time off work – you can still book and enjoy this romantic retreat for several months to come.

Packages start at $1,005 for the three-night retreat. Now, this may sound a little pricey – but remember that this is for luxurious, romantic accommodations for two people for three nights – which breaks down to $167 per night per person – so it’s not that big of a splurge.

JW Marriott Starr Pass is another AAA Four Diamond Resort that has several romantic options to make your Valentine’s Day special.

As part of the resort's “Escape! Romance” package, guests can stay in a deluxe guest room, drink sparkling wine upon their arrival and enjoy breakfast and dinner at Starr Pass’ Signature Grill.

The package is offered year-round – so if you aren’t able to do this over Valentine’s Day – just remember that this is also a good idea for special occasions such as anniversaries.

The Starr Pass also offers a package called the “Primo Dinner” package. With this package, guests will enjoy  imaginative dishes from Primo, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant with dishes inspired by the cuisine of Italy, Spain and France. Each dish is prepared with produce and herbs from local growers and from organic gardens on site.

Chef Matthew shops daily in local markets, including 17th Street Market, Roma Imports, Tucson Co-op, and local farmers markets on the weekends. So not only are you getting a fabulous dining experience – you’re also supporting local markets and businesses.

This package also includes accommodations for two in a Deluxe guest room, a three-course meal as well as breakfast for two at the resort’s Signature Grill.

Prices vary throughout the year – right now, the “Escape” package starts at $419 per night and the “Dinner” package starts at $359 per night.

On a tighter budget but still want to plan something special and romantic?

Janos has been around Tucson since 1983 and has won the coveted AAA Four Diamond award for seven consecutive years.

While this is a delightful restaurant to visit for any special occasion, it is an especially magical place to go for Valentine’s Day.

All of Janos’ menu items are exceptional – take for example, the Chocolate Soufflé Torte or this Gifts from the Garden plate:

And as a special for Valentine’s Day diners, Janos has created a special Valentine’s Day menu that won’t leave diners disappointed as all of the ingredients used for this special menu were selected for their passion creating qualities.

The cost is $95 per person – but if you want to pair each course with a wine, the cost is $145 per person. That does not include tax or gratuity. Keep in mind that reservations for this special dinner service are a must.

Viewers who are interested in booking a package at the Arizona Inn or Starr Pass can visit any AAA branch office or contact any AAA Travel Agent. Viewers interested in making a reservation at Janos should contact the restaurant directly.

01/28/08 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez to find out what documents you need to safely and properly visit Mexico or Canada.

With Tucson’s proximity to Mexico, many residents are accustomed to driving across the border to shop, sightsee and vacation. However, this Thursday, January 31st, requirements for departing and entering the United States are changing.  

Starting this Thursday, Jan. 31, United States citizens ages 19 or older will have to present a government-issued photo ID along with proof of citizenship in order to enter or depart the United States. These requirements will apply to Americans driving or traveling by sea to and from Mexico or Canada.

• For the identification requirement, a driver’s license, state issued identification card or military identification are acceptable.

• For the proof of citizenship, travelers can use their birth certificate, Consular report of birth abroad, certificate of naturalization, certificate of citizenship or a citizen identification card.

• If you have a valid passport, it will fulfill both of these requirements.

• If you are under the age 19 or have children 18 or under, only proof of citizenship is required, which you can show with a birth certificate.

Will this mean longer lines at the border?

It is very likely that once the new requirements go into effect, there will be longer lines and possible delays at the border. However, both the lines and wait times should get better once travelers get used to the new system.

If you want to alleviate long lines and wait times at the border, be sure to have appropriate forms of identification and citizenship. Having the new and proper forms of identification for everyone in your traveling party will ensure you get through the border as quickly as possible.

Are any changes being made for people traveling outside of the country by air?

No. But under the rules that went into effect in 2007, you do need a passport if you a’re flying into the U.S. from Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean.

Why is this change being made?

This change is being made as the government feels it will help to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which will require passport verification of everyone entering the U.S. by land, sea, or air. The passport requirement is slated to begin in June 2009.

The initiative as a whole was created to provide more security at the borders post 9/11.

If you have any questions about these new requirements, you can contact the State Department or any AAA Travel Agent.  

01/02/08 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Michelle Donati to find out whether or not you should purchase rental car insurance.

It's a question many of us struggle with at the counter of a car-rental agency: do I really need to purchase rental car insurance?

What’s the benefit to purchasing rental car insurance?

Buying insurance from the rental car counter can be expensive, but drivers who purchase this additional coverage are generally paying for peace of mind.

The main benefit to this option is that the damage/accident never hits your personal insurance record.

If something happens to the rental car in your possession, you simply turn it back in to the company (provided you’ve purchased adequate coverage) and walk away – no questions asked.

How expensive is rental car insurance?

Loss damage waivers (reduces financial responsibility for a loss) can range from $8.95 to $35.99 per day; supplemental liability coverage (third party liability protection) can range from $8.95 to $16.00 per day.

These prices really depend on what type of vehicle you’re renting and what part of the country you’re renting it from.

As you can imagine, this can really add up. In fact, if you were to rent a car for five days and purchase both the loss damage waiver and supplemental liability coverage – you could be paying an additional $18.00 to $52.00 per day. Over the course of the five days – that could drive your rental car costs up by $90 to $260 for the duration of the rental!

What can you do if you don’t want to incur additional costs?

You can check to see if your personal insurance company covers you in a rental car. Most companies will give you the same coverage you have in your own vehicle in a rental vehicle.

Also, when you pay for your rental car with a most major credit card, most of those credit card companies offer some coverage on your rental car.

Your own insurance versus the rental car insurance.

The downfall with your own insurance is that if something happens to the rental car in your possession, your insurance company could be liable for the damages.

Also, it is important to keep in mind that if there is damage to your rental car and you have not purchased the over-the-counter insurance policy, the insurance company could make you pay for “loss of use” to the vehicle. This is something your insurance company does not generally cover.

Consider these tips prior to renting a vehicle.

Do your homework. Know what coverage you have under your personal insurance and with the credit card you’ll be purchasing the rental car with

Talk to your agent. Insurance can be tricky, so if you don’t understand what your coverage is or what something means, don’t be afraid to ask!

Ask plenty of questions. Talk to a variety of rental car companies to see what your rental and rental insurance options are. If you feel you are getting bad insurance information, check with the Arizona Department of Insurance.

Consider your odds. If you’re accident prone – it might be worth paying for the extra coverage to avoid rate increases with your personal insurance.

And finally, know what you’re going to do before you reach the counter. Don’t make any spur of the moment decisions – know what you’re going to do before you get there – so you can feel rushed/pressured/confused you’re your final decision.

12/19/07 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Judy Santiago to hear where to stay and what to do in America's top three cities, as voted on by Conde Nast Traveler readers.

The Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are one of the highest honors in the travel industry, celebrating the best-of-the-best hotels, resorts, cruise lines, cities and islands. Topping this year's list of best cities are San Francisco, New York City and Charleston.

SAN FRANCISCO

With its pretty houses and hilly streets providing beautiful views of the bay and the famous Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, also known as the City by the Bay, is arguably the most cosmopolitan and one of the most beautiful cities in America.

Where to stay?

Hotelier Ian Schrager’s Clift hotel is located in the heart of San Francisco’s theatre district. A fantastic interior has been designed by Philippe Starck with oversized floor lamps in the lobby, sleigh beds and Man Ray inspired décor in the 375 rooms. The restaurant is an outlet of Schrager’s trendy Asia de Cuba. Room rates start at $270 per night.

Where to eat?

The Slanted Door is a AAA Three Diamond rated Vietnamese restaurant located in the Mission – a very diverse are of San Francisco. Dishes at this restaurant are produced from local organic fare and have a mixture of flavors from Vietnam, France and California. The Slanted Door also offers a fantastic view of the Bay Brigde.

NEW YORK CITY

Known as the city that never sleeps, New York is bursting with energy from morning until night. This city offers everything from great monuments and museums to chic hotels, shops and lively restaurants.

Where to stay?

The W New York - Times Square is conveniently close to Broadway, art galleries in SoHo or shopping on Fifth Avenue. A dramatic glass-encased waterfall awaits you in the foyer. The main lobby has board games in Perspex containers. And then there is They Whiskey, where the dance floor is tiled with cells of colored liquid. Room rates here start at $498 per night.

Where to eat?

Once a Prohibition-era speakeasy, the 21 Club is a AAA Three Diamond rated restaurant that offers a menu that encompasses comforting dishes from crab cakes and braised short ribs to ’21 Classics’ such as creamy chicken hash and Caesar salad. A jacket and tie are required at this establishment.

CHARLESTON

Rounding out the top three cities is Charleston, the scene of the first shots of the Civil War and fictional hometown of Rhett Butler, which is central to the rich history of the Deep South. With its distinctive architecture, pretty hidden gardens, tropical climate and easygoing atmosphere, this soulful South Carolina city is ideally explored on foot.

Where to stay?

The historic Planters Inn is located on Market Street near City Market. It offers spacious rooms and suites with 4-poster beds, marble baths and grand piazzas. Rooms start at $295 per night.

Where to eat?

The Hominy Grill is a AAA Two Diamond rated restaurant that is a local favorite so be sure to make a reservation in advance. This restaurant serves classics such as shrimp Creole, catfish, low-country purloo and Southern fried chicken. These dishes have won the restaurant rave reviews and a devoted following.      

Contact a AAA travel agent (1-877-248-6962) and ask for help in planning a vacation to one of these great cities today! We can present you with several vacation components to fit your travel needs as well as your budget.

Note: If you plan to travel during a holiday period or to get the best deals on airfare, you will want to start planning at least 45 days in advance. The further in advance you book, the better the opportunity that you will get the availability and price you want.

12/17/07 - Good Morning Tucson

Join AAA's Yvette Lopez to learn about Holland America Line's new culinary cruises!

Attention all culinary aficionados:  Have we got a cruise for you!

Holland America Line launched its innovative culinary program in 2005 with the installation of state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Centers aboard each of its 13 premium cruise ships offering culinary demonstrations, tastings and hands-on cooking classes aboard every sailing. The line then took the concept further by partnering with Food & Wine magazine to provide guests on select Holland America Line cruises an opportunity to experience demonstrations and seminars conducted by culinary experts.

Culinary Classes

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, provides guests on select Holland America cruises the opportunity to experience demonstrations and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts, and leading cookbook authors from the pages of Food & Wine. 

Learn tricks of the trade from top professionals, try your hand at preparing dishes and taste wines representative of the specific ports-of-call you will visit.  Other opportunities might include book signings, question and answer sessions, specially designed dinner menus and more.

Featured guests for 2008 include James Mazzio, Ernie Pino, Keegan Gerhard and more.

For the complete list of featured chefs for 2008, click here.

Cooking Classes for kids through Club HAL

Now kids ages 3 to 17 can learn to cook with Holland America Line’s new Culinary Arts program offered by Club HAL and the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine. 

Shipboard chefs in the Culinary Arts Center will teach complimentary 45-minute classes.  Dishes taught span breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks - including fun creations such as bear track cookies, salad people art, soft pretzels and salt water taffy. 

Holland America Line is the only cruise line that features celebrity chefs.  For more information on other culinary programs at sea, contact AAA at 877-248-6962.

12/05/07 - Sonoran Living

Join AAA's Judy Santiago for an overview of AAA Arizona's top predictions for 2008 travel.

Last year, AAA Travel specialists helped members create over 250,000 roadtrips via AAA’s TripTik service.  With the end of the year fast approaching, AAA Arizona’s travel agents are already being contacted to help people plan their 2008 vacations. Here’s where people are going and what people are planning on doing next year:

Italy

From Italy’s renowned cuisine and beautiful beaches to its rich history and ancient architecture, Arizonans will be living “la vita bella” in 2008. AAA travel agents reported issuing 6,788 International Driving Permits last year. This year is sure to follow the same pattern with agents claiming more requests for IDPs in Italy than anywhere else.

However, the most exciting new option for those traveling to Italy is the availability of escorted tours. Vacationers purchasing an escorted tour can expect prearranged airport transportation, hotel lodgings and group dinners, in addition to guided tours of the must-see spots in that area.

Mediterranean Cruises

Mediterranean cruises offered by Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Lines, and Celebrity are also going to be big in 2008.

Cruises to the Mediterranean are a great way to get the European vacation you’ve always wanted with the comfort of being on a recognized cruise line with fellow Americans and scheduled stops with optional tours.  Most Mediterranean cruises will start and end in Italy with visits to Sicily, the Greek Isles, Egypt, Istanbul and Turkey.

South America

A newcomer to the big-time travel scene, South America is getting a lot of attention from prospective travelers this year. For years, more popular exotic spots like the Caribbean, Bahamas and Mexico have overshadowed South America travel. But with world travel becoming more accessible, people are looking to visit new and more exotic places.

South America vacations offer a rich combination of unique destinations. From the miles  of warm beaches to misty rain forests and the snow-capped Andes, South America has plenty of places to visit including Uruguay, Brazil, Chile, Buenos Aires and Argentina.

Alaska

Always a big hit, Alaska continues to be one of the most sought-after destinations for Arizonans. Continuing the trend of family vacation, AAA travel agents are reporting that 2008 vacationers are interested in traveling to Alaska via cruises with their nuclear and extended families for special occasions such as family reunions and anniversaries.

Most cruise lines offer Cruisetours, trips that travel via the sea but offer pre-planned excursions and tours on land. While visiting Alaska, look for dolphins and whales as you admire the glaciers of the Pacific and the Canadian Rockies.

Family Travel

So you have the location set, but whom should you go with? AAA reports that travel agents are seeing a new travel trend for ’08—families vacationing with other families. Cruises and escorted tours are great options for family travel because they involve committing to being with a group of other families for the extent of the vacation, which ensures that you’re in a family-friendly environment with people of like interests.

In fact, travel company Tauck calls their escorted tour program “Bridges” because they claim to be bridging the generation gap of travelers. For something new, families can also try Disney’s latest endeavor, Adventures by Disney, offering families escorted tours throughout Europe as well as North America, Asia, and Australia.

For more information on any of the ideas and trends listed here, contact your local AAA travel agent for assistance in booking your 2008 vacation.

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