AAA Arizona Offers 2008 Leisure Travel Predictions
Phoenix, Ariz., November 15, 2007 –
Last year, AAA Travel specialists helped members create a total of 254,723 vacation routes 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 ancientarchitecture, 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.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 750,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. |
