AAA Arizona Encourages Travelers to Postpone SoCal Travel Plans
Phoenix, Ariz. October 25, 2007 - Raging wildfires have caused roadways and major tourist attractions to temporarily close as firefighters continue to battle the blaze that has spread to over 674 square miles of Southern California. Until the wildfires are under control, AAA Arizona is encouraging travelers to postpone their travel plans to Southern California if possible.
“It is extremely important for those with upcoming travel plans to this region be mindful of the situation and if possible, delay their plans until emergency crews have these fires under control and relief efforts are underway,” said Judy Santiago, director of world travel for AAA Arizona.
While some areas of the region are operating normally and are not threatened by the fires, many attractions have closed as a result of air quality concerns and transportation congestion due to neighborhood evacuations. According to the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, the following attractions are temporarily closed:
- San Diego Wild Animal Park
- Legoland
- Birch Aquarium
- Maritime Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Seal Tours
“Another reason for these temporary attraction closures is to keep the roadways clear of non-essential vehicles and to conserve the use of water and electricity,” said Santiago.
SeaWorld was closed Tuesday, October 23rd through Thursday, October 25th, but will reopen to the general public on Friday, October 26th. Other attractions such as the Old Town Trolley Tours and Double Decker Tours are open but operating on limited schedules.
The San Diego International Airport has remained open through the firestorms and is operating on a regular schedule. Some airlines are allowing travelers with booked flights to Southern California to postpone or cancel their flights without the usual penalties or change fees. Most are allowing changes for travel plans scheduled through October 29th, although passengers must rebook and travel within a set time frame in order to be eligible. For more information, travelers should contact the airline through which they purchased their tickets.
Updates on the California wildfires can be found by visiting the San Diego County Emergency website. Attraction and travel updates can be found by visiting the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website.
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. |
