AAA Members Save on Summer Vacations Using Club-Arranged Discounts

Exclusive savings available on hotel stays, theme park tickets, car rentals and more

ORLANDO, Fla., May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the summer travel season approaches many Americans will be carefully planning a vacation within their budget. A little research and advance planning can result in big savings. Last year AAA/CAA members saved nearly 2 billion dollars using AAA discounts and the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA recommends travelers take advantage of cheaper prices by booking early and researching any available discounts such as those available to AAA members on hotels, car rentals and attraction tickets.

"Higher gas prices and tight household budgets continue to cause anxiety for some travelers who are currently planning a summer getaway," said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs. "AAA is pleased to offer members many discounts on travel products and services that will ease the financial burden of a memorable vacation."

AAA membership provides extensive discounts to make a summer getaway more affordable. The following is a partial list of travel discounts available to AAA members:

Lodging Discounts

AAA members who stay at AAA preferred hotels receive discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off the best available rate and the comfort of a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Preferred hotels include Best Western, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, The Hilton Family including Hampton; Marriott brands including Renaissance; and Starwood Hotels & Resorts including Sheraton and Westin.

Lodgings vary greatly by cost and amenities. AAA categorizes its 31,000 AAA Approved hotels on a scale of One to Five Diamonds to help travelers identify properties that meet their needs and budget.

Car Rental Discounts

As the exclusive car rental partner of AAA, Hertz offers members a wide variety of money-saving discounts and exclusive offers. AAA member benefits include the guaranteed best rate available at time of reservation by booking channel; reduced rate for NeverLost®GPS, Hertz's customized on-board navigational system, a discount on Hertz prepaid rates, a discount on the Fuel Purchase Option, no charge for additional qualified AAA drivers, free use of a child safety seat and more.

Savings on Train Travel and Sightseeing Activities

Whether heading home for a summer holiday or to another great North American destination, AAA members are eligible for exclusive savings on train travel. Members receive 10 percent off Amtrak passenger rail fares with three-day advance booking by visiting AAA.com/amtrak. Members also receive 10 percent off Gray Line sightseeing tours of one day or less by visiting AAA.com/grayline.  

AAA offers discounts at some of the most popular attractions for a summer getaway. In addition to saving on tickets and admission fees, AAA members save 10 percent at select merchandise and dining locations at Universal Orlando® Resort and Universal Studios HollywoodSM. Visit a AAA office at home or at your destination for additional AAA area discounts.

Stock up on Summer Travel Supplies

Additional savings can be found on summer travel supplies including clothes, bathing suits, film, sunscreen and even a new book to read pool-side at many retailers including:

• Target.com:  $10 off online purchases of $100 or more
• Banana Republic Factory Stores: 10 percent off on all purchases
• Gap Outlet: 10 percent off on all purchases
• Payless Shoesource: 10 percent off regularly priced merchandise

Travel Planning

Although last minute discounts can be found on travel, typically the best bargains and availability are accessible to those who book in advance.  If you are planning a complex summer vacation consider visiting a travel agent. A qualified travel agent, such as your AAA travel agent, works directly with travel providers and will be better equipped to negotiate discounts for you and advise you on other savings or benefits that may be available. 

Finding discounts on the road has never been easier. AAA now offers digital and mobile travel planning tools for travel planning 'on the go' including free apps that can map a route and locate AAA Discounts and gas prices near a user's location. Visit AAA.com/mobile for more information.

Travelers can find AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants in the TourBook® guides available at AAA offices, the eTourBook guides at AAA.com/ebooks, online at AAA.com/Travel and from smartphones using AAA Mobile Web or the free apps at AAA.com/mobile.

Last year, members saved nearly $2 billion by taking advantage of AAA/CAA discounts including those available through the Show Your Card & Save® program. AAA's Show Your Card & Save program is one of the largest member discount program in the world offering more than 164,000 locations for savings worldwide including 110,000 retail locations in North America and popular online retailers. Visit AAA.com/discounts for a complete list of retailers and offers.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

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SOURCE AAA