AAA Travel Encourages Europe-Bound Travelers to Buy Now

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Nov 02, 2011, 09:30 ET

Expected cuts in airline capacity, American pent-up travel demand, fueling European travel price sales and early booking discounts

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Airlines are expected to cut seating capacity on international flights to Europe next year between five percent and 10 percent, according to TravCorp USA. The AAA Preferred Travel Partner expects the percentage of reduction to fluctuate by destination as the region's economic outlook is evaluated. Airline seating capacity reductions to Paris, Frankfurt and London are among those currently being studied. Travelers are advised to book now for the best deals.

As airlines contemplate capacity reductions, AAA surveys of intended travelers indicate that travel in general is increasing due primarily to pent-up demand. Responses to AAA travel surveys conducted throughout the year indicate that Americans have maintained a deep desire to travel throughout the economic downturn and have tired of waiting for the United States economy to improve. Increasing numbers of AAA Travel customers are moving forward with vacation purchases to Europe.

"Americans need and want to spend time with family creating life-time travel memories and fulfilling their bucket list along the way," said Bill Sutherland, vice president, AAA Travel Services. "Current savings and booking incentives on European travel make this the perfect time to plan that dream Europe vacation."

According to AAA Travel sales data, the top five Europe destinations for travel during the first half of 2012 are Rome, Italy; London, England; Dublin, Ireland; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and Paris, France. Current Europe vacation purchases for travel in the first quarter of 2012 are 15 percent higher than in the first quarter of 2011. Sales for Europe travel during the second quarter of 2012 are 21 percent higher than the second quarter of this year.

Most airlines and travel suppliers are responding to the pent-up demand and expected airline capacity cuts by providing immediate savings opportunities on travel to Europe. Some cruise lines are modifying itineraries to appeal to specific travelers such as wine enthusiasts and moving more cabin capacity to popular destinations like the Mediterranean.

Price reduction offers include sales on travel and cruises during the remainder of 2011 including the holiday season, early booking discounts and price incentives to pay-in-full at the time of booking for travel in 2012, to name a few. The key to securing a great travel value is knowing when to buy. For travel to Europe, that time is now.

Planning international travel can be a daunting task. Partnering with a professional travel counselor who specializes in international travel will save vacationers countless hours of research time, and provide access to additional vacation options sold only through travel agencies.

Travel counselors at AAA Travel receive frequent international travel updates and stay abreast of price changes, document requirement changes, travel alerts and continuously monitor the overall international travel landscape. Their time, personalized service, first-hand destination knowledge to offer tips on places to shop, dine and sightsee adds irreplaceable value to the vacation price.

AAA Travel recently launched AAA Vacations® – a collection of escorted, hosted and independent tours and vacation packages to destinations throughout the world. AAA Vacations® are customized tours and packages designed to deliver unique, engaging and exclusive vacation experiences to AAA members. Visit your nearest AAA office or AAA.com for more information.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 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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