AAA Colorado Press Releases

July 4th Holiday Travel Growth Only in Mountain States

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 MST

Denver, June 24, 2009 - Despite a multitude of travel bargains around the country, the only region where AAA is forecasting growth in travel for the July 4th holiday period is the Mountain States, which include Colorado.

In the Mountain States 2.6 million Americans, 11.8 percent of the region's population, expect to take a trip of 50 or more miles away from home over the 2009 Independence Day holiday period. This is a 1.2 percent increase from last year. Nationwide, 37.1 million Americans expect to travel, a decline of 1.9 percent from 2008. Last year, 37.8 million Americans traveled during the same period; a 10.5 percent decline from the 42.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

According to AAA the expected decline in leisure travel nationwide is mainly due to ongoing uncertainty about the economy. The Mountain States (which include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming) benefit from a relatively low unemployment rate which is one of the reasons this region will experience travel growth while the eight remaining regions expect a decline.

Rising gasoline prices may also be causing some travelers to limit or abbreviate their holiday plans, although its impact on overall vacation costs remains minimal, according to AAA Colorado. Gasoline accounts for 13.8 percent of total travel expenditures in the Mountain States.

Gasoline prices are up since Memorial Day, but are still much lower than they were at this time last year. Last year in Colorado the price for regular unleaded gasoline was slightly over $4.00 a gallon on Independence Day.

The July 4th holiday is typically the busiest time of year for auto travel. In the Mountain States, 81 percent of expected trips will be by automobile.

Air travel will account for slightly less than 8 percent of Independence Day holiday travel in the Mountain States. Declining airfares and pent-up demand will result in a 9.7 percent increase over last year's July 4th holiday period. Air travel is projected to increase in all nine regions.

"When vacationing this summer you will find many attractive offers resulting in some outstanding values," says Sandra Barnes, AAA Colorado Director of Travel Services. "It is smart to travel this summer. There's never been a better time to take your dream trip." AAA's Leisure Travel Index shows vacation costs lower than last year's Fourth of July week.

Hotel rates nationally are down 12 percent compared to last year for AAA-rated Three Diamond hotels.
In Colorado, average rates for Three Diamond hotels are down 9 percent, from $126 to $115.
Airfares nationally have dropped 16 percent lower than Fourth of July 2008.
Car rental rates are down in Denver an average of 27 percent from $89 last year to $65 this year.
Nationally, car rental rates are up 5 percent.

AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

Low Fuel Costs and Travel Bargains Spur Memorial Day Travel

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:03:22 MST

Denver, May 12, 2009 - Falling gas prices and travel deals abound this Memorial Day and many Americans plan to take advantage. AAA projects that 12.6 percent of the population in the Mountain region, which includes Colorado, will travel more than 50 miles away from home over the Memorial Day weekend. Nationwide, 10.7 percent of the population, or 32.4 million Americans, will be travelling during the holiday weekend. "Many people did not take a vacation last year and they're not going to miss out two years in a row," said Sandra Barnes, Director of Travel Services for AAA Colorado. "Exceptional travel deals and lower gas prices have Americans feeling better about taking a trip this summer." The three day Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a driving holiday, and with gas prices dramatically lower than last year, road trips will be the mainstay of Americans' returning wanderlust. Nationwide, 27 million people, or nearly 83 percent of all travelers, are planning a road trip. In the Mountain region, 2.2 million people will be hitting the road. This summer AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $2.50 per gallon nationwide. The Colorado average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.20 today compared to $3.91 over Memorial Day 2008 and $3.33 for the same weekend in 2007. Approximately 2.1 million Americans will travel by air over the holiday weekend, a drop of 1 percent from last year. The airline industry continues to cut capacity on many routes and airfares have not experienced the decline that gasoline has. The average distance traveled by those in the Mountain region will be approximately 670 miles. Total spending in the Mountain region will average $1,127 per trip. Over two-thirds of Mountain region travelers will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday, and traveling with the family will be the most popular way to go with 36 percent of travelers making the journey with children or other family members. Popular activities in the Mountain region are dining (51 percent), hiking or biking (37 percent) and touring or sightseeing (33 percent). Additionally, one-fourth of travelers plan to visit a historic site. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to decrease four percent nationwide from last year as air passengers will pay an average of $176. Car rental rates will drop lower nationwide with consumers paying an average of $43 per day compared to $45 a year ago, a decrease of three percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $142 per night. AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com. #

Low Fuel Costs and Travel Bargains Spur Memorial Day Travel

Tue, 12 May 2009 11:54:36 MST

Low Fuel Costs and Travel Bargains Spur Memorial Day Travel

"Many people did not take a vacation last year and they're not going to miss out two years in a row," said Sandra Barnes, Director of Travel Services for AAA Colorado. "Exceptional travel deals and lower gas prices have Americans feeling better about taking a trip this summer."

The three day Memorial Day weekend is traditionally a driving holiday, and with gas prices dramatically lower than last year, road trips will be the mainstay of Americans' returning wanderlust. Nationwide, 27 million people, or nearly 83 percent of all travelers, are planning a road trip. In the Mountain region, 2.2 million people will be hitting the road. This summer AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $2.50 per gallon nationwide. The Colorado average for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.20 today compared to $3.91 over Memorial Day 2008 and $3.33 for the same weekend in 2007.

Approximately 2.1 million Americans will travel by air over the holiday weekend, a drop of 1 percent from last year. The airline industry continues to cut capacity on many routes and airfares have not experienced the decline that gasoline has.

The average distance traveled by those in the Mountain region will be approximately 670 miles. Total spending in the Mountain region will average $1,127 per trip. Over two-thirds of Mountain region travelers will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday, and traveling with the family will be the most popular way to go with 36 percent of travelers making the journey with children or other family members. Popular activities in the Mountain region are dining (51 percent), hiking or biking (37 percent) and touring or sightseeing (33 percent). Additionally, one-fourth of travelers plan to visit a historic site.

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to decrease four percent nationwide from last year as air passengers will pay an average of $176. Car rental rates will drop lower nationwide with consumers paying an average of $43 per day compared to $45 a year ago, a decrease of three percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $142 per night.

Spring break top destinations and AAA safe travel tips

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 17:43:17 MST

Denver, March 19, 2009 - The official start of spring is a day away and it's time to start making plans for spring and summer travel. Topping the list of Spring Break travel destination is Orlando, home of Disneyworld, followed by Cancun, Santa Ana, San Diego and Phoenix according to hotel and airline bookings through AAA Colorado. Other popular destinations include Las Vegas, Puerto Vallarta, Hawaii, Denver and Anaheim (Disneyland).

AAA Colorado offers the following tips to assure that your vacation is both enjoyable and safe.

Before you go:

Be prepared for new passport requirements. All U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to re-enter the United States. If traveling by land or sea before June 1, this document can be either a passport, or a birth certificate and driver's license. Beginning June 1, land and sea re-entries will be treated the same as air travel and a passport or passport card will be necessary.

Pack smart. Know your airline's charges for first and additional pieces of luggage and pack accordingly. Leave valuables and other irreplaceable items at home.

Make copies of important documents. Pack copies of your passport, birth certificate and driver's license separate from originals. Also, leave copies with a friend or family member at home.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member. Include approximate arrival and departure times as well as destination information so that people know where to contact you in case of an emergency.

Get a tune up for the car before starting a roadtrip - check tire pressure, fluids and take care of basic engine maintenance. Don't push it on the driving. Take frequent breaks and switch drivers because drowsy driving can lead to serious accidents. If drivers are tired, they should pull over and rest.

During your stay:

Travel with your group, never alone, and avoid sharing your travel itinerary with people you meet on vacation.

Remember, you are subject to another nation's laws. When you are in a nation outside of the U.S., you are subject to that nation's laws and the full consequences of breaking them. In some countries you are guilty until proven innocent.

Drive carefully. Obey the speed limits and other traffic controls, even if other motorists are ignoring them.

AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 in-state members and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

AAA Colorado research finds Hawaii more affordable

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:10:30 MST

Denver, March 12, 2009 - AAA Colorado research has shown that travel to Hawaii has become more affordable in 2009. A side by side comparison of travel packages to the Aloha State show the following price decreases:

Destination	Nights	2008 Price	2009 Price	% Decrease
Kauai	6	$4,267	$3,557	17%
Hawaii (air included	5	$3,312	$3,276	1%
Maui (air included)	5	$3,102	$2,537	18%
Maui/Hawaii (air included)	14	$6,489	$4,663	28%
Oahu (air included)	5	$3,556	$2,558	28%

Sample packages were priced for two adults and were based on specific spring travel dates.

"Hawaii is consistently one of the top five destinations for travel arranged by AAA Colorado, says Sandra Barnes, Director of Travel Services. "With this year's lower prices, many who have been considering travel to Hawaii will find it within their reach."

Hawaii will be celebrating its 50th anniversary as a state during 2009. Comprised of eight main islands, the state was admitted into the Union on August 21, 1959. Its setting lures millions of vacationers every year with scenery that ranges from tangled jungles to mist-shrouded peaks to sunny beaches. There are few who can resist the friendly, welcoming call of aloha.

Majority of people killed in teen crashes not teen drivers

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 10:29:10 MST

Denver, February 27, 2009 - The majority of people killed in teen driver crashes continue to be people other than teen drivers themselves, according to an updated analysis of 10 years of crash data by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The analysis shows that nationally about one-third of people killed in crashes involving drivers ages 15 to 17 are teen drivers themselves. Nearly two-thirds are passengers, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

For every teen driver killed in a crash, almost twice as many other people die, which underscores the link between teen driver safety and the safety of everyone on the road," said AAA National President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

In Colorado between 1998 and 2007, crashes involving 15-, 16- and 17-year-old drivers killed 515 people, of whom 163 (31.7%) were teen drivers themselves. The remaining 352 (68.3%) included 183 passengers of the 15- to 17-year-old drivers, 120 occupants of other vehicles operated by adult drivers, 49 non-motorists and others.

"Young drivers face an array of potentially deadly challenges at the wheel," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. "Parents and teens need to understand the serious responsibility of driving and the risks and consequences involved."

AAA points to the drop in both teen driver deaths and the larger drop in deaths of others during the last decade as evidence that improving teen driver safety benefits all road users.

"During the last decade, as states improved their teen licensing systems and AAA has helped parents get more involved, we have seen reductions in teen driver deaths and even larger reductions in the number of other people killed," said Darbelnet. "Clearly, measures put into place to save teen drivers help us all."

AAA continues to call for comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems that let new teen drivers gain experience under less-risky conditions. States with comprehensive GDL systems have been shown to reduce deaths among 16-year-old drivers by 38 percent.

Colorado GDL laws exceed AAA Guidelines for both the learner's permit holding period and number of practice hours. Colorado also exceeds AAA Guidelines limiting passengers during the first six months of driving. Night-time driving limits in Colorado do not meet AAA Guidelines.

AAA encourages parents to play the leading role in developing their teen driver through regular dialogue, selecting a quality driving school, using a parent-teen driving agreement, extensive practice driving, and choosing a safe vehicle for their teen. Teen driver resources are available at www.AAA.com/safety/.

AAA Colorado has more than 525,000 members in Colorado and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings.

Auto coverage for Mexican travel

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:45:53 MST

Denver, February 24, 2009 - A tourist's regular auto insurance policy is not valid when driving a privately owned vehicle into Mexico. AAA Colorado now offers short-term insurance coverage for individuals driving across the border.

For many years, one of the only ways for Coloradans to acquire auto insurance was to stop at an insurance office near the Mexico border. Now Coloradans can purchase coverage online through AAA Colorado before they travel. The insurance applies only to private passenger vehicles, not rental cars.

When buying any insurance coverage, it is important to check the company's A.M. Best rating. An A.M. Best rating of "B+" or better generally indicates the carrier is stable and has the financial strength to pay claims. There are fewer than 20 insurance companies in Mexico that offer auto coverage to tourists, and some are unrated. AAA Colorado offers coverage from Grupo Nacional Provincial S.A., an "A" rated Mexican insurance company.

Auto insurance coverage for travel in Mexico, through AAA Colorado, can only be purchased online. A quote and purchase can be comleted at www.AAA.com/MexicoInsurance using a secure online form. The policy can then be printed out before travel begins.

Coloradans Drawn to Alaska in 2009

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:44:12 MST

Denver, January 13, 2009 - Year after year, Alaska is one of the top five travel destinations of AAA Colorado members and 2009 should be no different, despite the economy. With 50th birthday-related events scheduled throughout the year, 2009 is a great year to travel to Alaska to experience the best of both the history and the growth.

"Travel to Alaska has certainly changed over the past 50 years," says Sandra Barnes, Director of Travel Service for AAA Colorado. "The average tour used to include a hunting or fishing camp with a totem pole viewing. Travelers today can experience river rafting and hiking, fine dining and luxurious spas, as well as the traditional attractions of Alaska's renowned hunting, fishing and native arts."

Coloradans are also drawn to Alaska for the wildlife viewing opportunities. It's no "fluke" to see a whale tail-humpbacks often make appearances in Prince William Sound. Cruises along the Inside Passage include sightings of huge, barking Steller sea lions lounging on top of each other; Dall's porpoises frolicking in a boat's wake; Sitka black- or white-tailed deer sipping from a stream; soaring peregrine falcons; or furry otters doing the backstroke.

Looking for bears? The Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to some 3,000 Kodiak bears and Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park and Preserve safeguards one of the world's largest brown bear populations. Grizzlies as well as caribous and moose roam the desert-like tundra of Denali National Park and Preserve.

"Many travelers don't realize that the best way to see Alaska is a combination of a cruise and driving or train tour." says Barnes. "The scale and scope of what the state offers is stunning. Some things are better seen from land, while others are best viewed from the deck of a ship or boat." A combination of cruise and tour is the best of both worlds. Many travel providers are offering special Alaska birthday promotions for travel during 2009. If you happen to be turning 50 the same year as Alaska, even better discounts await.

Projected Christmas holiday travel third largest since 2000

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:51:51 MST

Denver, December 17 - AAA Colorado forecasts 63.9 million Americans, or 21 percent of the national population, expect to travel during the Christmas period. Although travel is expected to be down 2.1 percent compared to last year, the number of Americans travelling this Christmas represents the third largest volume since 2000. In 2007 there was a record high of 65.3 million holiday travelers and 2006 had 64.7 million travelers.

Travel in the Western region (including Colorado) will be down 1.9 percent with 15.5 million Western residents travelling more than 50 miles away from home. Travel by automobile will be down 1.5 percent from 2007 despite a gas price that is $1.27 less than 2007. The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gas in Colorado is $1.60.

Air travel will be down 6.7 percent in the Western region and 8.5 percent nationwide. Travelers should expect different trends in airfares depending on the week of travel. Airfares nationwide during Christmas week are down 9 percent compared to 2007. Airfares for the week of New Years are up 3 percent. AAA Colorado advises air passengers to check with their airline or travel counselor about additional fees before booking a trip. Most airlines continue to charge fees for checked baggage and other previously complimentary services like beverages and snacks.

Nationwide, Americans can expect lower hotel rates and higher car rental rates throughout the holiday season. Similar to Thanksgiving, about two-thirds (64.2 percent) of Christmas travelers plan to stay in the home of friends or family during their trip.

With Christmas falling on a Thursday this year, it appears that travelers are looking forward to starting their holiday trip early. Almost a third (32 percent) say they expect to begin their holiday travels on or before Sunday, December 21. After a brief pause on Monday, travel departures pick up with 13 percent travelling on Tuesday the 23rd, and peak on Christmas Eve (17 percent). One in ten holiday travelers are likely to travel on Christmas day, while 14 percent are planning to travel after Christmas through December 31. Almost 10 percent of travelers are not sure when they will begin their holiday trip.

Travel projections for the Christmas holiday are derived from the Travel Industry Association's (TIA) Holiday Travel Forecast Model. The model was developed based on consumer travel intentions and TIA's quarterly travel forecast data. The travel intentions data is collected through an online survey of nearly 2,300 adults nationwide, supplemented by an additional 5,000 Americans surveyed from the top 10 states of travel origin in the United States. Historical travel volume and other economic data such as GDP, disposable income, employment and travel costs (including fuel prices) are also incorporated into the model. Analysis of the data and the forecasts are produced exclusively for AAA by TIA.

Turkey lockout season

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:55:10 MST

Denver, November 20, 2008 - It's the time of year for the seasonal "turkey lockout". In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, AAA Colorado roadside assistance dispatchers report a noticeable increase in calls from members who have locked their keys in the trunk.

"When loading their car at the supermarket, shoppers are juggling more than the usual amount of groceries, often including a turkey," says Scott Soper, Roadside Assistance Administrator. "AAA will dispatch a service professional to retrieve members' keys and get them on the go."

In addition to keeping track of car keys, AAA Colorado offers the following holiday driving safety tips:

Stay alert in parking lots. Watch for cars suddenly pulling out, distracted pedestrians and children. Park in well-lighted areas, avoid walking alone at night and have your keys in your hand before you leave a store.

Drive with extra attention. Holiday parties, winter weather and shorter days all create additional hazards on the road. Limit heavy conversations with passengers, avoid cell phone use and keep a calm, relaxed atmosphere in the car.