AAA Projects Thanksgiving Travel to increase 1.4 percent from last year

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:29:40 MST

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		AAA Colorado Contact: Wave Dreher 303-210-2904

AAA Projects Thanksgiving Travel to increase 1.4 percent from last year

Mountain States show 0.3 percent increase

Denver, November 18 � AAA projects 38.4 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more away from home over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a 1.4 percent increase over last year. In the Mountain States (Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana) there will be 2.5 million travelers, a slight increase of 0.3 percent over Thanksgiving 2008. The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is Wednesday November 25 through Sunday, November 29.

Last year, Thanksgiving travel dropped a steep 25.2 percent nationwide in the wake of the ongoing housing and financial crisis. This year's expected increase in travel reflects improved consumer confidence from one year ago, better financial market performance and a growing sense among many consumers that the worst of the global economic crisis is behind us, AAA says.

In addition to an improved economy, travel will be aided by lower airfare, lodging and rental car costs. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index � a monitor of pricing in 20 popular cities across the US � the lowest average published airfares over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend are expected to decrease 4 percent from last year to an average of $170 per round-trip ticket. Car rental rates are down 3 percent to an average of $44 per day for a mid-size car. Rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 11 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $128 per night. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond lodgings will pay 13 percent less than last year, an average of $92 per night.

Travel in the Mountain States

Eight-four percent of Thanksgiving vacationers in the Mountain States, which includes Colorado, are expected to travel by automobile, while only 8 percent say they will go by air. The remaining 8 percent will travel by other means, including trains, buses, RVs and multiple modes of transportation. Despite increases in gasoline prices since October (the month Thanksgiving travel plans are typically made) most people will not change their decision to fly versus drive since seat availability becomes more limited and airline ticket prices increase as the holiday approaches.

Thanksgiving holiday travelers in the Mountain States expect to spend $677 per household. Transportation costs will take up about 34 cents of the traveler's dollar. Food and beverage costs will average 22 cents per dollar and spending for shopping and entertainment will average 30 cents of each dollar spent. With the main purpose of the Thanksgiving holiday being a visit with friends and family, it is not surprising that only 14 cents of the traveler dollar will be spent on accommodations.

Mountain States holiday travelers will stay relatively close to home, with 40 percent taking round trips of 250 miles or less. Twenty-five percent will travel between 250 and 700 miles and 30 percent will travel more than 700 miles. Average round-trip distance of 661 miles is similar to the Memorial Day and July 4, 2009 holiday weekends but down approximately 100 miles from Labor Day. The majority of travelers over the Thanksgiving holiday will be traveling with members of their household. Only 23 percent of travelers plan to travel with someone outside of their household.

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Spot vehicle problems with your senses

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:49:40 MST

Spot vehicle problems with your senses

AAA Colorado has designated October as Car Care Month. Motorists who prepare now for the onset of colder weather will increase their safety during the winter-driving season. The more you know about your vehicle, the more likely it is you can head off problems. Many common vehicle problems can be spotted by using your senses.

Looks Like Trouble

Identifying the cause of a puddle of fluid under your vehicle may save you serious trouble down the road. Small stains or an occasional drop may be of little concern. But wet spots deserve attention and bigger puddles should be checked immediately by a trusted mechanic. Fluids can be identified by their color and consistency:

Yellowish green, pastel blue or fluorescent orange/red colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak that could be caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator.
Dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. The leak could be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
A red oily spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
A puddle of clear water is usually no problem. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle air conditioner.

Smells Like Trouble

Some problems can be detected simply by following your nose. Consider these causes if you smell something unusual about your vehicle.

Burned toast or a light, sharp odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. To be safe, try not to drive the vehicle until the problem is diagnosed.
Rotten eggs or a continuous burning-sulfur smell usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter or other emission control devices.
A thick acrid odor usually means burning oil. Look for signs of a leak.
If you smell gasoline vapors after a failed start, you may have flooded the engine. Wait a few minutes before trying again. If you constantly smell gas, you probably have a leak in the fuel system. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately.

Sounds Like Trouble

Squeaks, squeals, rattles, rumbles and other sounds can provide valuable clues about problems and maintenance needs. Here are a few examples of the more common noises and what they may mean.

Squeal - A shrill, sharp noise usually related to engine speed may be related to a loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.
Click - A slight sharp noise, related to either engine speed or vehicle speed could be a loose wheel cover, loose or bent fan blade or a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
Screech - A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound, usually occurs while the vehicle is in motion. It is caused by brake wear indicators to alert the driver that brake maintenance is needed.
Heavy Knock - A rhythmic pounding sound that could be a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings or a loose transmission torque converter.

Feels Like Trouble

Difficult handling, a rough ride, vibration and poor performance are the kinds of symptoms you can feel. When the driving experience doesn't feel quite right, look for problems with steering, ride and handling, brakes, and the transmission.

AAA Colorado is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers and has more than 525,000 members in Colorado. 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.

Maintenance of batteries and tires can prevent replacement

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:25:24 MST

Maintenance of batteries and tires can prevent replacement

During October Car Care Month, AAA Colorado is reminding motorists to evaluate their batteries and tires before the onset of winter driving. Proper maintenance can often prevent more expensive replacement.

Recharging a Battery

Thousands of batteries are replaced needlessly each year when the problem could have been solved with a battery charge. Your battery is a lot like the gas tank: sometimes you just need to "fill it up."

Newer vehicles have many electric components that can drain power from a battery even when the engine is off. Radios, CD players, clocks, amplifiers, interior lights and various components under the hood are just a few of the items that use battery power 24/7 whether you are driving or not, and all these small drains on the battery can add up fast.

A trained technician equipped with diagnostic tools can accurately test voltage and determine your battery's condition. Possible results are:

Good: The battery is within the manufacturer's specifications for required Cold Cranking Amps and should reliably start the vehicle.
Good/Recharge: The battery is in good condition, but the voltage or charge level is low. It's time for a "fill-up" recharge.
Replace Battery: While the vehicle may have started, there is an increasing likelihood that the battery will fail soon (particularly under extreme weather conditions). The battery should be replaced before it fails at an inopportune time.

Climate, driving habits and battery age can all have an impact on the lifespan of the battery. With proper maintenance, a battery in Colorado will typically last between three and five years.

Tires

The amount of traction between the tire and the roadway determines how well a vehicle accelerates, turns and stops. In cold, icy weather it's essential to have good traction. Tires should be checked for pressure, tread, alignment and rotation needs.

Pressure

Air pressure in a tire goes down in cold weather, 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Under-inflation can lead to unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. Also, under-inflated tires waste fuel. The right amount of air is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual.

When checking the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool, meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as the vehicle is driven.

Tread

Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in snowy or icy conditions. Built-in tread-wear indicators, or wear bars, which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. When these wear bars are visible, the tire should be replaced.

Visually check tires for signs of uneven wear. High and low areas or unusually smooth areas indicate irregular tread-wear.

Alignment

A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread-wear and should be corrected. Have alignment checked periodically as specified by the owner's manual or whenever there is an indication of trouble, such as pulling or vibration.

Rotation

Regularly rotating the vehicle's tires will help achieve more uniform wear. Consult the owner's manual, the tire manufacturer or the tire dealer for the appropriate rotation pattern for the vehicle. If tires show uneven wear, correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.

AAA Colorado urges distraction-free winter driving

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:03:17 MST

AAA Colorado urges distraction-free winter driving

AAA Colorado and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are asking motorists to participate in Heads Up Driving Week, a distraction-free week of driving, October 5 -11. "We are asking everyone to rethink their driving behavior and take the first step toward becoming distraction-free by trying it for a week and doing it for life," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. When driving in snowy and icy conditions it is even more important for motorists to keep their focus on the road.

Using a cell phone and text messaging are only two of the many possible dangerous distractions that divert driver's attention. AAA Colorado is offering the following suggestions for distraction-free winter driving.

Plan ahead Check traffic conditions before you get on the road and allow for extra driving time.

See and be seen It's important for you to see the road and for other drivers to be able to see you.

Improve visibility by clearing snow and ice from the entire vehicle - hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, taillights, headlights, windows, mirrors and fender wells.

Clean windshield glass inside and out to ensure good vision. Have small windshield chips repaired to prevent them from becoming cracks that require a complete windshield replacement. Replace wiper blades if they are leaving streaks. The washer reservoir should be filled with an antifreeze washer solvent.

Consider headlight restoration if the headlight lenses have developed a frosted yellow surface. This repair process restores a clear finish to the lens, which improves vision. Do-it-yourselfers can purchase restoration kits at auto parts stores for approximately $20. Commercial services will typically do the job for between $50 and $100.

Get your vehicle road ready Adjust climate controls, sound systems and seat position before you leave. You seat should be no closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel. Check your mirrors and don't forget to buckle up and have all your passengers buckle up too.

Select the right clothing Clothing should provide warmth, comfort and freedom of movement. Stop the vehicle in a safe spot to remove any outdoor clothing that has become too warm rather than compounding a risky situation by struggling out of a heavy coat while driving.

Don't dine while driving Eat meals and snacks before getting behind the wheel, or stop to eat and take a break if driving long-distance.

Get your brain in the game Focus on the task at hand - driving safely through the snow and ice. Scan the road so that you'll be prepared to stop or slow down. Increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces. Avoid changing lanes because of potential control loss when driving over build-up snow between lanes.

To learn more about Heads Up Driving Week, view 10 tips on how to eliminate distractions and learn the facts about distracted driving, visit AAAFoundation.org.

AAA Colorado is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers and has more than 525,000 members. 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.

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AAA Colorado urges motorists to prepare for winter driving

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:53:42 MST

AAA Colorado urges motorists to prepare for winter driving

Denver, September 29 - Last week's end-of-summer snow was an early reminder to prepare your vehicle now for winter driving. AAA Colorado has designated October as Car Care Month to prompt all motorists to check their vehicles before the onset of snowy, icy conditions.

AAA recommends checking the following items. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual for maintenance recommendations.

Battery: Recharge or replace weak batteries. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. A starting/charging system test performed by a qualified technician will determine a battery's strength before winter starts.

Tires: Check for proper inflation and condition. Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to decrease 1 to 2 psi for every 10 degree drop in outside temperature. Under-inflated tires can be dangerous and may suffer damage.

To check tire tread, look for "wear bars" that periodically run across the hollow of each tread. If the tread has been worn down to the same height as the wear bar, it's time for new tires.

Engine oil: Check levels and change at the interval recommended in your owner's manual. Your vehicle may require different weight oil for cold weather operation.

Windshield wipers, fluid and defroster: Make sure wipers and defroster are in good shape. Fill washer fluid reservoirs with no-freeze washer fluid. Carry an extra supply of washer fluid in your car.

Heating and cooling system: Check radiator hoses for leaks, bulges and cracks. Add antifreeze mixture if low and replenish if the liquid is discolored. Have your coolant checked with a hydrometer to be sure there is adequate cold weather protection, typically a 5050 mix or coolant and water. Some vehicles require a flush of the system every other year. Test heater and defroster.

Prepare a winter driving kit: Include an ice scraper with snow brush, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, cell phone and car charger, general first aid kit, tire chains, blanket, extra set of warm clothes, gloves and boots, non-clumping kitty litter for traction, flares or reflective triangles, gallon jug of water, non-perishable food items, window washer solvent and shovel.

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. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.

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AAA Campaign Aims to Pass Texting While Driving Bans

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:14:50 MST

AAA Campaign Aims to Pass Texting While Driving Bans in All 50 States by 2013; Together with Foundation Launches 'Heads Up Driving Week'

New AAA Research Shows Reduced Texting by Drivers After California Law Takes Effect

Denver, September 25 - AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are launching new legislative and communications campaigns to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on our roadways. AAA today announced that the association will work to pass laws banning text messaging by drivers in all 50 states by 2013, citing strong public support for the laws, the danger of distracted driving, and new research by the Automobile Club of Southern California showing the impact of California's texting ban. AAA Colorado is encouraging motorists to drive distraction-free for the week of October 5 - 11 as part of the inaugural Heads Up Driving Week: Try it for a week, do it for life.

Colorado passed a text messaging ban during the 2009 legislative session. Effective December 1, 2009, all drivers will be banned from texting while driving. Additionally, drivers under age 18 will be banned from all use of cell phones, including text messaging. Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia have laws that address text messaging by all drivers. Two more states have laws that prohibit teens or other new drivers from texting while driving.

"AAA will lobby nationwide to pass laws in states that lack them and improve existing laws against texting while driving," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet. "We'll also continue our work through public education, driver training, and other safety programs to discourage motorists from engaging in the broad range of other distractions that tempt them while behind the wheel."

Recent high-profile texting crashes and a provocative PSA from the United Kingdom have brought the dangers of distracted driving, and texting while driving in particular, into the public spotlight. However, AAA Foundation research shows that approximately 1 in 5 U.S. drivers admit to texting while driving at least once in the last 30 days. Multiple surveys of the general public and AAA's membership show that 80 to 90 percent of Americans support texting bans. AAA is advocating for laws that make it illegal for drivers of all ages to send, write, or read a text message or e-mail while their vehicle is in motion.

AAA study shows in-vehicle texting by drivers drops following ban

The AAA legislative push to enact texting while driving bans is supported by new research released today by the Auto Club of Southern California showing that the texting while driving ban implemented in California in January 2009 appears to be reducing texting by drivers.

Prior to the California texting while driving ban, researchers observed 1.4 percent of drivers at any point in time in Orange County, Calif. were texting while driving. Following the law taking effect, just 0.4 percent of drivers were observed texting—a decline of about 70 percent overall. This indicates that banning texting while driving can potentially change driving behavior of motorists, reduce dangerous distracted driving, and improve safety.

The popularity of texting has grown quickly over the past four years. According to the wireless industry trade association, CTIA, the number of monthly texting messages reached 110 billion at the end of 2008, a more than 11-fold increase in three years. Studies have shown texting while driving to be an extremely dangerous distraction for drivers due to the extended time drivers spend not looking at the road.

AAA Foundation encourages drivers to participate in Heads-Up Driving Week

The AAA Foundation, AAA and AAA Colorado call on all drivers to pledge their participation in Heads Up Driving Week spanning Monday, Oct. 5 through Sunday, Oct. 11. "We are asking everyone to rethink their driving behavior and take the first step toward becoming distraction-free by trying it for a week and doing it for life," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. By participating, drivers vow to eliminate distractions behind the wheel and sign a pledge committing to distraction-free driving for Heads Up Driving Week and beyond. To sign the pledge, view 10 tips on how to eliminate distractions and learn the facts about distracted driving, visit AAAFoundation.org.

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 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

Travel resilient through Labor Day

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:32:21 MST

Denver, August 26 - AAA Colorado projects that residents in the Mountain States will extend their summer travel through the Labor Day weekend. This year, Labor Day travel in the Mountain States, which includes Colorado, is projected to be equal to travel over the Independence Day holiday, which is traditionally the busiest summer travel holiday.

Labor Day will see 2.6 million Mountain States residents, 11.8 percent of the region's population, taking a trip 50 or more miles away from home over the holiday period. Nationwide, 39.1 million Americans, 12.8 percent of the population, expect to travel over Labor Day. This is a slight increase over the 12.2 percent of Americans who traveled over the 4th of July holiday.

Americans who do travel can expect their dollars to go father this Labor Day. Nationwide, travel expenses have declined 11.7 percent during the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same quarter in 2008. Airfare, accommodations and gasoline are all seeing lower prices. Rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings in Denver are 19 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $100 per night. Nationwide, rates at a AAA Three Diamond lodging are down an average of 13 percent.

Gasoline prices in Colorado are down more than $1.30 per gallon compared to Labor Day weekend 2008. Today's average for a gallon of gasoline in Colorado is $2.54 compared to $3.88 per gallon a year ago.

Travelers in the Mountain States expect to spend $867 per household over the upcoming holiday weekend. Transportation costs take up about 27 cents of the travel dollar while spending at the destination for accommodation, food and beverages, shopping and entertainment take 72 cents of the total holiday dollar.

The automobile will be the primary mode of transportation over Labor Day used by 84 percent of travelers. In the Mountain States, 40 percent of parties travelling will be families.

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.

AAA reminds motorists to be alert with schools open

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:53:56 MST

Denver, August 11, 2009 - As hundreds of thousands of Colorado students return to school in the next weeks, AAA Colorado reminds motorists to slow down and watch out for school-age pedestrians.

Young children are still developing the mental and physical skills needed to handle traffic situations. For example, because children can't judge a car's distance and speed correctly, they'll often let slow-moving cars pass, then try to cross in front of fast-moving ones. Because their peripheral vision is one-third narrower than an adult's, children often miss seeing cars to their right or left. They also may not be tall enough to see over the hood of a parked car. Distracted youngsters can accidentally wander into traffic because they tend to focus only on what interests them.

AAA Colorado President Tony DeNovellis reminds motorists, "Children going to and from school can test drivers' patience. They run in front of cars, dash from crosswalks into the road and pedal their bikes straight through red lights. At those times, it's good for drivers to remember that while this behavior would be inexcusable from an adult, children act in these ways for a reason: they're children."

In the United States, more children die as a result of motor vehicle accidents than from any disease. Almost a quarter of those child fatalities are pedestrians.

Parents should encourage their children to stop, look and listen. They should accompany young children to and from school until they know their child has the necessary skills to walk or bike safely there without adult guidance.

Drivers also can help by paying attention to the children who share the roadways. To increase their safety, remember these tips:

Children and adults perceive traffic differently. Accept children's limitations and be ready to react.
Make eye contact with children who are about to walk or bicycle across the street. Anticipate their next moves and make them aware of yours.
Drive slowly near playgrounds and in residential neighborhoods. Scan both sides of the street; notice where children could run out from behind parked cars or other obstructions.
Children often travel in packs. When you see one child, check for others.

AAA Colorado warns heat takes toll on automobile batteries

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:53:52 MST

AAA Colorado warns heat takes toll on automobile batteries
Summer heat kills more batteries than winter cold

Denver, July 8, 2009 - This week's predicted 90-degree-plus temperatures will take a toll on automobile batteries. Many motorists are aware that cold weather is rough on auto batteries, but few realize that heat is the number one cause of battery failure and shortened battery life.

"Any time temperatures reach over 90 degrees for a few consecutive days, we see a noticeable increase in motorists needing assistance, "says Scott Soper, AAA Colorado's manager of battery services. "Summer heat accelerates the rate of fluid loss and resulting oxidation of battery components, which can leave a motorist stranded without warning."

Fortunately, basic battery care can help prevent unexpected battery problems on the road. AAA Colorado offers the following tips:

Ensure the battery cables have a clean and tight connection to battery terminals. Dirty, loose connections constrict the flow of current and are a common cause of battery troubles.

Have a qualified technician check the battery fluid level. Most batteries are maintenance-free, but battery fluid level can still run low, leading to oxidation and a dead battery.

Have the electrical charging system tested at the same time as the battery. A faulty alternator is one of the most common causes of battery failure.

If you go weeks without driving your vehicle, get a trickle charger to keep the battery in good shape while it's garaged. Most vehicles have electronic components such as security systems and clock and radio settings that drain a small amount of energy even when the car is turned off, often as much as 1% to 2% per day in optimal temperatures. In time, that small amount of constant drain on the battery adds up and can lead to a dead battery.

Even with proper maintenance, most batteries have a three to five year service life. If your battery is nearing the end of its lifecycle, have it tested at a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility or by AAA Mobile Battery Service to determine if it is time for a replacement. AAA Mobile Battery Service is available in many areas to test AAA members' vehicle batteries and provide on-site replacement, if needed.

Whether planning a summer road trip or continuing a regular commute to work, AAA urges motorists to have their vehicle serviced regularly based on the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. This is the best way to catch problems before they arise. 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 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.

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.

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