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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL DOLLAR: TIPS FROM AAA TRAVE Upcoming AAA Travel Marketplace Ideal Venue to Leverage This Advice

PROVIDENCE – With the 6th Annual AAA Travel Marketplace quickly approaching on March 6-8, 2009 at Gillette Stadium’s Fidelity Investments Clubhouse, AAA Travel today issued travel advice designed to provide consumers with the confidence to proceed and make the most of travel purchases in this otherwise questionable economy.

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“While it’s true that many people are concerned about the economy, we find that this economic climate has a tremendous upside for today’s traveler, as there are phenomenal trips offered at great values,” said William Sutherland, Vice President, Travel, AAA Southern New England. “We’re seeing more robust and interesting packages offered with many ‘extras’ thrown in that are not only appealing to consumers, but also enable them to get significant return on investment for their travel dollars. It’s important for today’s travelers to know what to look for and how to shop for their travel and budget needs.”

Travel Tips for Making the Most of your Travel Dollar in Today’s Economy:

• “Consult a travel agent” – Many consumers shy away from working with a qualified travel agent, afraid that doing so will cost extra. This is not always the case—so why not consult an expert?

• “Buy a Package Deal” – While consumers can put together all of the pieces of a trip online, the best packages are typically developed by experienced travel counselors. These experts leverage their knowledge and connections in the business to compile offers that meet the individual’s unique needs. Many packages not only offer savings, but often include special perks.

• “Look for Travel Extras” – Today’s consumers are not necessarily seeking the least expensive trip, but want the most for their travel dollar. To accommodate those needs, some travel providers are even offering ‘extras’ with trips, such as shipboard credits, gas cards, extra nights at a hotel, upgrades, etc. Consumers should be on the lookout – and ask for – those extras when working with a travel agent as it will only serve to heighten their travel experience.

• “Be opportunistic and flexible” – Many times, the best travel opportunities are discovered at the last minute. For consumers to take full advantage of those offers, they need to be flexible with vacation planning in terms of dates and times. They must also be fully prepared to travel virtually anywhere. Passports can take up to six weeks to secure so it’s a good idea to be prepared well ahead of time. That way, when a good offer comes along you’ll be able to take full advantage.

• “Time Your Trip Right” – Peak travel season equates to top-tier prices while flexibility leads to savings. Consumers can take advantage of “shoulder seasons” – just before and just after peak travel times – to save money at many desired destinations. Consider booking your flight for travel during off-peak-hours, flying standby, or even staying at a hotel near the beach rather than overlooking it. Where there’s a will there is always a way!

• “Maximize the Value of the U.S. Dollar” – Today’s traveler should look for trips that maximize the value of the U.S. dollar. For example, consider going to Europe by cruise ship or traveling to Canada when the US dollar is strong. With a European cruise, costs are paid in advance with US dollars. All onboard meals are included, and the ship is your hotel so you can go from city to city without additional transportation costs. What’s more, currency exchange rates have tipped back in the favor of the US dollar in many markets with the dollar gaining 20-30% in buying power in the past year. This is allowing US travelers to take better advantage of international travel via pre-and-post stays or tours once overseas. Finally, a dramatic drop in oil prices has positively impacted buying power enabling airlines to roll back fuel surcharges on international flights by as much as $400 per person.

• “Purchase Third Party Trip Insurance” – Protect your investment. Know what your insurance includes. Be certain default insurance is part of the plan—unfortunately, many consumers purchase travel insurance through the vacation provider and aren’t covered if that provider goes out of business.

• “Buy from Reputable Brands” – Another form of “insurance” is to purchase a vacation from a reputable brand— dependability, consistency and experience are the hallmarks of great brands. Wouldn’t you rather know your vacation provider stands behind you before, during and after your vacation?

• “Find Trips that Deliver on ‘Quality Family Time’ ” Recent studies show that time is “the new currency” and perhaps even more precious for some than money. That said, today’s time-deprived traveler is often looking for trips that deliver on “quality time” to connect with friends and family. Travel providers offer many interesting trips ideal for family reunions, family vacations or time away with friends that really deliver on this. Explore the vacations that have something for everyone.

About AAA Travel Marketplace
The 6th Annual AAA Travel Marketplace, New England’s biggest and most comprehensive travel show, takes place at Gillette Stadium’s Fidelity Investments Clubhouse on March 6-8, 2009. The Marketplace brings ‘all things travel’ under one roof, with expert travel advice from over 100 top travel vendors and AAA’s experienced, certified travel counselors, a wide variety of destination based travel presentations, and full AAA branch services including passport photos.

AAA Travel Marketplace is open Friday, March 6: 2pm to 9pm, Saturday, March 7: 10am to 7pm, Sunday, March 8: 10am to 4pm. Admission is $5 Members , $10 for Non-Members. A $2 off coupon and advance tickets are available at AAA branches or online at AAA.com. Tickets are also available at the door. More information is available by calling 1-800-222-7448, by visiting one of AAA’s 34 local branches or logging onto www.AAA.com/travelmarketplace.

About AAA Southern New England
AAA Southern New England serves more than two million members in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts including Greater Boston, Worcester, Berkshire County and Cape Cod. In addition to its roadside assistance programs, AAA also provides its members an array of products and services in the travel, insurance and financial services industries. The Club also offers exclusive products and services with special member discounts and value-added programs. For more information about AAA Southern New England, visit AAA.com.

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