Hoosier Motor Club Blog

Indianapolis, IN - Apr. 5, 2013 - Planning a trip the whole family will enjoy is easier when you let AAA’s travel professionals help point the way with expert recommendations. With an eye toward finding options for tots to teens, AAA researchers visited countless attractions touted as kid friendly – many designated as AAA GEMs, offering a Great Experience for Members – along with notable restaurants and events. As a result, their findings are now available in AAA’s popular digital and printed travel guides for select destinations.

“The key to a successful family vacation is planning activities that are fun and exciting for every member of your group, recognizing that what’s exciting to a 6-year-old can differ from what appeals to teens,” said Bill Wood, executive editor, AAA Travel Publishing. “Recommendations from our editors help make these distinctions, ensuring easier travel planning and memorable vacation experiences.”

AAA’s Top Picks for Kids are currently available for 19 U.S. cities coast to coast, including New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. Selections are separated into categories that include options for kids under 13, teens and kids of all ages.

AAA Editors’ Top Picks for Kids can be found in the AAA.com Travel Guides, the downloadable AAA eTourBook^® guides available at AAA.com/ebooks and the printed AAA TourBook^® guides available at AAA/CAA offices.

SAMPLE: AAA Editors’ Top Picks for Kids – Miami

UNDER 13

Miami Seaquarium: At this AAA GEM attraction, kids enjoy the antics of Salty the sea lion, Flipper the dolphin and Lolita the killer whale. Between-show activities include saltwater exhibits with sea turtles and reef fish. There’s even a pirate ship playground with water guns and a spiral slide.

Monkey Jungle: What could be more fun than a whole park filled with monkeys? A fenced-in path through this subtropical forest keeps humans and monkeys safely separate while allowing visitors to get really close to these wonderful animals.

TEENS

Duck Tours South Beach: If you want to tour South Beach and get a taste of its rich Art Deco legacy without hearing choruses of, “I’m bored,” hop on an amphibious vehicle. The entertaining and educational 90-minute excursion concludes with a big splash into Biscayne Bay.

La Carreta Restaurant: Enjoy a delicious introduction to home-style Cuban cuisine, a big part of the Miami experience, at this local institution, a AAA One Diamond Restaurant, on Little Havana’s Calle Ocho (8^th Street). Sample charbroiled meats and chicken-and-rice dishes, and snap a family photo with the giant metal chicken outside.

ALL AGES

Beaches: You’re in Florida after all. Miami Beach is the obvious choice, particularly if you are staying there. There is also nearby Key Biscayne with its two public beaches: Crandon Park – a 2-mile stretch of sand noted for its calm waters and rental cabanas – and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, with its postcard-worthy historic lighthouse.

Everglades National Park: Drive down to South Florida’s wilderness jewel, a AAA GEM attraction. This endangered “River of Grass” is a haven to birds as well as alligators, snakes, turtles and manatees. Drive the 38 miles from the entrance to the Flamingo Visitor Center and enjoy the views from your car. Trailheads radiate out from the road at several spots, inviting short hikes. A thrilling high-speed way to explore the park is by airboat ride, offered at Everglades Alligator Farm and Everglades Safari Park.

AAA

Indianapolis, IN - Feb. 6, 2013 - The AAA Vacation Planning Expo, featuring a lineup of nationally-renowned travel experts who will serve as guest speakers, will take place this Saturday (Feb. 9) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wyndham Indianapolis West (2544 Executive Drive in Indianapolis).

In addition to receiving special one-day-only travel-related discount offers and having the opportunity to meet with more than 50 vacation vendors, attendees will also be able to enjoy informative destination and travel planning sessions given by Mark DeCarlo, Anne McAlpin and Patty Spitler throughout the day.

DeCarlo, a widely-recognized comedian and producer, also hosts a popular Chicago-themed television show called “Windy City Live.”

While leveraging a comedic career on Los Angeles television and morning radio, the Emmy award winner and cartoon voice actor ultimately took to the road for the Travel Channel’s “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo” show a few years ago. For four seasons, he searched for and sampled a variety of foods while learning about personal recipes and down-home stories in approximately 400 cities. His findings and the characters he met during that journey are reflected in his first book, “A FORK ON THE ROAD,” which was published in 2010.

His two one-hour presentations during the AAA Vacation Planning Expo (noon and 2:45 p.m.) will cover road trips, food and what’s going on in America right now.

McAlpin’s organized approach to packing has captivated audiences across the country. Her appearances on Oprah, CNN, The View and HGTV have earned her national recognition and popularity. During her two one-hour Expo presentations (10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.), she will demonstrate the secrets of light and smart packing while showing her audience how to make the process fun.

Spitler is a host and contributor to Pet Pals TV and PetPalsTV.com. The former WISH-TV anchor and entertainment reporter in Indianapolis has a Bernese mountain dog named Louie who often serves as her travel companion. Because of her expertise in that area, she will share tips on traveling with pets during a one-hour presentation that will begin at 4 p.m.

Seating during each presentation will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests at the AAA Vacation Planning Expo will be able to plan and book trips, on-site, through AAA travel professionals while children interact with Indiana Pacers’ mascot “Boomer” and “Freddy Fever” of the defending WNBA champion Indiana Fever.

Visitors will also be able to enter drawings for travel prizes and getaways including an 8-day international vacation for two and a $1,000 certificate toward a Delta Vacation package.

Admission to the Expo is $7.50 for AAA members and $10 for non-members. Children under 17 will be admitted for free. Advance tickets are on sale now through Feb. 8 at all AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch offices but tickets may also be purchased at the show itself on the day of the event.

Additional information can be found at AAAVacationPlanningExpo.com.

Indianapolis, IN - Jan. 22, 2013 - AAA Hoosier Motor Club announced today an exciting lineup of nationally-renowned travel experts who will serve as guest speakers during the AAA Vacation Planning Expo Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wyndham Indianapolis West (2544 Executive Drive in Indianapolis).

In addition to receiving special one-day-only travel-related discount offers and having the opportunity to meet with more than 50 vacation vendors, attendees will also be able to enjoy informative destination and travel planning sessions given by Mark DeCarlo, Anne McAlpin and Patty Spitler throughout the day.

DeCarlo, a widely-recognized comedian and producer, also hosts a Chicago-themed television show called “Windy City Live.”

While leveraging a comedic career on Los Angeles television and morning radio, the Emmy award winner and cartoon voice actor ultimately took to the road for the Travel Channel’s “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo” show a few years ago. For four seasons, he searched for and sampled a variety of foods while learning about personal recipes and down-home stories in approximately 400 cities. His findings and the characters he met during that journey are reflected in his first book, “A FORK ON THE ROAD,” which was published in 2010.

His two one-hour presentations during the AAA Vacation Planning Expo (noon and 2:45 p.m.) will cover road trips, food and what’s going on in America right now.

McAlpin’s organized approach to packing has captivated audiences across the country. Her appearances on Oprah, CNN, The View and HGTV have earned her national recognition and popularity. During her two one-hour Expo presentations (10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.), she will demonstrate the secrets of light and smart packing while showing her audience how to make the process fun.

Spitler is a host and contributor to Pet Pals TV and PetPalsTV.com. The former WISH-TV anchor and entertainment reporter in Indianapolis has a Bernese mountain dog named Louie who often serves as her travel companion. Because of her expertise in that area, she will share tips on traveling with pets during a one-hour presentation that will begin at 4 p.m.

Seating during each presentation will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Guests at the AAA Vacation Planning Expo will be able to plan and book trips, on-site, through AAA travel professionals while children interact with Indiana Pacers’ mascot “Boomer” and “Freddy Fever” of the defending WNBA champion Indiana Fever.

Visitors will also be able to enter drawings for travel prizes and getaways including an 8-day international vacation for two and a $1,000 certificate toward a Delta Vacation package.

Admission to the Expo is $7.50 for AAA members and $10 for non-members. Children under 17 will be admitted for free. Advance tickets are on sale now through Feb. 8 at all AAA Hoosier Motor Club branch offices but tickets may also be purchased at the show itself on the day of the event.

Additional information can be found at AAAVacationPlanningExpo.com.

Indianapolis, IN - Jan. 18, 2013 - AAA Hoosier Motor Club is proud to announce its 2013 AAA/CAA Four Diamond facilities. In all, the Club boasts one restaurant and eight hotels that have qualified for this prestigious honor.

The AAA/CAA Four and Five Diamond Ratings are the travel authority’s highest designations for hotels and restaurants.

AAA Four and Five Diamond hotels are refined and stylish with upscale physical attributes. They offer guests personalized attention and extensive amenities in a luxurious setting. Area hotels receiving the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Rating include: 

• Conrad Indianapolis
• Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
• JW Marriott Indianapolis
• Omni Severin Hotel (Indianapolis)
• The Villa Inn, Restaurant and Spa (Indianapolis)
• The Westin Indianapolis
• French Lick Resort
• West Baden Springs Hotel

Restaurants at this rating level offer a distinctive fine dining experience. They feature highly creative chefs, complex menus, fresh top-quality ingredients and knowledgeable staff. AAA Hoosier Motor Club’s Four Diamond recipient is: 

• Restaurant Tallent (Bloomington)

Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA/CAA Four and Five Diamond establishments make up just 3.9 percent and 0.3 percent, respectively, of the total 59,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

“Four and Five Diamond hotels and restaurants are committed to providing every guest with a personalized experience and attentive service in comfortable, high quality surroundings,” said Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club. “These establishments consistently exceed the expectations of the most discriminating traveler – the AAA inspector. We are proud to have these dedicated businesses in our region.”

Collectively visiting some 1,200 hotels and restaurants every week, AAA inspectors are in a unique position to identify emerging trends in the hospitality industry. Inspectors have observed hotels and restaurants using increasingly personalized approaches to enhance guest comfort and satisfaction.

Experienced, highly qualified staff are required to provide the custom service today’s upscale hotel guest expects. Larger hotels, faced with the difficulties of responding to individual needs, often restructure their approach. Many use the immediacy of social media to augment the experience as travelers research, book and talk about their stay.

ABOUT AAA/CAA DIAMOND RATINGS
AAA rates more properties than any other rating entity. It is the only rating system that covers the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and the only rating system that conducts professional, on-site evaluations using published guidelines weighted by member priorities.

AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotel and restaurant listings can be found in the downloadable eTourBook® guides and AAA Mobile® app for tablets and smartphones, the TripTik® Travel Planner and Travel Guides on AAA.com, and AAA TourBook® guides available at AAA and CAA offices. Travelers can access information about AAA inspections and Diamond Ratings at AAA.com/Diamonds.

AAA/CAA Four Diamond 2013 Fact Sheet
Continuing a 77-year tradition, AAA’s professionally trained inspectors use published guidelines to conduct unannounced hotel and restaurant evaluations, assigning Approved establishments a rating of One to Five AAA Diamonds.

• For 2013, 163 establishments (101 hotels and 62 restaurants) were newly added to the AAA/CAA Four Diamond Award® list.
• A total of 2,289 establishments (1,535 hotels and 754 restaurants) throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean received the Four Diamond Rating in the past 12 months, qualifying them for the 2013 Four Diamond Award® list.
• The net addition of 44 Four Diamond establishments (all hotels) represents a 2 percent increase over the total 2,245 last year.
• North Dakota attained its first Four Diamond restaurant: the HoDo Restaurant in Fargo.
• Four Diamond hotels account for 5.1 percent of the total 30,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels; Four Diamond restaurants account for 2.6 percent of the total 29,000 AAA/CAA Approved and Diamond Rated restaurants.
• Thirteen hotels have maintained the Four Diamond Rating for 37 consecutive years, since 1976 when the Diamond Ratings were first introduced for hotels.
• One hundred and ten hotels have maintained the Four Diamond Rating for 25 or more consecutive years.
• The Green Room in Wilmington, Del., is the longest tenured Four Diamond Restaurant, since 1985 when AAA began rolling out Diamond Ratings for restaurants.
• Sixty-three restaurants have maintained the Four Diamond Rating for 20 or more consecutive years.
• States/provinces with the most Four Diamond hotels: California (180), Florida (132), Texas (91), New York (66), Ontario (54), Massachusetts (47) and Arizona (46).
• Cities with the most Four Diamond hotels: New York (43), Chicago (28), Boston (27), San Francisco (23), Toronto (23), New Orleans (20), San Antonio (18), Dallas (17), Montréal (17), Orlando (17) and Seattle (15).
• States/provinces with the most Four Diamond restaurants: California (75), Florida (60), Ontario (55), New York (50), Texas (34), Nevada (28), Arizona (26) and Québec (26).
• Cities with the most Four Diamond restaurants: New York (40), Las Vegas (26), Toronto (26), Chicago (15), San Francisco (14), Boston (13), Atlanta (11) and Vancouver (11).
• States/provinces with the most Four Diamond establishments: California (255) – 180 hotels/75 restaurants, Florida (192) – 132 hotels/60 restaurants, Texas (125) – 91 hotels/34 restaurants, New York (116) – 66 hotels/50 restaurants and Ontario (109) – 54 hotels/55 restaurants.

Indianapolis, IN - January 8, 2013 - Gasoline prices this year are expected to be less expensive than in 2012 as a result of increased domestic oil production and lower demand, according to AAA. The national average price of gasoline should peak at $3.60-$3.80 per gallon during the next few months barring any significant unanticipated events. In 2012, the national average price topped out at $3.94.

“Cheaper gas prices are good news for the millions of Americans that depend on their car to travel where they need to go,” said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. “Lower gasoline prices should translate into billions of dollars in tangible household savings given that the vast majority of Americans rely on automobiles to live their lives.”

Gasoline prices are expected to rise steadily through April or early May but at a slower pace than last year. As is typical for this time of year, prices will rise as a result of seasonal demand increases and in anticipation of the industry switchover to more expensive summer blends of gasoline. Following a late-spring peak, prices are expected to drop during the first half of the summer before rising again in advance of the Gulf Coast hurricane season and the transition back to winter-blend gasoline. Prices then have the potential to end the year by falling to low or near-low averages for 2013.

“Absent significant storms, majors wars or production and distribution outages, the single largest factor that will influence gasoline prices in 2013 will be the strength of the U.S. economy,” continued Darbelnet. “Stronger than expected growth in the economy would result in higher oil and gasoline prices in anticipation of higher consumption, while a weaker than expected economy would drive prices downward. Inaction by Congress to reach a debt deal in two months also would result in increased concern about the U.S. economy and could lead to lower gasoline prices.”

Today’s national average price of gasoline is $3.30 per gallon, which is seven cents less than last year and five cents less than a month ago. Motorists in 39 states today are paying lower average gasoline prices than they did one year ago. States paying more than last year are located primarily in the Northeast, which is still dealing with the supply aftereffects of Hurricane Sandy. The average price of gasoline today is below $3.00 per gallon in six states including Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming.The only state with an average higher than $4.00 per gallon is Hawaii.

The annual average price of gasoline in 2012 was the most expensive on record at $3.60 per gallon, but the situation for motorists is already improving. On Jan. 5, the national daily average dropped below the year-ago price for the first time since August 20, which means motorists are now paying less for gasoline than last year – a trend that AAA believes is likely to continue.

Gasoline prices in 2012 reached record highs partly as a result of unanticipated production disruptions from refinery fires, pipeline closures and major hurricanes. Oil prices also were higher as a result of tensions in the Middle East including new sanctions on Iran. These types of market-moving events are impossible to predict and any forecast on gasoline prices can change as a result of similar factors.

Indianapolis, IN – January 2, 2013 - AAA Hoosier Motor Club announced today that 500 Festival President & CEO Kirk Hendrix has been named the Club’s sixth President & CEO, following the announced retirement of Terry R. Farias.

Hendrix, who brings 20 years of CEO experience to the 405,000-member AAA Hoosier Motor Club, has led the Indianapolis-based 500 Festival’s efforts to produce and promote 50 annual events and programs in celebration of the Indianapolis 500 for the past 10 years.

While transitioning away from the 500 Festival, he is expected to assume his new role at AAA Hoosier Motor Club on or around March 1, 2013.

“I am extremely excited and very honored to be selected to lead AAA Hoosier Motor Club. I have long held the organization in the highest regard and believe strongly in its mission and values,” said Hendrix, who has also served as President & CEO of Las Vegas Events as well as The Parade Company and International Freedom Festival in Detroit. “This provides me with yet another opportunity to continue to serve Hoosiers through quality products and services.

“It is particularly humbling to follow Terry Farias in the position. I recognize the responsibility before me to continue his great legacy of providing member value, service and satisfaction while continuing to build upon his good work.”

Since taking the helm at the Hoosier Motor Club in 1998, Farias has guided a AAA-affiliated club that has not only grown its membership base substantially but has also played a significant role in making Indiana roadways safer. In fact, under his guidance, AAA Hoosier Motor Club has:

• created and implemented a nationally-recognized car seat technician program;
• successfully lobbied for a new statewide car seat usage law;
• helped strengthen Indiana’s existing seat belt law, particularly in regard to trucks;
• successfully lobbied for a texting and driving ban;
• worked with lobbyists to enhance the state’s Graduated Driver Licensing law for teens while making it one of the strongest in the nation.

“As I prepare for retirement, I’m very excited to know that such a proven community leader will be guiding the Club,” Farias said. “Kirk has been a Board of Directors member for Visit Indy and the Skyline Club and has also served on the Civic Advisory Council of the Indianapolis Super Bowl Committee.

“He brings a wealth of professional experience and community engagement to the table.”

With a professional career that spans 35 years, Hendrix has developed many skills that will prove beneficial to AAA Hoosier Motor Club. In fact, the Creighton University graduate has experience working in association management, membership services, affinity travel programs, tourism, civic and governmental relations, partner development, special events, marketing and promotion.

As President & CEO of Las Vegas Events, Hendrix was responsible for driving tourism while luring international events to the area including those affiliated with NASCAR, the National Hot Rod Association, FIFA World Cup Soccer and college football and basketball championships.

While at The Parade Company and International Freedom Festival, he produced and promoted Detroit’s signature public events.

As Vice President of Travel, Events and Tradeshows for Affinity Group, Inc. in Ventura, California, Hendrix developed and promoted member travel programs for AGI’s 1.5 million members.

Prior to that, he spent 15 years in collegiate athletics where he led sales, marketing and media platforms as Assistant Commissioner of the Pacific-10 Conference (San Francisco bay area), Associate Executive Director of the Fiesta Bowl (Phoenix), Associate Executive Director of the Freedom Bowl and Disneyland Pigskin Classic (Anaheim), Assistant Commissioner of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (Horizon League – Indianapolis) and sports information director at Iowa State, New Mexico State and Creighton universities.

Hendrix was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) in 2010. He and his wife, Amy, have a daughter named Sydney.

**Black and white and color images are available upon request.

AAA

Indianapolis, IN - Dec. 18, 2012 - Nearly one-quarter of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, resulting in more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 people injured annually, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. With AccuWeather’s winter forecast calling for above-normal snowfall in some parts of the country and the first official day of winter December 21, AAA Hoosier Motor Club recommends motorists brush up on winter driving techniques before the weather outside turns frightful.

Prepare Your Vehicle for Use in Ice and Snow
Before winter conditions hit, it’s important to prepare your automobile for harsh winter weather. AAA’s Winter Car Care Checklist can help determine a vehicle’s winter maintenance needs. Many of the items on the list can be inspected by a car owner in less than an hour, but others should be performed by a certified technician.

Drive Distraction Free
It is also important when driving in winter conditions to drive distraction-free and in the right frame of mind. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash. AAA recommends that drivers who are with a passenger enlist that individual’s help to carry out activities that would otherwise distract the driver from operating a motor vehicle safely.

Do Not Use Cruise Control and Avoid Tailgating
Normal following distances of three to four seconds for dry pavement should be increased to eight to 10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces. This extra time will allow for additional braking distance should a sudden stop become necessary. If driving on a four-lane highway, stay in the clearest lane; avoid changing lanes and driving over built-up snow. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery (wet, ice, snow, sand) surface; not using cruise control will allow you to respond instantly when you lift your foot off the accelerator.

Know When to Brake and When to Steer
Some driving situations require abrupt action to avoid a crash or collision and in winter conditions the decision to steer or brake can have very different outcomes. When travelling above 25 MPH, AAA recommends steering over braking to avoid a collision in wintery conditions, as less distance is required to steer around an object than to brake to a stop. In slick conditions, sudden braking can lead to loss of vehicle control.

However, sometimes steering is not an option. Braking on slippery surfaces requires you to look further head and increased following and stopping distances. Plan stopping distances as early as possible and always look 20-30 seconds ahead of your vehicle to ensure you have time and space to stop safely. Shaded spots, bridges, overpasses and intersections are areas where ice is likely to form first and will be the most slippery. It is important to adjust your braking habits as road conditions change.

Stay in Control Through a Skid
Even careful drivers can experience skids. When a vehicle begins to skid, it’s important to not panic and follow these basic steps: 

• Continue to look and steer in the direction the car needs to go.
• Avoid slamming on the brakes as this will further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to control.

If you find your vehicle stuck in the snow, AAA members needing assistance can request roadside rescue at (800) AAA-HELP. Android and iPhone users can download AAA Mobile, AAA’s mobile smartphone app that provides AAA services for all motorists, such as mapping and gas price comparison, as well as member-exclusive benefits including roadside assistance and discounts. AAA Membership is not required to download and use AAA apps, but is necessary to take advantage of unique member benefits such as roadside assistance. For more information on AAA Mobile, visit AAA.com/Mobile. These tips and additional information on driving in winter conditions can be found in the AAA brochure How to Go on Ice and Snow online.

AAA projects 93.3 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday season, an increase of 1.6 percent over the 91.8 million people who traveled last year.

This increase brings holiday travel figures to within half a million of the decade high mark seen during the 2006/07 season.

The year-end holiday travel period is defined as Saturday, Dec. 22 to Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013.

Highlights from AAA 2012/13 Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast include: 

• Year-end holiday travelers to total 93.3 million, an increase of 1.6 percent from the 91.8 million that traveled last year
• Ninety percent of travelers (84.4 million) to travel by automobile, representing 26.7 percent of the total U.S. population
• Holiday air travel expected to increase 4.5 percent to 5.6 million travelers from 5.4 million in 2011
• Median spending expected to increase almost six percent to $759, compared to $718 in 2011 with transportation costs consuming about 29 cents of every travel dollar.
• Average distance traveled to increase to 760 miles round-trip from 726 miles, an expected result with an increase in air travelers  

“The year-end holiday season remains the least volatile of all travel holidays as Americans will not let economic conditions or high gas prices dictate if they go home for the holidays or kick off the New Year with a vacation,” said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. “Primary economic indicators all show modest improvement from last year and AAA is projecting an increase in the number of Americans stuffing their stockings with airline tickets and hotel reservations.

“As we enter the New Year, one unknown for travel is the looming ‘fiscal cliff’ and the resulting uncertainty related to near-term tax and benefit changes. Having these items unresolved complicates many travelers’ ability to develop an accurate household budget as they plan for future spending and saving decisions. It is important that Congress and the President work together to quickly resolve the situation for the good of the nation,” said Darbelnet.

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans
AAA estimates the national average price of gasoline will slowly drop through the end of the year and average between $3.20-3.40 a gallon by New Year’s Day. Gas prices dropped about 50 cents a gallon on average from September through early December, but remain at record highs for this time of year. AAA does not expect gas prices to have a major impact on travel volume, but consumers could have more money to spend on holiday shopping, dining and entertainment if prices drop through December as expected.

Automobile travel remains dominant mode of transportation, air travel increases
Approximately 90 percent of travelers (84.4 million) plan to travel by automobile this holiday season. This is a 1.3 percent increase over the 83.3 million people who traveled by auto last year. Air travel is expected to increase 4.5 percent as six percent of travelers or 5.6 million will take to the skies.

Those traveling by air will find lower airfares according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index. For the year-end holiday period, the average lowest round-trip rate is $203 for the top 40 U.S. air routes, a three percent decrease from last year.

Approximately 3.3 million travelers will choose other modes of transportation, including rail, bus and cruise ship.

Hotel rates to increase slightly, car rental rates increase 41 percent
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, year-end holiday hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase two percent from a year ago, with travelers spending an average of $129 per night compared to $126 last year. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels can expect to pay three percent more, at an average cost of $95 per night.

Daily car rental rates will average $56, compared to $40 last year.

Average travel distance increases
According to the survey of intended travelers, the average distance traveled by Americans during this holiday period is expected to be 760 miles, further than last year when travelers planned to log 726 miles.

Median spending up nearly six percent; top activities are dining and spending time with loved ones
Median spending is expected to be $759, a six percent increase compared to the expected median spending of intended holiday travelers ($718) last year.

Dining (67 percent) and spending time with family and friends (66 percent) are the most popular activities planned by travelers. It is not surprising that during holiday season, shopping is the third most popular activity with 57 percent expecting to shop. More than one-third (34 percent) of holiday travelers plan to sightsee during their trips.

AAA offers digital travel planning resources
AAA’s digital tools for travel planning ‘on the go’ include eTourBook guides for 101 top North American destinations, available free to members at AAA.com/ebooks. Choose from city titles, like the award-winning Las Vegas, regions, like Wine Country, and National Parks.

The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, Android and iPad uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn about the AAA Mobile app and AAA Mobile Web at AAA.com/mobile. 

On AAA.com, travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2012/13 Year-end Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at NewsRoom.AAA.com.

Indianapolis, IN - Nov. 26, 2012 - AAA Hoosier Motor Club will host its ninth annual AAA Travel Store Holiday Sale Dec. 3-8, 2012. During the event, special discounts on travel store items, AAA memberships and even vacation packages will be available at all Hoosier Motor Club branch office locations.

Holiday Sale attendees will be able to save 20 percent on luggage purchases and 15 percent on AAA Travel Store accessories.

Additionally, select Door Buster Specials will be made available throughout the six-day event.

WHAT:  Get the latest forecasts, news, and tips for Thanksgiving holiday travel from local experts. Reporters and photographers can conduct interviews, tape sound bites, and get advance b-roll footage to use throughout Thanksgiving week when covering Thanksgiving travel stories.

WHO:  Greg Seiter, public affairs manager for AAA Hoosier Motor Club, and Christofer Matney, air service director for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, will be available for one-on-one interviews and photo opportunities.

WHERE:  Civic Plaza at the Indianapolis International Airport

WHEN:  Tuesday, Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. (If interested, please reference contact information below to make arrangements).

IAA Contact: Carlo Bertolini – 317.487.5025

AAA Hoosier Motor Club Contact: Greg Selter – 317.923.1500, ext. 392