Okay, so you're planning that trip for a friend's wedding, your kid's graduation or, well, do you really need a reason to go to Vegas? But prices are absurd and there are fewer flights to the mainland. What can you do? Richard Velazquez is a regional manager for AAA Hawaii and he's got some tips for us.

Plan Ahead for the Best Value:

• Purchase tickets as soon as possible to avoid continuing fuel surcharges being added
• Seek early booking discounts
• Look for past passenger offers
• Ask for small group discounts

Travel Reservations - Packages

• Booking Air, Car and Hotel together may provide additional savings
• Utilize the AAA TourBook® guides providing points of Interest and Approved® accommodation suggestions

Consider Cruise or Escorted Tours

• Expenses for food or other special benefits may be reduced or included
• Include Pre/Post Accommodations
• Include pre stays to:
• Allow for flight delays or re-route
• Jet Lag adjustment
• A chance to enjoy the port/tour departure city
• Include post stays to:
• Allow for trip/cruise delays
• Relaxed end to cruise/tour
• A chance to enjoy the port/tour ending city

Travel Insurance

• Strongly recommended as a protection to your travel investment

Security

• Allow plenty of time to go through security; patience is the key
• Check in on line if possible and print your boarding pass. This will save time at the airport check in
• Coats, jackets, shoes, belts, need to be removed to go through security.
• Only one carryon allowed. For women, one carryon and one purse is allowed;
• Carry at least one change of clothes, in case checked luggage is delayed
• Any liquids going through security; 4 oz maximum per item; placed in 1 Quart storage bag to go through security

Travel & Destination Suggestions

Domestic (North America) destinations:

• Alaska cruises and cruise/tours are still available
• Southern California/Southwest (includes LA/Orange County/San Diego areas); Disneyland Resort; extensions to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon . These are all-year destinations
• The East Coast is very popular; partly due to an Election year. Recommend Escorted Tours to see all the historical areas (New England to Mid-Atlantic states) still available for late summer, and fall; Canada/New England cruises (Promote Mahalo Cruise);
• Panama Canal cruises during the fall are available and popular, sailing between Florida and California

International destinations:

• Asia is popular. This is being promoted as the Olympic advertising in China increases.
• Value Europe – Escorted tours to Europe for fall and winter have just been announced (3 months earlier than usual) Early booking incentives are in place, Insight’s $300 air-inclusive savings offer is valid until July 15 only; Trafalgar’s offer for pre-nights or additional savings for past passenger if effective through July 31. Independent travel is expensive, however, if elements are pre-arranged and pre-paid in USD, can be cost effective (Travel Bound).
• River Cruising very popular and cost effective, pre-paid in USD.

Current promotions include:

• Special Disney Show this Friday and Saturday at the AAA office
• Promoting the 2008 Mahalo Cruise – Hosted cruise with AAA Hawaii members, Departing Sept 1 out of New York. This is a 10-day cruise exploring the fall season in Canada and includes special AAA Member Benefits – including a luggage offer through the end of June.
• On Stage Alaska Travel Show Aug 28 Call the AAA office for additional information
• Special booking incentives

Call, click or visit AAA Hawaii for addition information. Local toll free number: 1-800-736-2886 or www.aaa-hawaii.com or 1130 N Nimitz Highway Honolulu Hawai`i 96817.

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