Phoenix, Ariz., January 28, 2009.  The struggling economy has not eliminated the urge of Arizonans to get away from it all – but it has begun to transform the definition of a dream vacation. AAA Arizona travel experts forecast 2009 as a year of frugal travelers and smart planning, as consumers spend their hard-earned dollars carefully in the tight economy.

Last year, AAA Arizona travel specialists created approximately 330,000 vacation routes using AAA’s TripTik service for travelers – three times as many as compared to a decade earlier. As January comes to a close and consumers begin to look forward to the spring and summer months, AAA Arizona’s travel agents are beginning to assist more travelers to plan their 2009 vacations.

“Our travel agents can help the frugal traveler in this economy maximize any vacation on a budget,” said Don Gleason, vice president of travel for AAA Arizona. “It’s important to plan ahead. But take heart – 2009 will be a year chock full of unprecedented bargains as cruise lines, tour companies, resorts and hotels dangle unbelievably great deals to get people traveling.”

According to AAA Arizona travel agents, the following is a list of vacation trends and destinations for 2009:

Cruise, anyone?

AAA is anticipating that cruise lines will continue to grow in popularity this year, as these vacations offer great value for the money including all kinds of entertainment, food and interesting ports, such as one offer of a four-day Baja cruise priced from $189 or a five-day Caribbean cruise priced from $279 per person.

Viva Mexico!

Travelers who might have chosen to go to the Caribbean or South American without budget constraints will instead travel to Mexico this year. For example, travelers can book either five-day, four-night trips to Mazatlan from $280 per person or Cabo San Lucas from $383 per person.

Toned down, yet exotic

Another trend AAA travel agents are seeing is an increase in toned down getaways to exotic locations such as Europe and South America. Travelers looking for an exotic vacation, yet need to stay on budget, are opting for packages which include meals and tours, yet provide fewer amenities. For example, an eight-day land-only “London Week” tour starts from $820 per person, and includes hotel stays, several meals and tours of major attractions at the British capital.

Road trip!

The popularity of drive trips will also continue for budget-minded travelers in 2009. Road trips to neighboring states and attractions such as Disneyland as well as vacation packages to San Diego and Sea World provide Arizonans with quick and affordable weekend or weeklong getaways.

“There are endless creative ways to enjoy that dream vacation,” Gleason said. “Whether it’s the local road trip to see spring flowers, or a discount cruise to the shores of exotic locations, our travel agents can find the perfect answer to a consumer’s need to save money, but to take that stress-reducing trip.”

And as an extra precaution in this economy, vacationers can protect their vacation plans with trip interruption insurance that can cover the cost of many emergencies, including in some cases job lay offs. For more information on vacation insurance options visit www.aaaaz.com/insurance/index.htm.

For more information on trip offers, visit www.aaaaz.com/travel, any AAA branch office or call (877) 934-6222. All offers are subject to availability.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. 

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