Year-End Holiday Trips Can Be More Than 'Get There, Gobble and Go,' AAA Says

AAA offers tips for making the most of holiday vacation opportunities.

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Americans who will be traveling during their Thanksgiving and year-end holidays can spice up their "get there, gobble and go" family customs with a little imagination and help from a travel agent, AAA experts say.

"While many of us treasure the experience of visiting family and friends for the holidays, we can invigorate the season with creative thinking and travel help from AAA," said Amy Nicholas, managing director, AAA Travel Agency Services.

AAA operates the largest leisure-travel agency network in North America and has unique relationships with the world's most trusted travel providers. AAA offers exclusive vacation deals and benefits not available from any other travel agency. AAA services are available to members and non-members, but members enjoy access to special incentives and benefits.

Tips for Celebrating Away from Home

Consider celebrating the holidays with a winter holiday cruise, a Thanksgiving tour or a New Year's vacation. "Families and friends can gather for the holidays by combining their travel plans and going as a group. Taking a holiday cruise together, going on a tour or visiting a city associated with the season can make lasting memories," Nicholas said. If you are interested in celebrating away from home as a group, consider the following:

• Select three or four different trip options that involve various locations, lengths of stay and prices and then choose as a group the one that is most attractive.
• Work with a travel agent to make sure all reservations are booked and confirmed, and everyone has a common contact they can turn to for trip information.
• Most resorts, cruise ships and holiday destinations have special meals, parties or activities for guests. Often these can be some of the most elaborate and fun activities of the year. Make reservations for your favorites.
• If gift-giving is part of the celebration, consider making the trip your present to each other.
• Investigate what special treats or activities may be available for children. A visit from Santa Claus on a cruise ship, finding a New Year's party for teens, or just playing and watching the traditional football games may help to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.
• If seniors are included, make sure they know the group is considerate of any special needs they may have including adopting a somewhat slower pace, ensuring dietary needs are met or accommodating accessibility or medical issues. By proactively investigating these issues either with a travel agent, or directly with a tour or cruise operator you may increase the odds the entire family will be able to travel together.
  

Stays with Family and Friends Can be Combined with Other Travel

In some circumstances, you may want to continue your family tradition and have everyone gather at grandma's home for the holidays. This doesn't mean getting there and journeying home can't be half the fun. According to Nicholas, "Planning a side trip as part of your seasonal itinerary makes a lot of sense." Things to consider are:

• If you can compress the time spent celebrating in one place, you may have a night or two left over to spend at a comfortable bed-and-breakfast or a nice hotel.
• Go to AAA.com and use the AAA TripTik Travel Planner to see what cities, towns or special destinations may be along your travel route or a convenient distance from where you will be. You can book hotel rooms, arrange car rentals and get information on attractions and other destinations using AAA's feature-packed travel planning tool. All online visitors have access to many of its features, although AAA members are entitled to special benefits and discounts.
• Remember that some attractions, parks and businesses close during the holidays, so ask about holiday schedules before you go. Others have special seasonal activities and events.
• Consider the weather, but don't let it scare you away. If you are going to be in snow country, holing up in a cozy cabin or lodge might be appealing, or make skiing and snowboarding part of your trip. If you are heading south where the weather may be balmy, bring clothes that will be appropriate for the warmer temperatures.
• If you have a bit more time before or after the holiday, a three-day cruise or a quick trip to a favorite city for shopping, dining and nightlife may be an option. New Year's Eve in any big city is sure to feature a great variety of opportunities for fine dining, dancing and music.
  

As North America's largest motoring and leisure-travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. You can see all that AAA offers at AAA.com.

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