AAA Reports Vacation Cost Increases and Lists Most Expensive Family Vacation Destinations
According to the AAA, the cost of taking a summer vacation will be up 5.4 percent over last year, and Hawaii remains the most expensive place to visit, with Washington D.C. is the second most expensive. The top five is rounded out by California, New York, and Florida. The nation’s least expensive states for a summer vacation are North Dakota and Nebraska.
The AAA Annual Vacation Costs Survey released Monday blames fuel costs and rising demand for hotel rooms for the big jump in prices. "Rate increases for lodgings are mostly a result of supply and demand, especially in major markets," says Michael Petrone, director of AAA tourism information development. "For both lodgings and restaurants, rising energy costs as well as salary and benefit costs are certainly having an impact."
The AAA recommends booking ahead after checking for the best rates and looking for lodging with kitchens to cut down on family vacation costs. Both of these tips are consistent with our own advice. Vacation rentals are the best bargain, especially for families that require more than one room. Also the availability of kitchen facilities can greatly reduce the amount that is spent on food.
At vacation destinations across the nation, AAA’s survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $261 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $141 a night, up nearly 9 percent from last year. Meals will cost $120, up nearly 2 percent from 2005. With meals costing almost as much as lodging, the savings that can be achieved at vacation rentals with kitchens are substantial.
