How to save big while traveling

AAA Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live.

AAA Travel Tips that Lead to BIG Savings
Summer is over, which means many travelers are in fall vacation planning mode. However, budgets for fall trips can be limited, especially with the holidays approaching.

That's why AAA Travel experts have compiled the agency's top list of creative ways to help travelers save big on their next getaway:

AAA Travel Tip #1: Carefully consider transportation options.
Transportation generally accounts for one-quarter to one-third of a traveler's total trip cost. As a result, it's imperative to review transportation decisions to make sure you are selecting the most efficient and economical mode.

When deciding whether to fly or drive to a destination, be sure to compare the total cost of flying (i.e. airfare, baggage, airport parking, shuttle, transportation at destination) to the total cost of driving (i.e. fuel, parking and incidentals on the road).

While flying will generally save you time, it is typically is the less economical option. However, sometimes the added cost is worth the convenience.

If you're traveling to Las Vegas, for example, you may not need a vehicle once you're there, which would reduce transportation costs at your destination. In this case, the convenience of flying may be worth a few extra dollars.

AAA's fuel cost calculator and AAA Mobile app are two resources that can assist travelers in making informed transportation decisions.

AAA Travel Tip #2: Sleep in the air.
Travelers who are willing to depart late at night and arrive the next day can reap the benefits of a red-eye flight. These flights are especially appealing to the budget conscious, as they are generally priced 20-40 percent below mid-day flights.

Travelers who do not prefer these late night flights and red eyes the next day can save by considering flights with connections, as they are generally priced less than non-stop options.

AAA Travel Tip #3: Travel in numbers.
Whether it's family, friends or a mix of both, travelers can save by booking in bulk as a group.

Every cruise and tour company has different perks when it comes to group travel, but most will provide discounted rates when a set number - usually 10 or more - book at once.

Group travel isn't limited to loved ones. AAA offers a variety of group trip options for travelers who share similar interests and travel styles. To learn more about these groups, contact http://www.az.aaa.com/travel.

AAA Travel Tip #4: Take a trip in the low season.
All destinations have the high and low seasons. Europe's peak season, for example, is May through September, making October through April the most economical time to visit.

The benefits of visiting a destination, such as Europe, during low season are endless: experience the country's rich autumn colors and festive markets and enjoy less congested tourist attractions.

Of course, one the biggest benefit is savings - travelers who visit Europe in low season can save as much as 33 percent off peak summer prices.

AAA Travel's Sonoran Living Special

Destination:    Italy
Time:        9-day, Insight Vacation out of Rome
Cost:         Packages start at $1,865 per person for winter 2012-2013 departures.
Includes:     Guided tour of Rome, Venice & Florence, accommodations at first-class hotels in each city, private tours of several Italian landmarks, including: the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Statue of David, several meals, a professional tour guide and much more.  

As the largest leisure travel agency in North America, AAA Travel offers travel guides and can assist with vacation planning to any destination. For more information, visit AAA.com/travel or call 1-877-731-3926.

Don't forget to connect with AAA Arizona on social media! Find AAA Arizona on Facebook and Twitter at AAA.com/social .

AAA Arizona is a paid advertiser of Sonoran Living Live.