Terrific opportunity to learn more about travel destinations with no obligation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – With Valentine’s Day, Spring Break, and the summer vacation season just around the corner, AAA Alabama is hosting their annual Travel Show to help travelers find the best possible deal.
The Travel Show will be held on Saturday, January 31st, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., at the Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Highway 280 in Hoover. Admission is free to everyone, and is open to members and non-members alike. Free seminars are offered every 45 minutes on a variety of topics/destinations and door prizes will be given away every half hour.
“This is a great time to do some research about potential vacation destinations or book a vacation at a discounted price,” said Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama Spokesperson. “There is no obligation to purchase anything and with all of our free seminars, it is a terrific opportunity to talk to specific vendors and travel experts to learn about a lot of different destinations.”
There will be 60-plus travel vendors, hotels, cruise lines, and tour providers participating in the event. A few of the vendors include: Disney, Universal Studios, Sandals Resorts, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International. Special pricing opportunities will also be available exclusively at the show.
AAA Alabama offers several tips for vacation planners as the summer season approaches:
Do your research – or have someone do it for you. Those who want to pick up last-minute bargains should probably get in the habit of looking for them on a regular basis. Web sites like AAA.com have sections devoted to last-minute bargains, or you can ask your travel agent to alert you to your preferred deals. Travel agents are great resources for both plan-ahead and last-minute travel because they can advise clients of a good deal when it comes up. In most cases, travel agents don’t charge for their services, and using them can save you money and time.
Take advantage of special promotions. Rebates, upgrades and credits abound in the travel industry. Travel providers want you to book early, so incentives are more plentiful for “early birds.” The key to getting an upgrade or rebate is to know about it, and a reliable travel agent or travel Web site can be an excellent resource.
The lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Make sure before you book your trip that your travel providers have a good reputation. Take advantage of AAA’s lodging ratings, available to members in complimentary TourBooks® and on AAA.com, to make sure your accommodations are in a quality hotel, motel or inn.
Consider trip insurance for big-ticket vacations. An unexpected illness or tragedy can force you to postpone or cancel travel either before or during your trip. Trip insurance protects you financially in many of those instances, since most tours and cruises are non-refundable. Several levels of insurance are available – ask your travel agent.
