The $600 Texas Getaway: Ideas From AAA Travel for Economic Stimulus Checks

HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwire - April 30, 2008) - With summer around the corner and an Economic Stimulus Program check of at least $600 in the mail in May or June, travel options have suddenly expanded for many Americans. AAA Texas has several suggestions for family getaways costing $600 or less.

"Travel is one of the best ways to create long-lasting family traditions and memories, and it doesn't have to break your budget," said Mark Bell, vice president and general manager, AAA Texas. "Texans have several great destinations within driving distance, which also helps to cut down on transportation costs to and from vacation."

These and many other vacations can be booked through AAA Travel at any AAA Texas office or online at AAA.com. Show Your Card and Save® attractions may be reserved and paid for through the attraction.

For a family of four (two adults and two children), $600 vacation ideas include:

San Antonio
--  Two nights at the Hyatt Place San Antonio-Northwest starting at $348
--  Admission to SeaWorld San Antonio - purchase at the gate for $3 off
    each ticket = $176 (plus tax) for two adults and two children
--  Admission to the Alamo - free, but donations are encouraged
Total: $524

Optional add-on: Admission to Six Flags Fiesta Texas - purchase at the gate for $134 (plus tax) on Wednesdays ($12 off adult ticket with AAA discount) or $150 (plus tax) with $4 AAA discount on adults tickets for the other days

Dallas
--  Two nights at the Hilton Anatole starting at $416
--  A four-hour Gray Line motorcoach tour from the Hilton to the Southfork
    Ranch featured in the "Dallas" TV show and the mansions of Highland
    Park - reserve at AAA.com/grayline for a 10 percent member discount
    = $90 for two adults and two children
--  Admission to Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Arlington - purchase at the
    gate for $2 off with AAA discount = $86 (plus tax)
Total = $592

Anywhere: For a family of four or more, El Monte RV has AAA-discounted weekend rentals for as little as $300 and five-day rentals for as little as $600, excluding mileage and gas costs. RVs are available for pickup in Dallas, El Paso, Palmer and San Antonio. AAA Travel can reserve an El Monte RV for you, or call El Monte RV at 1(800)337-2156 and ask for the AAA Discount.

For two people, $600 getaways include:

Rails to the Rim tour of the Grand Canyon
--  Two nights at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams, AZ
--  Two dinners, one lunch and two buffet breakfasts
--  Round-trip train transportation and park admission to Grand
    Canyon National Park
--  A Grand Canyon Rim motorcoach tour
--  Two $20 gift certificates for use in the Grand Canyon Railway
    gift shops and café car
--  All taxes
Total= $566

Optional add-on: Papillon Helicopters offers a 10 percent Auto Club discount on its Grand Canyon South Rim tours.

Las Vegas - "AAA Exclusive Getaway" travel package
--  Two-night hotel stay on the Strip at the Luxor Las Vegas or
    Monte Carlo Resort
--  Admission to "The Rat Pack is Back" tribute show at the Plaza
    Hotel and Casino
--  All taxes
Total= $438 for Sunday through Wednesday arrivals.

Optional add-ons: AAA members receive a free seating upgrade when they purchase a Front Balcony ticket to BLUE MAN GROUP at The Venetian Resort Hotel & Casino (subject to availability).

Papillon Helicopters offers a 25 percent Auto Club discount on Las Vegas Night Flight Tour, and 20 percent off helicopter trips from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon.

For more vacation ideas, visit any AAA Texas office or www.AAA.com.

Contact Information: Contact: Rose Rougeau (713) 284-6552