AAA Chicago: 3 in 5 people in Illinois/Indiana will travel during the fall

Over one-third prefer off-season travel which can save hundreds of dollars

News provided by

Sep 25, 2014, 02:30 ET

AURORA, Ill., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- While the summer travel season is over, a new survey of shows those in Illinois and Indiana are not ready to put away their luggage. According to AAA's Consumer Pulse^TM survey, 71 percent of Illinoisans and 68 percent of Hoosiers plan to take at least one leisure trip of 50 miles or more, requiring overnight accommodations, in the next three months.

"Traveling in the off-peak season not only helps travelers escape the crowds, but there are great deals to be had during these times," said AAA Chicago spokesperson Beth Mosher. "School is back in session, which means hotels, cruises and attractions are less crowded and travel vendors frequently offer lower rates to draw in customers' business."

"With some exceptions for holidays, fall travel prices are frequently the lowest of the year," Mosher continued. "The savings can multiply when using AAA travel agents; their insider knowledge on where to go, what to do and access to specials can get travelers the lowest possible rate."

The majority of travelers (61 percent Illinoisans, 69 percent Hoosiers) plan to spend $1,500 or less on travel in the next three months.

When planning their travel, 85 percent of Illinoisans and 82 percent of Hoosiers said they were planning to travel domestically. Nearly 10 percent of Illinoisans and 15 percent of Hoosiers are planning domestic and international travel.

Consumers who use a AAA travel agent to help plan their vacation can save up to 35 percent on average with hotel, rental car, and inclusive packaging no matter the destination. For more information on the latest travel deals, visit AAA.com/Travel.

The AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among residents living in Illinois and separately Indiana from August 22-26, 2014. A total of 800 residents completed the survey. The survey has a maximum margin of error of + 2.8 percentage points. Overall survey responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+).

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100506/AAACHILOGO

SOURCE AAA Chicago