Jan. 8, 2018 –   Explore travel in 2018 at AAA’s Travel Extravaganza Saturday, Jan. 14. Experienced travel consultants and representatives from 22 cruise lines, tours groups and travel companies from across the country will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills, 1902 E. 71 Street.

Travel Extravaganza is Oklahoma’s largest travel show of the year. 2018 travel packages and special incentives will be unveiled by cruise lines and travel companies. Special presentations as well as personal consultation will be offered by Universal Orlando, Holland America Cruise Line, Insight Vacations, AMA Waterways River Cruises, Uniworld River Cruises, Pleasant Holidays, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Ocean Cruises, Trafalgar Tours, Travel Impressions, Rocky Mountaineer and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line.

Exclusive “show only” travel offers, bargains and AAA membership discounts will be available. One lucky participant will win a AAA travel voucher worth $500, and a variety of door prizes will also be given away. Admission is $3 for AAA members and $5 for non-members.

“It’s a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity for Oklahomans to save money on trips and vacations,” said Anita McNellie, AAA Oklahoma travel manager. “Just as importantly, our travel consultants cut through the hassles of travel planning. It’s impossible to know whether or not online offers are legitimate. Travelers can place their trust in us for one-stop shopping and customization with tools far beyond what the average consumer can access.”

A comeback in use of travel consultants, such as AAA’s, is underway as those seeking leisure-time pleasures find online services suspect or time-consuming.  Here’s why many are choosing travel agents now:

• Current and knowledgeable expertise.

They have systems to assimilate vast data that’s constantly changing, and they have expertise that’s taken years to collect. We’re traveling to places we wouldn’t have dreamed of going before, and as we enter unfamiliar countries and cultures it’s more complex. Travel agents know the tricks of the trade to provide confidence in evaluating options and making final decisions.

• Research and advice at no cost.

Clients get all the benefits of personal shopping without the cost. Why pass up value added service from a professional advocate and concierge? They are impartial to give insights best for specific situations. Preferred rates and offers often saves travelers money.

• One-stop shopping.

They listen to clients’ priorities and simplify arrangements for shows, excursions, etc. They know of perks to enhance the experience.  You can’t get that from a click.

• An extra level of support.

They are a security blanket should things go astray. They reschedule plans at 3 a.m. to save the day. Travelers aren’t stuck on hold with a 1-800 number.

Pre-register for express admission to AAA’s Travel Extravaganza and see the show schedule at www.aaa.com/TravelEvents. For more information, call 877-272-2223. AAA membership is not required to attend the Travel Extravaganza.

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and nearly four hundred thousand members in Oklahoma.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit www.AAA.com.

www.AAA.com