AICCCA Press Release

AICCCA Advises Consumers -Tread Vacation Waters Carefully

Fairfax, VA - May 24, 2010 — Memorial Day is almost here and with it the start of the summer vacation season. Some consumers have decided that encouraging economic recovery news coupled with a few years of skipping the traditional family vacation means that now is the time to jump back in the vacation waters. The Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) cautions consumers to tread carefully.

"It is very easy to underestimate the cost of vacationing, so consumers would be wise to have a plan for unexpected expenses that will limit the need to use credit cards," said Dave Jones, president, AICCCA. "The last thing anyone wants is a vacation that lasts a week and vacation bills that last a year."

AICCCA offers the following tips for keeping vacation cost in line:

• Know what you can realistically afford. If you have not saved up for your vacation, try to plan a trip you can pay off completely in three months. Going beyond three months will likely increase the price you end up paying for your vacation dramatically through interest paid on credit cards.



• Determine the best travel option. If plan to travel by air, be sure to take advantage of planning far enough in advance to qualify for the lowest possible fare. If possible, be flexible with your travel schedule. It's often cheaper to start and end your travel Monday through Thursday. Automobile travel remains the most economical travel method for families, even when you take into account higher summer gas prices. Be sure your vehicle is serviced to perform at its peak performance level before setting out if you are traveling by car.



• Think outside the hotel box. Look for alternatives to expensive hotel stays such as timeshare properties, cabins, staying with family or friends in their homes, even hostels. If a hotel stay is your only option, consider a suite with a kitchen. Having cereal and milk on hand for breakfast will save at least one meal out. If no kitchen is available, choose a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast. When you book your room, ask about any discounts that may be available to you.



• Don't let entertainment costs surprise you. Contact your destination's chamber of commerce or visitor's bureau and ask for a free travel guide. Local fairs, attractions or festivals are great alternatives to expensive malls, restaurants and theme parks. Don't forget to check out free or low-cost programs at museums and other public venues. Instead of a fancy restaurant, pack a picnic lunch and explore a local park one day.



• Start saving for next year when you return. The best way to avoid debt is to save for the things you want and vacations are no exception. Consider opening a separate vacation account and plan to add to it every month. Then you'll be able to dive right in to next year's vacation.

Founded in 1993, Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies (AICCCA) is a national membership organization, established to promote quality and consistent delivery of credit counseling services. AICCCA and its members are focused on improved creditor relations, efficient processes and advanced technology to best serve clients and creditors. AICCCA members are independent nonprofit agencies that advocate for debtors, counsel millions of consumers annually nationwide and provide debt management services to consumers with excessive unsecured debt. For more information or to contact an AICCCA member office call 866-703-TRUSTAICCCA (866-703-8787) or visit www.aiccca.org.