Gas Prices Fall Again in Time for Kickoff of Summer Vacation Season; Travelers Can Expect Slightly Increased Vacation Costs Over Last Summer

    LOS ANGELES--June 15, 2001--Gasoline prices continued their downward spiral locally for the third straight week -- just in time for the start of summer vacation, according to the Weekend Gas Watch compiled by the Automobile Club of Southern California.
    Prices fell by almost 2 cents a gallon in many Southern California areas over the past week and dropped even more steeply in Nevada and Arizona, according to Weekend Gas Watch, which monitors the average price of gasoline at popular destinations for motoring trips.
    "Prices are inching back down far more slowly than they shot up and that could be because summer gas prices are traditionally higher than during other seasons in California," said Jeffrey Spring, spokesman for the Auto Club. "The good news for travelers this summer is that we may already have seen the peak in gas prices."

Average prices as of 12:01 a.m. June 15.

Area                             Regular Change from  Record Price
                                          last week

Los Angeles-Long Beach           $1.993   -1.6 cents  $2.036 (set 5/25)

San Diego                        $1.998   -1.6 cents  $2.025 (5/29)

Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-Lompoc $2.014   -0.9 cents  $2.069 (5/16)

Las Vegas                        $1.770   -4.0 cents  $1.885 (3/27/00)

Phoenix-Mesa                     $1.677   -2.5 cents  $1.720 (5/30)

    Even if Southern California gas prices remain close to $2 a gallon this summer, travelers will only spend an average of 11 percent of their total vacation budget on buying gas, compared with about 10 percent last year. Despite an average 30 cent per gallon increase over last summer, this year's travelers will pay just $6 more for gas per 500 miles traveled if their vehicle gets 20 miles per gallon.
    AAA's annual vacation cost survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average of $238 per day for food and lodging while traveling in California -- $8 more per day than last year.
    Statewide family lodging costs are averaging $136 a night, not including local taxes and "energy surcharges" of $3 to $10 per day now being assessed by many hotels.
    AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950, when the average daily cost of meals and lodging was $13.
    The Auto Club offers these tips for saving money on a vacation:

--	Before traveling, have your car checked out by a qualified mechanic to help avoid inefficient fuel use and possible breakdowns.
--	Book accommodations in advance to ensure availability, selection and to guarantee the best rate.
--	Use discounts, such as those offered to AAA members, to help save on lodging, restaurant and entertainment costs.
--	Cut food costs by packing your own snacks and meals whenever possible. Also, eat the largest meal at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices.
--	Find lodging in outlying areas, away from tourist and business destinations.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs.
    Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.