ADVISORY/Experts Available To Discuss Expected Rise in Travel Spending.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

TOPIC: American Express conducted a telephone poll of 1,356 adults between September 23-29 and found Americans are planning to spend an average of $2,962 on airfare and accommodations for vacations in 2004, according to an article by The Associated Press. Fifty-five percent of those surveyed stated they were going to take either a domestic or international flight in 2004, which is up from 44 percent in 2002. Popular domestic destinations for next year include Alaska, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Miami, New York City and Orlando, while the preferred international destinations are Athens, Cancun, London, Paris and Rome.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Amy Bohutinsky, of Hotwire.com, is well versed in communicating travel expertise with numerous television broadcast and radio stations. In the past, Bohutinsky has provided several stations in major markets, such as San Francisco, Chicago, and TechTV, with travel tips and trends for consumers. Her travel advice has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Reuters and CNET News.com. Bohutinsky has worked with Hotwire since mid-2000, prior to the company's launch. After decades of personal travel and most importantly, now with a Hotwire career providing travel industry insight, Bohutinsky can offer consumers in your area tips on how to save, when to book and how to navigate the hectic holiday travel season. PR Contact: Monica Ma 415-318-4125 [e-mail]

Bob Jones, of OneTravel.com, teaches consumers how to stretch their travel dollars and fly further on free miles and common sense. Bob's travel expertise and witty, ebullient advice landed him an expert position at OneTravel.com, where he maintains the "Smart Travelers' Corner," a guide to economical travel. He has developed a unique approach to trip budgeting called "opportunistic travel," in which he employs tools, tricks and tips to travel for less and have fun doing it. Resourceful beyond compare, he pays economy rates for premium travel. His expertise extends to military discounts, business travel, family trip planning and frequent-flier programs - all with an emphasis on consumer know-how and frugality. 616-682-4735 or 215-498-7789 cell [e-mail]

Julie Weidemann is a research consultant for FIND/SVP providing business advisory and research services to clients interested in trends and outlooks in all aspects of the travel industry. PR Contact: Stacy Roth 212-463-6350 [e-mail]

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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