Gas and summer travel

With gas prices climbing toward $4 a gallon at press time, will Americans curtail travel plans this summer? Opting for destinations closer to home is one idea for saving money. Some travelers may simply stay at home. What are your plans? Take our poll below.

No bums among these Florida beaches

It’ll be summer soon in the Midwest, and that means time at the beach. Recently, the white sands of Beaches of South Walton were tagged as some of the best in the world.

Yahoo! Travel named Santa Rosa Beach one of its Top 10 Beach Destinations for 2011, including this community alongside beaches in Hawaii, Mexico and Bali. Trip Advisor cited South Walton as one of its Top 10 family beach getaways.

Beaches of South Walton is a 26-mile stretch of northwest Florida’s coast and encompasses 15 picturesque communities, including Seaside, Rosemary Beach, Sandestin, Santa Rosa Beach and Grayton Beach. With soft, white sand and emerald green water, these beach communities beckon travels for a summer getaway. Water activities, golf, dining, shopping and cultural offerings also are offered to visitors. Take a new rickshaw tour along Scenic Highway 30A or visit one of the area’s many eclectic art galleries.

AAA Travel can help you plan a beach getaway to northwest Florida. Visit a full-service office near you for maps, TourBooks® and TripTiks®.