Travelers will not see any relief in their wallet this year with overall vacation costs increasing by 5.4 percent from last year, according to AAA's nationwide Annual Vacation Costs survey.

"Rate increases for lodgings are mostly a result of supply and demand, especially in major markets," said Steve Pomranz, vice president of Travel Services for AAA Washington. "For both lodgings and restaurants, rising energy costs as well as salary and benefit costs are also having an impact."

AAA's national survey shows that a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $261 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $141 a night, up nearly 9 percent from last year. Meals will cost $120, up nearly 2 percent.

The most expensive state for vacationers remains Hawaii where the daily cost of food and lodging for a family of four will average $559 per day. Other destinations with a high average daily cost include the District of Columbia - $518, Nevada - $348, Rhode Island - $329, and New York - $329.

Locally, a survey of AAA Washington/Inland auto travel counselors in Washington and northern Idaho shows that people are still planning on traveling despite rising hotel, restaurant and gas prices.

"Trip planning requests remain strong, we haven't seen any significant changes in the demand for Auto Travel services," said Pomranz. "Last year when gas prices hit record highs, our demand for emergency road service, which indicates people were actually traveling, was higher than anticipated. High gas prices proved to be only one of several elements travelers considered when choosing whether to vacation by personal automobile."

Rising gas prices coupled with the increase in vacation costs makes it important for travelers to maximize their vacation dollars. AAA's online Search for Savings feature (www.aaa.com/save) enables consumers to look for discounts at home or at their vacation destination. AAA members saved more than $513 million in 2005 by showing their AAA card for a discount.