Some 83 percent of Hawaii residents planning holiday travel will spend the same amount or more on their trips, according to results of a poll by AAA Hawaii.

Of those planning holiday trips over November and December holidays, 82 percent planned to spend $3,000 or less, while 52 percent said they would spend less than $1,500.

Nearly half of those polled said they definitely will not take an overnight trip at least 50 miles from home, while 12 percent are undecided about whether they'll take a trip.

Of those who definitely will not travel, 32 percent cited the economy, but 41 percent said it had no influence on their decision.

“;We will find out in the next few weeks whether to expect an increase or decrease in Thanksgiving and December holiday travel compared to last year's holidays,”; said Warren Moore, AAA Hawaii acting manager. However, “;we do see many local travelers seeking ways to save money and taking advantage of travel bargains created by the economic downturn to get even more for their money.”;

Some 64 percent of respondents cited visiting family as the most popular activity during holiday travel. Visiting friends, celebrating the holiday and shopping garnered 39 percent, 38 percent and 37 percent of the popularity vote, respectively.

Other favored activities included sightseeing, maintaining a holiday travel family tradition and relaxation or spa time.

AAA Hawaii received responses from about 380 members in an online survey it conducted earlier this month. It did not have the margin of error.

STRETCHING THE DOLLARS

Popular ways that AAA survey respondents say they'll use to save money on their upcoming trips:
» Redeeming points/miles for free/cheaper plane ticket: 37 percent
» Staying with friends/family: 36 percent
» Cutting the shopping/souvenir budget: 29 percent
» Using an affinity program to get a lower hotel rate: 25 percent
» Redeeming points/miles for free/cheaper hotel stay: 20 percent
» Reducing budget for meals/snacks on the trip: 17 percent
» Flying coach class: 17 percent
» Taking a shorter vacation: 16 percent
» Staying in a cheaper hotel: 16 percent
» Cutting vacation entertainment budget: 16 percent
Source: AAA Hawaii