Whether you drive or fly to a domestic or international destination, AAA Carolinas is offering deep travel discounts designed to provide some incentives to travelers who had planned a vacation in the coming months but have been hurt by the economic downturn.

"These savings are designed to help those who might have had to cut back on summer vacations and offer an opportunity to those who want to take a break from the stresses of a presidential election and economic turmoil," said David E. Parsons, CEO and president of AAA Carolinas.

The discounts, available to AAA members and the public, can be used to seek travel bargains to most top popular destinations visited by Carolinians such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Las Vegas, Honolulu, Anchorage and Rome.

AAA Carolinas offers the largest travel agency in North and South Carolina and is partnering with domestic and international travel industry leaders to offer special savings on an unprecedented set of travel experiences.

The special offers -- which run through Nov. 22 -- are intended to boost the number of Americans traveling this fall and winter, and spur an increase in overall economic activity, Parsons said.

"Many of the world's leading travel providers have come forward with outstanding, special promotional discounts, extras and upgrades to help get America moving again," Parsons said. "World-class cruise lines, tour operators, hoteliers, theme parks and other special destinations have agreed to work with AAA to bring consumers a huge menu of incredible travel opportunities over the next few months."

An estimated $700 billion is spent on travel annually and the travel industry directly or indirectly employs 7.5 million Americans. It contributes hundreds of billions of dollars to global trade and enriches our collective understanding and appreciation of other people and places.

To access AAA Carolina's "Best and Biggest" travel promotion, consumers should visit www.AAA.com/SavingsEvent. Savings are available to members and nonmembers, but there are additional exclusive benefits for members.

Those who want to drive, can seek bargains within the Carolinas and nearby to top leisure spots such as Charles-ton, Asheville and Atlanta.

Popular drive destinations for North and South Carolin-ians, many of which offer bargains, include Virginia, New York, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, California, Ohio and Texas.