The sluggish economy won't stop the holiday travel plans of a majority of Hawai'i residents, a poll of AAA Hawaii members suggests.

But local travel specialists say people are trying to save money on whatever travel they plan: using frequent-flier miles, staying with friends and relatives, and cutting back on daily expenses.

Despite continuing economic challenges, 83 percent of Hawai'i AAA members who plan to travel over the November and December holidays say they will spend the same amount or more on their upcoming holiday getaways, according to the poll.

The unscientific online survey of AAA Hawaii members indicated 52 percent of those planning holiday trips say they'll spend less than $1,500 on holiday travel, while 82 percent plan to spend $3,000 or less.

Many travelers using Hawai'i-based Travel Ways Inc. are looking to trim expenses in a variety of ways, according to agency manager Rachel Shimamoto.

"I think more people are watching their budget," Shimamoto said. "It's a cutback as far as doing things. People are not doing the most expensive things."

For example, she said she sees people planning a trip to California but choosing a cheaper Anaheim hotel where they had booked at the Disneyland Resort in the past. And some are staying closer to home.

Of the Hawai'i residents planning to take at least one holiday trip this year, the most popular destinations for AAA customers included traveling out of state (63 percent), traveling within Hawai'i (26 percent), going to a gambling destination such as Las Vegas (20 percent), traveling internationally (14 percent) and going to a tropical destination (5 percent).

Nearly half — 46 percent— of those polled by AAA said they will not take an overnight trip at least 50 miles from home this holiday season. Another 12 percent are still undecided about whether they will travel.

Of those who say they definitely won't travel, 32 percent cited the economy as a major influence on their decision, while 41 percent said it had little to no influence on deciding not to travel.

"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, but 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," said AAA Hawaii acting manager Warren Moore.

Moore said one out of four members said they plan to use an affinity program such as AAA Discounts to get reduced hotel rates.

And Shimamoto has noticed that rental car rates can be very high, both on the Neighbor Islands and in other Mainland destinations.

She tried to book a compact car on Kaua'i from Dec. 29 to Jan. 3 — traditionally a peak holiday season — but was shocked to get an initial estimate of $113 a day for a compact car. Eventually she was able to locate a midsize car for $42 a day.

Shimamoto said she's found other unusually high rates in Mainland cities that include Denver and speculates that it's a result of companies trying to reduce the size of their fleets to save money during tough economic times.

When demand goes up, the companies can charge more for the scarcer commodity. Consumer cope by doubling up with relatives rather than rent their own cars.

Other ways AAA members said they plan cut travel costs this holiday season include:

• Redeeming loyalty points/miles for free/reduced cost plane ticket.

• Staying with friends /family instead of a hotel.

• Reducing shopping /souvenir budget.

• Using an affinity program to get a reduced hotel rate.

• Redeeming loyalty points/miles for free/reduced-cost hotel stay.

• Reducing budget for meals/snacks on the trip.

• Flying coach instead of business/first class.

• Taking a shorter vacation.

• Staying in a less expensive hotel.

• Cutting the vacation entertainment budget.

The most popular activities during holiday trips, according to the AAA poll, are visiting family (64 percent), visiting friends (39 percent), celebrating the holiday (38 percent), shopping (37 percent), sightseeing (31 percent), maintaining a family tradition of traveling during the holidays (14 percent) and spa/relaxation (14 percent).