HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii is the most expensive state to vacation in, by far, costing two adults an average of $793 a day for food and lodging alone, according to a AAA survey released.

State tourism officials said the figure was grossly inflated, arguing the more accurate estimate was about half that amount.

The auto club’s recommended daily budget for visitors to the Aloha State is triple the national average of $244 and more than double New York, the second-most expensive state at $320.

Nevada ($301) is third, followed by Florida ($289) and Massachusetts ($287) in AAA’s 2008 Annual Vacation Costs Survey. The figures do not include airfare and other costs.

Accommodations in Hawaii, at an average of $675 a night, propelled the state to the overall No. 1. The national average is $164 per night.

AAA said the lodging rates were calculated based on the most recent “published rates” for the more than 60,000 AAA approved properties.

But Hawaii tourism liaison Marsha Wienert said daily expenditures this year for a tourist in Hawaii has averaged about $179 per person, or $358 for a couple, well below AAA’s estimate.

Meanwhile, tourist arrivals and summer bookings in Hawaii have dipped after the sudden closing of Aloha and ATA Airlines and the continuing increase in fuel costs, which have pushed airfares higher.

Tennessee fright cave added to national historic sites

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Bell Witch Cave, which has been the subject of ghost stories for two centuries, is among seven Tennessee sites added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Robertson County cave is tied to the legend of John Bell, a farmer in the Adams community, who died in 1820 — three years after the family reported they were being terrorized by a spirit they called Kate.

The legend has been the subject of numerous books and at least two movies — the most recent, in 2005, entitled “Bell Witch: The Movie.”

The cave can be toured by appointment; details at http://www.bellwitchcave.com.

Registration opens for Red River Bike Tour in North Dakota



GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Registration has opened for the Red River International Bike Tour.

The tour that starts June 16 will take riders around the northern part of the Red River Valley in five days, including a loop into Canada for half a day.

Last year’s inaugural ride drew 109 riders from around the country and Canada, according to the Grand Forks Herald newspaper. This year’s route is 26 miles shorter than last year’s 316 miles.

Tour chairman Mike Kellogg said registrations are being taken through June 14.

Western North Dakota also has an annual bike tour — Cycling Around North Dakota In Sakakawea Country, or CANDISC. It starts and ends at Fort Stevenson State Park, taking a different route each year.

Details at http://www.rribt.com.

NYC tourism campaign expands with more tips offered

NEW YORK (AP) — New York City is expanding a welcome campaign for foreign travelers with more insider tips from celebrities and local experts.

Metropolitan Opera general manager Peter Gelb, MTV fashion VJ Coltrane Curtis and musician Itzhak Perlman are among the famous New Yorkers who have joined the effort.

Sample advice? “New York is always in bloom — you can score great deals in Chelsea’s flower district,” dailycandy.com founder Dany Levy says.

And actor Kevin Bacon says of Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side, “It’s a great spot.”

Aimed at combating a sense among tourists that the U.S. is unfriendly to visitors, the campaign already features famous New Yorkers like Robert De Niro and Kevin Bacon offering their advice on everything from late-night eats to bargain shopping.

More tips at http://www.nycvisit.com.