Laurie, I'm sorry but I don't have any information about the AE-1. I actually don't know a lot about cameras or the technical aspects of photography. What I like about the Rebel is that it is a very smart camera that takes care of all the technical questions, and lets me concentrate on looking around for something that might make a good picture! A lot of serious photographers think it is a camera for dummies, but it is exactly what I need.
Someone else here might know about the AE-1, or you can probably find a camera forum. I think the only way to find out what it will do is to get it out and shoot some pictures with it! Personally, I love taking pictures of animals; if there is a zoo in your area, I think you can really get some practice that will come in handy when taking pictures of people at a later time. Summer time is a good season for outdoor festivals, and you can practice shooting performers, kids in the crowd, etc. If you like the results, then you may want to take the camera on your trip. Again, I am a big fan of the zoom, and use it almost exclusively. I am always promising myself I will buy a wide angle or close-up lens, but never get around to it.