Auto Club: Top Thanksgiving Destinations Reflect Popularity of Driving-distance Getaways; Holiday Weekend Motorists Will Benefit from Lowest Gas Prices In Over Two Years

    LOS ANGELES--Nov. 19, 2001--Las Vegas and other driving-distance destinations top the list of the most popular Thanksgiving weekend getaways for Southern Californians, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.
    About 2.6 million Southern Californians, and a total of 4.2 million statewide, are expected to fly, drive, ride or cruise to holiday destinations over the Thanksgiving weekend. That's a 6 percent drop from last year. While overall travel by all modes is down, a greater percentage of travelers (87% this year as opposed to 83% last year) are expected to go by car.
    "The most popular Thanksgiving destinations among our members are not that different than they have been in previous years, because Southern Californians have traditionally driven to Thanksgiving getaways," said Tim Irwin, the Auto Club's vice president for travel. "The good news for auto travelers this year is that they'll be able to fill up their gas tanks at lower prices."
    Southern Californians' top driving destinations for the holiday weekend, according to a survey of the AAA Travel Agency, are:

    1. Las Vegas
    2. Grand Canyon
    3. Disneyland -- Anaheim
    4. San Diego
    5. San Francisco

    Other top destinations include Hawaii and cruises to Baja Mexico. Cruise ships had offered some deep discounts in October to boost occupancy after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
    Drivers to holiday destinations will save a little money with the lowest gas prices in more than two years. As of 12:01 a.m. today, gas prices in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area are averaging $1.26 a gallon for regular unleaded. The San Diego area average price is $1.43 a gallon, in the Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Lompoc area the average is $1.38 a gallon, and in Bakersfield, it's $1.29 a gallon. In the top Thanksgiving destination, Las Vegas, gas prices as of today are averaging $1.29 a gallon, and in San Francisco, the price average is $1.75 a gallon.
    To make this weekend's trip a pleasant one, the Auto Club recommends:

--	Getting on the road early. Typically, outgoing traffic will be heaviest during Wednesday afternoon and evening. Heavy incoming traffic can be expected Sunday afternoon.
--	Checking your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires, and if traveling to the mountains or a snowy area, bringing along snow tires or chains.
--	Packing plenty of fluids and activities for youngsters for long trips.
--	Planning your route ahead of time and bringing along a map in case you need to choose an alternate route. Motorists can call the California Highway Information Number at 800/427-7623 for interstate and state route lane closures and highway closures. The information is updated hourly.
--	Taking care with your children by properly using safety belts and car seats, and accompanying them into the restroom during travel breaks.
--	Choosing a well-lit, populated area for rest stops when driving at night.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.

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