More Southern California Travelers Will Flock to Vehicle-Close Destinations This Memorial Day Weekend
LOS ANGELES--May 20, 2002--The trips may be closer to home and less expensive, but more Southern Californians are expected to make weekend getaways over this Memorial Day holiday than they did a year ago, sounding an optimistic note for leisure travel recovery, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California.An estimated 4.8 million Californians -- 2.99 million of them from Southern California -- are projected to drive, fly, sail or ride to holiday destinations this weekend. That's a predicted 1.4 percent increase over last year, despite a decrease of almost 5 percent in the number of California travelers flying to their destinations.
"A three-day weekend such as this one typically includes a high percentage of driving vacations and this Memorial Day we're expecting about 2.4 million Southern Californians to drive to their destinations," said Auto Club spokesperson Carol Thorp.
More than 11 percent of state residents are expected to take car trips at least 50 miles from home this weekend, representing about 81 percent of the total Memorial Day weekend travelers.
This year's gas prices will provide some cost savings to auto travelers compared with last year. The average Southern California price for regular unleaded is hovering at $1.61, 39 cents less than last year's record-breaking $2 level.
The Auto Club's AAA Travel survey of top Memorial Day weekend getaway destinations is a reflection of travelers' desire to stay close to home. The top travel spots for Southern Californians are:
1) Las Vegas 2) San Francisco 3) San Diego 4) Santa Barbara 5) Yosemite National Park (central California)
With so many auto travelers expected on the road this weekend, the Auto Club recommends the following tips to motorists:
| -- | Travel during off-peak times to avoid congestion. |
| -- | Check your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires. |
| -- | Pack plenty of fluids and activities for youngsters for long trips. |
| -- | Plan your route ahead of time and bring 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. |
| -- | Take care with children by properly using safety belts and car seats, and accompanying them into the restroom during travel breaks. |
| -- | Choose 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.
