AAA Texas Predicts Increase in Memorial Day Travel
HOUSTON--May 21, 2000--AAA Texas predicts more people will be traveling this Memorial Day holiday despite a decline in air travel.AAA estimates that 35.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, up 1 percent from last year's 34.9 million.
Nearly 29.3 million travelers expect to go by motor vehicle, a 2 percent increase from the 28.7 million who drove last year. Another 4.1 million people plan to travel by airplane, down more than 7 percent from the 4.4 million who traveled by airplane last Memorial day.
A projected 1.8 million vacationers will go by train, bus or other mode of transportation, the same total as a year ago.
"Travel has been on a gradual rebound since September 11th," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas. "Vehicle travel is the most popular form of travel over the Memorial Day holiday, and lower gas prices are an incentive for taking a trip."
The AAA Texas pre-holiday Fuel Gauge Report shows the current Texas statewide average price of a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded is $1.33, compared to a $1.57 a year ago. The national average is a $1.40, that is a decrease of more than 30 cents since last year when the price of gasoline was a $1.72 nationwide.
AAA Texas offers these precautionary tips for travelers:
| -- | Get plenty of rest before getting on the road. |
| -- | Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination |
| -- | Have your car checked by an auto technician before leaving on a trip. |
| -- | Select your route on a map ahead of time and study it to know exactly where you are going. |
| -- | Reserve all accommodations in advance. |
| -- | Secure children and adults in safety seats or seat belts as required by law. |
| -- | To help children enjoy the drive more, pack special snacks and favorite toys that are appropriate for in-vehicle use. |
AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. AAA Texas offers its members a full-service travel agency, auto-related and financial services, as well as public safety programs and legislative advocacy.
