AAA Predicts Fuel Prices Down and Holiday Travel Up, and AAA's Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips

BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 18, 2003 -- Holiday Fuel Prices

The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington is 1.544 per gallon, down six cents since one month ago, and in Idaho is 1.607 per gallon, down nearly 4 cents in the same period. The national average price of self-serve regular unleaded is 1.471 per gallon.

Holiday Travel Predictions

AAA estimates that 59.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season, up 2.4 percent from the 58.2 million who traveled last year. Approximately 48.5 million travelers (up two and one-half percent) are expected to travel by motor vehicle, and another 8.3 million travelers (up two percent) plan to go by airplane.

                     AAA's Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips
   10.  Carry your valuables (jewelry, medications), do not check these
        items.
   9.   Confirm all reservations before you leave home.
   8.   Auto travelers should pack an emergency driving kit.
   7.   Know your airline's baggage etiquette -- weight limits, number
        limits, etc.
   6.   Secure your home -- make your house appear lived-in.
   5.   Get a ride -- airports, bus terminals and train depots will be
        crowded -- saves time and money.
   4.   At the airport, have photo identification and your boarding passes
        in hand.
   3.   Prepare your car for winter driving conditions.
   2.   Know what to do if your vehicle breaks down or you're in a fender
        bender.
   1.   Expect lines and prepare for delays -- pack your patience.

A more complete list of holiday travel tips is available at aaa.com, enter your zip code and click on "holiday travel tips" in the left-hand column.

                            Sample Fuel Prices
     City                          Holidays     Thanksgiving    Holidays
                                      2003          2003           2002
   Washington

   Bellingham                        1.565          1.629         1.362
   Bremerton                         1.522          1.589         1.309
   Olympia                           1.526          1.592         1.229
   Seattle-Bellevue-Everett          1.532          1.610         1.392
   Spokane                           1.558          1.587         1.367
   Tacoma                            1.476          1.544         1.296
   Tri-Cities                        1.527          1.627         1.449
   Vancouver                         1.478          1.561         1.306
   Walla Walla                       1.690          1.690           N/A
   Wenatchee                           N/A          1.627         1.404
   Yakima                            1.569          1.630         1.364

   Idaho

   Coeur d'Alene                     1.622          1.649         1.482
   Lewiston                          1.490          1.560           N/A

   AAA Washington/Inland provides over 831,000 members in Washington and
   northern Idaho a full range of products and benefit.  More information
   about AAA is available on the company's website at www.aaa.com.