Texans Expected to Celebrate the Holidays with Increased Travel, Says AAA Texas

HOUSTON--Dec. 2, 20040, 2004--Nearly 5.1 million Texans will celebrate this Christmas-New Year's holiday period with a vacation or getaway -- a 1.8 percent increase over the number traveling last year, according to AAA Texas.

Of those taking holiday trips of 50 miles or more, nearly 86 percent -- or almost 4.36 million travelers -- will drive to their destinations. That's a 1.5 percent increase compared to 2003, when more than 4.29 million took holiday driving trips.

Almost 465,000 residents statewide are expected to fly to holiday getaways, a 4.2 percent increase over last year's 446,000 air travelers. And nearly 260,000 will take a cruise, bus or train ride to their holiday destination, a 3.2 percent increase over last year.

"The Christmas-New Year's holiday period is the most popular holiday travel period of the year, and nationally, the number of holiday travelers is expected to set an all-time record," said AAA Texas spokeswoman Rose Rougeau. "Across the country, 62.7 million Americans are projected to take holiday trips, a 3 percent increase from last year."

The most popular holiday destinations for Texans, according to a survey of AAA Travel agents, are:

1) Florida, including Disney World

2) Galveston (for cruises)

3) Las Vegas, Nevada

4) New Orleans (as a destination and a cruise port)

5) San Antonio, Texas

Texas gas prices currently average about $1.730, about 30 to 35 cents higher this year compared to a year ago. As the price of crude continues to drop, motorists can expect even lower retail gas prices throughout the year.

With an increased number of leisure travelers on the road in the next two weeks, AAA Texas is warning motorists to take safety precautions. "Drowsy driving is a big danger for long-distance travelers," Rougeau said. "Drivers should make sure they get enough sleep before getting on the road. If you find yourself nodding off, ask someone else to drive or pull over to a safe, lighted area for a nap. And every couple of hours, get out of the car to stretch to reduce fatigue."

AAA Texas, an affiliate of AAA National, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas members benefit from the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, insurance products and services, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.