AAA Advises Travelers Heading for Spring Break

DEARBORN, Mich., April 4 -- As Michiganians head out on spring break, traffic will be brisk at both airports and freeways today through Sunday, April 15, AAA Michigan reports.

Just in time to assist spring travelers, AAA's Internet TripTik(R) travel planner, located at AAAmaps.com, links the auto club's best-in-class mapping tool to anyone free of charge. Travelers can now plan their driving route, obtain road condition information, find hotels and areas of interest and determine how much they will pay for gas along the way. Those flying can use the easy-to-navigate tool to get regional maps of their destination and quickly research hotels, restaurants and other points of interest they would like to visit.

Michigan travelers' Top 3 driving destinations this spring (based on AAA TripTik(R) requests) are: 1) Orlando, Fla., 2) Chicago, Il. and 3) Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The top 3 destinations by air: 1) Orlando, Fla., 2) Cancun, Mexico, and 3) Las Vegas, Nevada.

Michigan gas prices this spring are expected to be slightly higher than during last year's holiday period. Motorists statewide will pay about $2.68 per gallon (as of April 2) for regular fuel, up 4.9 cents from last year.

AAA Michigan advises air travelers to anticipate heightened security at airports and allow extra time for check-in. At Detroit Metro Airport, travelers can call the airport 24-hour parking hotline (800) 642-1978 to determine parking status or visit the Detroit Metro Airport Web site at www.metroairport.com.

U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. For more information and safety tips, passengers can check http://travel.state.gov/ and http://www.tsa.gov/ .

Due to increased numbers of travelers driving, heavier traffic volumes can be expected on major arteries heading south, including I-75, US-23, US-27, US- 131 and I-69. Heaviest travel days will be Friday (April 6) and Sunday, April 15.

To ensure highway safety, AAA Michigan advises motorists and passengers to buckle up, with children properly secured in age-appropriate child safety seats or booster seats. Avoid alcohol, take frequent breaks and stay alert at the wheel.