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Record Memorial Day Travel Launches Busy Summer, says AAA

25 May 1999

Record Memorial Day Travel Launches Busy Summer, says AAA; Strong Economy Spurs 4 Million Californians into Trips this Weekend

    SAN FRANCISCO--May 24, 1999--Northern Californians will be traveling in record numbers this Memorial Day weekend, with theme parks, sandy beaches and high mountains as their top destinations.
    Undeterred by higher gas prices, a record 33.3 million Americans are expected to travel this Memorial Day weekend - up 4 percent from last year. About 4 million Californians - or 12 percent of the state's population - are expected to venture at least 100 miles from home this holiday weekend, according to a recent survey by AAA.
    "Memorial Day weekend is the start of a sizzling summer for travel," said Scharlene Murray of AAA Worldwide Travel. "Auto travel leads the way with 3.4 million Californians taking to the road, with the rest going by air, train, bus and ship."
    The most popular destinations for Northern Californians taking auto trips are Southern California theme parks, Monterey, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and Las Vegas, says to AAA. The Napa and Sonoma valleys and central coast are also big draws.
    Northern Californians going by air are mostly headed to Southern California, with Las Vegas, Hawaii and Mexico also popular spots, according to AAA Worldwide Travel.

Summer Travel Forecast

    "Momentum for summer travel has been building every year for three years," said Murray. "The ever-popular family travel is the fastest growing segment of the travel industry. There is also a growing trend for mature adults to take longer trips, and we see more activity among younger adults who have not yet started families."
    On average, travelers plan to spend $956 on their longest pleasure or vacation trip this summer, which is down slightly from last summer's spending plans, found a survey by AAA and the Travel Industry Association of America. For the longest summer vacation trip, Americans plan to spend 8.5 nights away from home, which is up from last summer's intended trip duration.
    Nationally, average costs for lodging and meals are up slightly from last year, according to a AAA survey of hotels, motels and family restaurants. A family of two adults and two children can expect to pay $110 per day for lodging and $103 for meals per day. The total of $213 per day is up $3 from last year's average.
    For California, the daily cost is higher at $125 for lodging and $133 for meals, totaling $258. This is $4 less than last year's sum.

Tips for Saving Money on a Vacation

    -- Use AAA member discounts for hotels, motels, attractions, rental cars and Amtrak.

    -- Book accommodations in advance for best selection, rate and availability.

    -- Lodge in outlying areas, away from popular tourist and business destinations.

    -- Have a picnic. Eat your main meals at lunch to take advantage of lower menu prices.

    -- Check your car's fluid levels and tire pressure, and make sure it is well-tuned before taking a long road trip. This will help prevent the expense and inconvenience of a breakdown, and will improve fuel efficiency.

    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, insurance, worldwide travel and financial services. The California State Automobile Association services nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.