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Despite High Gas Prices, Labor Day Travel Expected to be Up 5%

30 August 2000

Despite High Gas Prices, Labor Day Travel Expected to be Up 5%, Says AAA

    SAN FRANCISCO--Aug. 29, 2000--As the summer travel season winds down, the West Coast's most popular destinations are gearing up for thousands of Northern Californian vacationers this Labor Day weekend, AAA of Northern California reported today.
    According to AAA's annual travel survey, approximately 4.2 million Californians will travel more than 100 miles from home this weekend. Nationwide, AAA estimates 33.7 million Americans will travel Labor Day, up 5 percent from last year.
    "While this is not a record-setting year, it's apparent that elevated gas prices and record-high flight delays aren't putting a damper on travelers' spirits," said AAA spokesman Bob Brown.
    The West Coast's most popular vacation spots include Las Vegas, Reno and Southern California. The only problem -- last-minute travelers will have trouble finding flights and places to stay.
    "Las Vegas, Reno and San Diego are essentially sold-out. If you don't already have plans for those cities, you may want to think about going elsewhere," said Scharlene Murray, director of AAA Travel Sales and Services.
    Other popular destinations include the Napa/Sonoma wine country, Monterey and the cooler, coastal areas of California.
    AAA's latest travel survey also estimates nearly 900,000 people will fly through San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose International airports this weekend.
    Approximately 84 percent plan to travel by automobile, nearly 6 percent higher than last year. Holiday travel by air, bus, rail or ship is expected to account for the other 14 percent.
    Of those spending at least one night at their destination, 46 percent plan to stay at a hotel or motel while 26 percent will be staying with a friend or relative.
    Other overnight plans include: camper/trailer/RV/tent, 14 percent; cabin or condo, 8 percent; bed and breakfast inn, 1 percent. Another 4 percent had not made overnight plans while 1 percent hadn't decided.
    According to AAA's monthly gas survey, the average price for a gallon of regular, unleaded, self-serve gas in California today is $1.73, up 18 cents from last Labor Day weekend.
    "Even though gas prices are high, the booming economy is not preventing people from filling their tanks," added Brown. "And as more people head for the road there's more potential for problems, so it's important to be extra cautious this weekend."
    AAA offers motorists the following travel tips as they plan their vacation.

Tips for Auto Travelers:

    --  Plan your route beforehand and always keep a map handy. 

    --  Drink plenty of fluids and bring drinking water when driving
        in remote areas.

    --  To avoid fatigue, take a 15-minute break every two hours or
        100 miles of driving.

    --  Check your vehicle's fluid levels before hitting the road.
        Make sure the tires and spare are in good condition and are
        properly inflated.

    --  Carry emergency items in the car, including a flashlight with
        fresh batteries, jumper cables, and a reflective triangle.

    --  Consider bringing a cellular phone for emergencies.

    --  Dress children comfortably. Bring pillows, toys and favorite
        tapes or CDs. A recorded story or sing-along music works well
        too.