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Some Winter Holiday Travelers Seek the Sun

    LOS ANGELES--Dec. 11, 2001--About 4 million Southern Californians and a total of 6.5 million Californians are expected to travel over the Christmas -- New Year's holiday period, with many staying at destinations close to home, according to the Automobile Club of Southern California. This is a six percent decline from the same period last year.

    About 3.4 million Southern Californians, or 83%, are projected to drive to holiday getaways this season. This is a three percent decline from the prior year.

    A national survey conducted for AAA projects that winter holiday travel also will decrease overall by about six percent compared with last year. About 53.7 million Americans plan to take a holiday this weekend compared with 57.1 million last year. Of those traveling this year, about 42.2 million of them are expected to drive to their destinations.

    "While the sagging economy have reduced the overall number of those traveling this season we're also seeing that Southern Californians who use this holiday as a vacation are going to traditional sunny destinations, such as Florida, Mexico and Hawaii," said Timothy Irwin, travel services vice president.

    Even though the overall number of people traveling has declined, the percentage of those driving has increased slightly from 75% to 79%. A steep decline in gasoline prices during the past four months contributed to this trend. Southern California prices are at $1.17 -- the lowest average in more than 38 months.


    The top five driving destinations are close to home for Southern
California travelers:

1)       Las Vegas
2)       San Diego
3)       Central Coast
4)       Palm Springs
5)       Disneyland

    The sun seems to be outshining the snow as a vacation destination
for air travelers, according to an Auto Club survey of its AAA travel
agency, the largest leisure travel agency in the West. The top air
destinations include:

1)       Orlando
2)       Hawaii
3)       Seattle/Portland
4)       Las Vegas
5)       Utah/Colorado



    The Auto Club also recommends the following travel and safety tips:

-- When departing, consider leaving a day earlier. When returning, consider leaving a day later. Avoid "hurrying the holiday" by allowing plenty of travel time. Consider an overnight stay along the way, rather than making the trip an endurance test.
-- Look into alternate routes. Taking a more scenic road, or a route you have not traveled before, can liven up a trip that may have become routine. AAA publishes informative maps, atlases and guidebooks for members and non-members.
-- Plan creative stops along the way. Highway rest stops are convenient, but brief visits to nearby parks, landmarks or small towns can make your trip more memorable. Many of these will be specially decorated for the holidays.
-- Prepare your vehicle in advance of a trip by having the car inspected at a AAA approved repair facility. Have the car "winterized" if you have not done so. Bring a cellular phone in case you need to contact your motor club.
-- Watch the weather report. In snow country, bring warm clothes and a blanket. On long trips, holiday pillows will make passengers more cozy. Leave the wreath at home, however, since mounting objects in front of the radiator can restrict airflow to the vehicle's cooling system.
-- When packing, be careful not to obstruct the driver's view of the road. Gift packages and suitcases are most secure when locked in the trunk. Pack holiday snacks and bring holiday beverages such as hot cider or eggnog. Listening to holiday tapes or compact discs also enhances the trip and helps pass the time.

    The Auto Club advises motorists to plan their routes by calling the California Highway Information Number at 800/427-7623 for interstate and state route lane closures and highway closures. The information is updated hourly.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, highway and transportation safety programs.