AAA Texas: Christmas - New Year's Holiday Travel Up Slightly

IRVING, Texas--Dec. 21, 2005--Holiday travel for the Christmas - New Year's holidays will mean busy roadways and crowded airports. Travel for the holiday season is expected to be up slightly compared to the previous year, according to AAA Texas.

Overall, almost 5.1 million Texans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, up 1.4 percent from last year.

Of those, almost 4.39 million will be driving to their destinations, compared to 4.32 million last year - an increase of 1.6 percent. Air travel is about the same as a year ago - 450,000 are expected to fly compared to 451,000 who flew last year. A projected 254,000 Texans will travel by train, bus or some other mode of transportation, compared to 251,000 vacationers last year - an increase of 1.4 percent.

"Most Texans traveling will drive to see family and friends this Christmas-New Year's holiday," said Rose Rougeau with AAA Texas. "This long winter break that includes two weeks for many families will provide travelers the opportunity to take a true vacation."

According to an AAA Texas travel survey, the most popular destinations for Texans this holiday season are:

2005

1.) Orlando, Florida

2) Las Vegas, Nevada

3) New York City, New York

4) Branson, Missouri

5) Los Angeles, California

Texans planning on hitting the road this holiday season will see higher prices at the pump than what they saw a year ago, according to AAA Texas.

AAA's pre-holiday Fuel Gauge Report shows the statewide average price for a gallon of self-serve regular is $2.15 - 40 cents more than last year's average, but 80 cents less than what Texans paid during Labor Day when prices set new records.

AAA Texas Offers These Tips for Travelers:

-- Get plenty of rest before hitting the road.

-- Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.

-- Make sure vehicle is properly maintained.

-- Determine route ahead of time.

-- Reserve all accommodations.

-- Secure children and adults in safety seats or seat belts as required by law.

-- To help children enjoy the drive -- pack special snacks and favorite toys that are appropriate for in-vehicle use.

(Air Travel)

-- Arrive 2 hours before departure time.

-- Keep valuables, medication and important items with you - just in case your bags are lost.

-- Tag your luggage with proper identification.

-- Have photo ID, such as a driver's license.

-- If flying international, get an International Driving Permit offered at AAA Texas district offices.

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, insurance and financial products, travel agency, 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.