Near-Record Amount of Northern Californians Expected to Hit the Roads During December Holidays, Says AAA
19 December 2000
Near-Record Amount of Northern Californians Expected to Hit the Roads During December Holidays, Says AAA
SAN FRANCISCO--Dec. 19, 2000--Over the next two weeks, more than 7.3 million Californians will travel more than 100 miles from home to holiday destinations, according to AAA of Northern California.One in five Californians will travel, with 74 percent going by automobile and the rest traveling by air, train or bus.
"While millions of people plan vacations during December, our roads and highways tend to be less congested than during other holidays, because this travel period is more spread out," said AAA spokesman Atle Erlingsson.
AAA Travel Agency counselors say this year's December holiday hot-spots are:
1. Hawaii - sold out 4. Las Vegas 2. Mexico - sold out 5. Lake Tahoe 3. Carribbean 6. Disneyland
Airline flights to Hawaii and Mexico are essentially sold out, but if your travel dates are flexible, certain flights are still available.
According the AAA's nationwide travel survey, 60.6 million Americans are expected to travel sometime over Christmas and New Year's, a 4 percent increase over last year's 58.3 million. The record for December travelers was set in 1998, when 62.6 million Americans took long-distance trips.
This year, approximately 58 percent plan to stay with a friend or relative, while 26 percent have reservations at a hotel or motel. Other lodging plans include: cabin/condo, 6 percent; no overnight stay, 6 percent, camper/trailer/RV/tent, 2 percent; boat/ship, 1 percent; bed and breakfast, 1 percent.
AAA's daily gas survey shows the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded, self-serve gas today is as follows: California, $1.70; San Francisco, $1.94; Oakland, $1.83; San Jose, $1.86; Sacramento, $1.76.
Tips for Motorists:
| -- | Stop every two hours or 100 miles of travel to stretch your legs and take a quick break. |
| -- | Dress children comfortably, and bring small pillows and blankets for naps. |
| -- | Bring soft toys or games appropriate for auto travel. |
| -- | Bring plenty of bottled water, snacks and juices. |
| -- | Carry emergency items including a flashlight, jumper cables and a reflective triangle. |
| -- | Consider bringing a cellular phone for emergencies. |
| -- | Remember, plan your trip ahead and always keep a map handy. |
-- IMPORTANT - Wrap holiday packages at your destination. Airport
security are allowed to open and inspect wrapped items.
-- Call ahead to see if your flight is delayed, especially for
passengers heading to the East Coast. Inclement weather can
easily delay and/or cancel several flights.
-- Inquire about the airline's carry-on baggage limits when
calling to confirm a flight.
Established 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves four million members and is the second-largest affiliate of the national AAA organization.