IRVING, TX--(Marketwire - December 20, 2007) - AAA Texas is projecting that nearly 5.2 million Texans will travel to year-end holiday destinations in the coming days -- a 1 percent increase in number of travelers who took trips over the Christmas-New Year's holiday last year.
More than 86 percent of Texas travelers, or nearly 4.5 million people, will go by car to their holiday getaways -- an increase of 1.1 percent compared to 2006. Another 446,000 will fly to their destinations, which is an increase of 0.6 percent over last year. And nearly 260,000 Texans will ride a bus, train, or cruise ship on their holiday trip, which is about the same number as last year. The travel projections estimate all leisure travel trips of 50 miles or more from home.
AAA projects that 65.2 million Americans will travel over the Christmas-New Year's holiday, an increase of less than one percent compared to last year. About 53 million travelers nationwide are expected to drive to their destinations, while 8.9 million are projected to fly to their getaways.
"Travel budgets this year will have to account for higher gas prices -- which are about 60 to 70 cents a gallon higher than one year ago -- and also increased airfares, which are about 16 percent higher than in 2006," said AAA Texas spokesperson Rose Rougeau. "But even with those increases, we are seeing a slightly greater number of travelers this year than we did last year."
According to a survey of AAA Travel agents, the top driving and cruise destinations for Texans are:
1) Orlando 2) Colorado 3) San Antonio 4) Northeast U.S. cities 5) California
AAA Texas recommends that automobile travelers keep the following tips in mind:
-- Travel during off-peak times to avoid congestion.
-- Check your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires, and if
traveling to the mountains or a snowy area, bring along snow tires or
chains.
-- Pack plenty of fluids and activities for youngsters for long trips.
-- Plan your route ahead of time and bring along a map in case you need
to choose an alternate route.
-- Take care with children by properly using safety belts and car seats,
and accompanying them into the restroom during travel breaks.
-- Choose a well-lit, populated area for rest stops when driving at
night.
Contact Information: Contact: Rose Rougeau (713) 284-6552