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AAA Texas: 8.1 Million Texans Will Travel During the Year-End Holidays, Most Since 2009

Travel
Christmas tree car ornament
Photo courtesy of Grotos/Flickr Creative Commons

(Irving, TX) –  AAA Texas forecasts 8.1 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Year-End Holidays, the highest volume for the holiday since 2009 and a 4.1 percent increase compared to 2013.

 

The Year End Holiday travel period is defined as Tuesday, December 23, 2014 through Sunday, January 4, 2015. This 13-day period is one day longer than in 2013 and two days longer than the 11-day periods seen in 2010 to 2012.  Across the nation AAA Travel forecasts 98.6 million Americans will take a trip for the Year-End Holidays which is a 4 percent increase over last year.

 

“More people will be traveling to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before,” said AAA Texas Vice President Branch Operations, Rhonda Wilson.  “Travel is expected to be higher for the upcoming holidays like it was during Thanksgiving weekend because it seems more people are more optimistic about the economy which is helping to drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have seen for this time of year,” said Wilson.  “AAA Texas travel agents are always available to provide travel planning assistance to help families maximize their budget and make the most out of the time spent at their holiday destinations.”

 

Automobile travel will continue to be the primary mode of transportation during this travel period as with other major holidays because it is the most economical for people.  All modes of transportation will see an increase this year compared to last year.

 

Texas

 

 

Total Travel Volume

8.1 million

Up 4.1%

Automobile

7.5 million

Up 4.2%

Air Travel

363,000

Up 2.5%

Other Travel (Trains, Buses, Cruise Ships)

253,000

Up 2.9%

 

 

 

National

 

 

Total Travel Volume

98.6 million

Up 4.0%

Automobile

89.5 million

Up 4.2%

Air Travel

5.7 million

Up 1.0%

Other Travel (Trains, Buses, Cruise Ships)

3.3 million

Up 3.0%

 

 

 

 

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans

 

A majority of holiday travelers, 91 percent, will drive to their destination nationwide. The national price of gasoline is in the $2.55 per gallon range which is nearly 70 cents lower than this same time one year ago. Last year it cost travelers across the nation an average of $45 to fill-up a 14-gallon fuel tank which is the size for an average family vehicle. This year it will cost about $36 to fill a 14-gallon gas tank, a savings of $9 per fill-up compared to last year, and, is a significant savings for most traveling families.

 

AAA offers travel planning resources

 

AAA’s digital tools for travel planning on the go include the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

 

On AAA.com, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using the TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.  AAA’s collection of downloadable eTourBook guides for tablets and smartphones is available free to members at AAA.com/ebooks.

 

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 54 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

 

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AAA Texas is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the state of Texas (with the exception of Texarkana).