Christmas/New Year Will Be Biggest Holiday Travel Season for Southern California since 9/11, Says LA Auto Club

LOS ANGELES--Dec. 2, 20032, 2003--The Automobile Club of Southern California is predicting a 4.7 percent increase over last year in the number of local residents traveling to holiday destinations -- the biggest one-year increase in travel for any holiday since 9/11.

Nearly 5.2 million Southern Californians are expected to drive, fly, ride or cruise on a trip at least 50 miles from home during the Christmas-New Year's holiday, compared to 4.9 million who took holiday trips last year.

Of those, 4.1 million local residents will drive, 800,000 will fly, and 250,000 will take a bus, train or ship to a holiday getaway.

"The period around Christmas and New Year's Day has always been the most popular holiday season for travel, and this year's expected strong increase in Christmas travel reflects increased confidence about the economy and travelers' sense of safety," said Carol Thorp, Auto Club spokesperson.

Statewide, 8.3 million holiday travelers are projected over the coming holiday, also a 4.7 percent increase. And 59.6 million Americans are expected to take holiday trips -- a 2.4 percent increase from last year.

According to a survey by AAA Travel, the most popular destinations for Southern Californians over this holiday will be:

1. Las Vegas

2. San Diego

3. Grand Canyon

4. Eastern Sierras (ski resorts)

5. San Francisco

The most popular flying destinations for Auto Club members are Hawaii and Mexico.

Gasoline prices are 10 to 20 cents higher on average than they were at this time last year, but have been dropping slowly in recent weeks. The statewide average price for regular unleaded gas is about $1.66 a gallon, and last year it was $1.57. In the Los Angeles/Long Beach area, the average price is also $1.66, compared to $1.53 a year ago.

The Auto Club 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. Motorists can call the California Highway Information Number at 800-427-7623 for interstate and state route lane closures and highway closures. The information is updated hourly.

-- 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. Avoid drowsy driving, which can be as dangerous as drunk driving, by getting at least five hours of sleep before a long road trip, and by taking rest breaks.