Home  Travel News Record US Travel Expected Over Holidays
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Record US Travel Expected Over Holidays |
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 More Americans will travel this Christmas-New Year's holiday than ever before, according to AAA.
The group estimates that 64.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the holidays, a 2.2% increase from last year's 63.5 million travelers.
"Because hotel rates and air fares have risen only slightly from this time last year, Americans will not hold back when making travel arrangements this holiday season," said AAA Oregon Senior Vice President Beth Van Horn.
Approximately 52.6 million travelers (81% of all holiday travelers) expect to go by motor vehicle, a 2.1% increase from the 51.5 million who drove a year ago.
Another 9 million (nearly 14% of holiday travelers) plan to travel by airplane, up 2.7% from the 8.7 million that flew over the holidays last year. A projected 3.3 million travelers (5%) will go by train, bus, or other mode of transportation, up slightly from a year ago.
According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, Christmas hotel rates are up 4% or AAA-rated Three Diamond hotels, as strong demand allows hoteliers to raise rates. Airfares basically stayed even while rental car rates dropped an average 3% from their prices last Christmas.
Travelers during the New Year holiday also will be rewarded with airfares two percent lower and no increase in hotel rates from last New Year. But rental car rates will be about five percent higher than one year ago.
Small towns and rural areas are the expected destinations for 37.6% of holiday travelers, followed by cities, 35.3%. Oceans and beaches should see 10.1%of travelers, followed by mountain areas, 6.5%; theme/amusement parks, 3.9%. |
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