LAS VEGAS - A sluggish economy and concerns about disposable income have put a slight damper on Thanksgiving travel this year for many Mountain West families, according to the latest travel survey from AAA.
AAA Nevada's travel forecast predicts that more than 3.2 million Mountain West residents plan to travel 50 miles or more this extended, four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents a modest decrease of 0.08 percent when compared to last year's figures.
"Travelers will set aside thoughts of fiscal uncertainty to gather and feast with people who matter most in their lives," said AAA Nevada spokesperson Cynthia Harris. "While travel projections are lower than last Thanksgiving in 2012, this year's travel forecast is still well above the 2008-2009 levels when the recession caused a drop in travel of more than 25 percent."
According to AAA, more than 2.8 million Mountain West residents are projected to travel by motor vehicle during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents a 0.9 percent decrease when compared to last year's figures.
AAA projects that more than 200,000 holiday travelers will fly, which is a decrease of 3.8 percent when compared to 2012. Approximately 220,000 Mountain West residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents an increase of 4.2 percent when compared to last year's figures.
Nationally, AAA forecasts that more than 43 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day weekend. This represents a 1.5 percent decrease compared to last year's travel statistics.
An average Mountain West family of four is projected to spend an average of $681 over the holiday weekend. Families who travel by car are likely to drive an average of 762 miles over the four-day holiday weekend. AAA's Leisure Travel Index reveals that prices at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are down about one percent from a year ago, with an average price of $143 per night. AAA Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be one percent higher, with an average room costing $104 per night.
This Thanksgiving weekend, those traveling by air will find airfares comparable to last year, according to the AAA Leisure Travel Index. The average lowest round-trip price is projected to be $187 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Car rental rates will average $50 for the holiday weekend, compared to $47 last year.
For Mountain West families, the expected primary activities this holiday weekend will be dining, shopping and visiting family and friends, followed by nightlife activities.
Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies. AAA reminds motorists to be cautious while driving in adverse weather.
AAA Tips for
Long-Distance Winter Trips
• Watch weather reports prior to a long-distance drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected.
• Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
• Pack a cellphone programmed with your local AAA's telephone number along with your AAA card, plus blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Don't over exert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
AAA money saving tips for Thanksgiving air travelers
• Book your flight any day except a Tuesday or Sunday. This will save you up to $170 on average. Tuesday before Thanksgiving is the most popular day to fly and the airlines know it.
• Travel on Thanksgiving Day and return the following Tuesday for the cheapest fares.
• Plan ahead. The longer you wait, the higher the price as flights become booked. Surcharges increase from $10 to $30 dollars extra on peak travel days.
• Grab the deal. Don't wait before others start booking flights and airlines shift their pricing to match booking trends.
AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA earlier this year as part of an agreement to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.
AAA Travel is the nation's largest leisure travel organization. AAA Travel offers trips, cruises, tours, and vacation packages throughout the world. Call (888) 937-5523 for more information or visit us at your local AAA Travel office or online at www.aaa.com/travel.
AAA Nevada offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance, DMV, financial services and consumer discounts to more than 365,000 members. AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers since it was founded more than 100 years ago.[[In-content Ad]]
