DENVER, Dec. 19 - Stable prices on gas, airfares and hotel rates will result in more people than ever traveling between the upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holidays, according to AAA Colorado. The motoring and leisure travel organization projects that 64.9 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles away from home, a 2.2 percent increase from last year. Christmas hotel rates have risen only 4 percent compared to last year. Airfares stayed on an even keel from last year, and rental car rates have dropped an average of 3 percent from their prices last Christmas. Gas prices are the same as this time last year, with regular unleaded costing $2.20 per gallon on average in Colorado. Colorado’s prices are currently less expensive than in the majority of the United States. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded is $2.31. Average prices in a few major cities: New York City, $2.51; Chicago, $2.36; Los Angeles, $2.57; Dallas, $2.19; Miami, $2.35. The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Denver is Colorado’s lowest at $2.14. Approximately 52.6 million travelers-2.1 percent higher than a year ago — are expected to go by motor vehicle. This represents 81 percent of all holiday travelers. Another nine million (nearly 14 percent) plan to travel by air, up nearly 3 percent from last year. With more people flying than ever, airports will be more crowded. “There could be more delays than usual,” says AAA Colorado travel services director Sandra Barnes. “Our travel projections show more people flying, which will make airports crowded. Many travelers will be flying for the first time since the new security measures took effect regarding carry-on liquids. We advise travelers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual, to educate themselves on the security measures and to bring snacks or games to keep children occupied in case of long airport delays.” The stabilizing (and in many cases, downturn) of travel prices has led to more travel sales, with AAA Colorado’s travel agency reporting a 4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The top five in-state destinations booked through AAA Colorado between Dec. 23 and Jan 2 are Denver, Durango, Grand Junction, Steamboat Springs and Aspen. Nationwide, small towns and rural areas are the expected destination for 37.6 percent of holiday travelers, followed by cities, 35.3 percent. Oceans and beaches should see 10.1 percent of travelers, followed by mountain areas, 6.5 percent, and theme/amusement parks, 3.9 percent. Sixty six percent of travelers plan to stay with friends or relatives. Research for the Christmas/New Year’s holiday travel forecast is based on a national telephone survey of 2,000 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA. AAA Colorado reaches one in four households in the state and is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its nearly 49 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. ###
Media: Sign up to receive news and updates from AAA. >>>> Click Here |
