Yahoo! AAA Texas Says Holiday Travel Up -- Gas Prices Down for Independence Day
HOUSTON--July 1, 2002--Lower prices at the pumps mean more people will be traveling this Fourth of July holiday.Nearly 37 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, that's up about one percent from slightly more than 36 million last year.
About 32 million people are expected to drive to their destination, up 1.4 percent from last year. Nearly 4.4 million people are expected to travel by air, down 4.5 percent from last year. An estimated 300,000 travelers plan on taking a train, bus or other form of transportation.
The current statewide average price for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline is $1.32, down 14 cents from last Fourth of July.
The national average price for self-serve regular gasoline is $1.39, that's 14 cents less than last year's average of $1.52.
"This year the Fourth of July holiday falls on a Thursday allowing travelers to take a mini-vacation, which may have some influence on their decision to travel," said Rose Rougeau, spokesperson for AAA Texas.
The following are the top 5 travel destinations for Texans according to a survey of AAA Texas travel agents:
1. Orlando (FL)
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Branson, MO
5. New Orleans, LA
AAA Texas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, has been serving Texans since 1902. Today, more than a million AAA Texas' members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, trip planning services, and traffic safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on AAA Texas' Web site at www.aaa-texas.com.
Note: Daily average prices as of 12:01 a.m., July 1, 2002
AAA Texas Fuel Gauge Report
Average Price of Self-Serve Regular Gasoline
In Selected Texas Cities
Metro State July '02 Year Ago
-------------------------------------------------
Amarillo TX 1.29 1.39
Austin TX 1.27 1.39
Beaumont TX 1.28 1.34
Port Arthur TX 1.28 1.34
Corpus Christi TX 1.28 1.27
Dallas TX 1.35 1.55
El Paso TX 1.34 1.44
Ft. Worth TX 1.34 1.53
Galveston TX 1.33 1.50
Texas City TX 1.33 1.50
Houston TX 1.32 1.50
San Antonio TX 1.26 1.31
Texarkana TX 1.28 1.40
-------------------------------------------------
Average TX 1.32 1.46
(July 2002) (July 2001)
----------- -----------
National Average Price $1.39 $1.52
AAA Texas offers these tips for a safe, enjoyable trip:
-- Plan trip ahead of time:
-- Reserve all accommodations in advance.
-- Select your route ahead of time and study it to know
exactly where you are going.
-- Have vehicle checked by qualified technician.
-- Get plenty of rest before getting on the road.
-- Allow yourself extra travel time -- in case of traffic or
construction.
-- Bring activity books, games and puzzles to keep children
occupied.
-- Bring a first aid kit.
(The contents may include: alcohol prep pads, scissors,
bandages, latex gloves, anti-bacterial cream, and towelettes.)
-- Bring an emergency kit in case of breakdown:
(It may include: a flashlight, jumper cables, tools, work
gloves, emergency help signs/flags, towel, reflectors, and
thermal blanket.)
-- Secure children and adults in proper safety restraints.
Research for Independence Day is based on a national telephone survey of 1,300 American adults conducted by the Travel Industry Association, which does special research for AAA.
