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AAA: Tips on Dealing with Travel Crowds

22 December 1997

AAA: December Travelers Not Typical - More Families; Tips on Dealing with Record-Setting Travel Crowds

    SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 22 -- A healthy portion of late December
travelers will be families, who will help set an all-time holiday travel
record, says AAA of Northern California.
    "More entire families are traveling together for late December than
other holidays," said Mike Caplin, travel operations manager for AAA of
Northern California. "Most travelers are visiting family and friends, or are
vacationing in warmer climates, followed by ski areas."
    Popular driving destinations for Northern Californians include Lake Tahoe,
Las Vegas, Mexico, the central coast, Southern California, and the Napa and
Sonoma valleys.
    Popular flying destinations include Mexico, Hawaii and Las Vegas, said
Caplin.
    Spurred by a strong economy, a record 44.5 million Americans will travel
more than 100 miles from home -- a 10 percent increase from last year. About
78 percent of these travelers will go by automobile, while the rest will
travel by plane, bus, rail and ship, according to a recent AAA survey.
    About 9.1 million western residents -- or 15 percent of the
population -- will drive more than 100 miles from home over the late December
holidays. Lower gas prices will benefit drivers. Prices dropped 4 cents a
gallon in Northern California since mid-November, with a gallon of regular
unleaded self-serve averaging $1.39, according to AAA's monthly survey.

    Tips for auto travelers

    * Schedule meal stops to avoid commute traffic and peak dining times.
    * Before hitting the road, check your vehicle's fluid levels. Make sure
the tires and spare are in good condition and properly inflated.
    * Plan your route. Keep a map handy.
    * Call CalTrans at 800-427-7623 for current road conditions. Carry tire
chains when traveling in mountain areas, as road conditions can change without
notice.
    * Carry emergency items in your car, including a flashlight with fresh
batteries, blankets, jumper cables, and flares or a reflective triangle.
    * For cold-weather driving, carry sand or non-clumping cat litter, an ice
scraper and a small shovel.
    * Make certain everyone is properly secured in a seat belt or child safety
seat. Children under age 12 should always ride in the back seat.
    * Consider traveling with a cellular phone for emergencies.

    Tips for air travelers

    * Wrap gifts at your destination as airport security may want to open
them.
    * Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure to allow more
time for parking, check-in and boarding. For international flights, arrive
three hours before departure.
    * Airport parking lots will be filling quickly, so try arranging for a
ride or take public transportation to the airport.
    * Carry identification for check-in. Call airlines to reconfirm flights at
least 24 to 48 hours in advance, and ask about carry-on baggage limits.

    The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves
nearly four million members with an array of travel, automotive and insurance
services.

SOURCE  AAA