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Go South Young Person!

21 December 1998

Holiday Travelers Seeking Warmer Climates, Says AAA; AAA Projects the Greatest Number of Holiday Travelers Ever


    SAN FRANCISCO--Dec. 21, 1998--Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen aren't the only ones headed south this week.
    Northern Californians are flocking to warm spots to help make this the busiest holiday travel period on record, AAA reported today.
    "The most popular driving destinations for heat-seeking Northern Californians are Southern California, Mexico and Arizona," said AAA spokesman Paul Moreno. "But opposite climates attract, too. Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas are also top choices."
    Popular spots for those flying are Hawaii, Las Vegas, Florida and Colorado.
    A record 45.2 million people -- about one in six Americans -- will travel at least 100 miles from home over Christmas and New Year's, making this the busiest holiday travel period ever, according to AAA's survey. This is 2 percent jump over last year.
    Auto travel is the most popular form of transport, with 35.5 million Americans driving, and 9.7 million traveling by airplane, train or bus.
    Christmas-New Year's is also the fastest growing holiday travel period, having jumped 66 percent since 1990, according to AAA. That compares to 35 percent growth for Thanksgiving and 46 percent for the three major summer holidays, AAA reported.
Tips for Auto Travelers

--   Take a break for every two hours or 100 miles of driving.

--   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. Bring a cellular phone if you
     have one.

--   When traveling in snowy areas, call CalTrans at 800/427-7623 for
     current road conditions. Keep your fuel tank at least half full
     in case of delays or detours. Carry tire chains, an ice scraper
     and a small shovel.

--   Carry emergency items in your car, including a flashlight with
     fresh batteries, blankets, jumper cables, and flares or a
     reflective triangle.

--   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.

Tips for Air Travelers

--   Wrap gifts at your destination as airport security may want to
     open them.

--   Due to increased security, arrive at the airport at least two
     hours before departure. For international flights, arrive two and
     a half hours before departure.

--   Be aware that you can lose your seat if you fail to check in at
     least 20 minutes before departure, even if the plane hasn't
     finished boarding.

--   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, which may have changed.

--   Airport parking lots will be filling quickly, so try arranging
     for a ride or take public transportation to the airport.



    Established nearly 100 years ago, the AAA affiliate of Northern California, Nevada and Utah offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.