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Labor Day Travelers Seeking Cooler Climates, says AAA

31 August 1999

Labor Day Travelers Seeking Cooler Climates, says AAA; Northern Californians Hit the Beaches to Avoid Heat, Fires

    SAN FRANCISCO--Aug. 31, 1999--Labor Day travelers will escape high temperatures by enjoying cool ocean breezes as they stroll on beaches and boardwalks, AAA reported today.
    About 4.3 million Californians -- or one in eight -- are expected to travel at least 100 miles from home this holiday weekend, according to AAA.
    "Heat-weary Northern Californians are heading to milder climates, making coastal areas the most popular destination for Labor Day weekend," said AAA spokesman Paul Moreno. "High temperatures and wild land fires appear to be dampening enthusiasm for the mountains - typically a top draw for a summer's end getaway."
    Nationwide, an estimated 34.8 million Americans will travel over Labor Day, making this the second busiest Labor Day weekend on record, according to a survey of 1,500 Americans conducted for AAA. This is 2 percent more than last year.
    The busiest Labor Day weekend for travel on record was in 1997, with 34.9 million travelers. Thanks to a strong economy, summer travel has been busy, even though gasoline prices in Northern
    California hit record highs this year, Moreno said.
    All of California's coastal areas are expecting crowds of visitors, who will wander the boardwalks of Monterey, ride San Francisco cable cars and hike the rugged coastline of Mendocino, according to AAA touring counselors.
    "While Lake Tahoe, Yosemite and mountain campgrounds will continue to draw crowds, the interest just isn't as strong this holiday," said Moreno. "Those taking extended vacations are even heading for coastal areas of Oregon, Washington and British Columbia. The only hot-climate destination that is popular is Las Vegas."
    About 84 percent of the Labor Day travelers will be going by automobile, light truck or recreational vehicle. The rest will go by plane, bus, train or ship, according to AAA's survey.
    Of those staying overnight at their destination, 47 percent will lodge in a hotel or motel, while 25 percent will stay with friends or family. About 8 percent will camp, and 8 percent will stay in a cabin or condo. One percent will stay aboard a boat or ship and another 1 percent will stay in a bed and breakfast inn. Two percent have other overnight plans, and 8 percent are undecided.

     Tips for Auto Travelers

--   Plan your route and keep a map handy.

--   Drink plenty of fluids and bring drinking water.

--   Take a break every two hours or 100 miles of driving to avoid
     fatigue.

--   Check your vehicle's fluid levels before hitting the road. Make
     sure the tires and spare are in good condition and are properly
     inflated.

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

--  Consider traveling with a cellular phone for emergencies.

--   Dress children comfortably. Bring pillows, soft toys and favorite
     tapes or CDs. A recorded story can help pass the time on a long
     trip.

    Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. The California State Automobile Association serves nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.

    NOTE TO TV: To arrange an interview with a AAA representative in your area, call 415/565-7869.