The AAA survey finds just over 4.5 million Californians plan to travel 50 miles or more from home. “This is a 1.5 percent increase from overall travel," says AAA's Cynthia Harris, "which includes air, road travel, and other modes of transportation such as: watercraft, motorcycle and trains.”
"This is definitely a trend that we have been seeing for the past several years," says Harris. "And this just shows that consumers really are showing more confidence in the economy and they're more likely now to go out and spend a little extra money on their travel expenditures."
A breakdown of the figures shows a two percent increase in the number of people driving while air travel and “other modes” remain flat from last year. Meanwhile, if you’re staying at a hotel, you’ll probably see higher rates.
“Hotel rates," says Harris, "are increasing by nine percent this year, so an average room for a AAA Three Diamond lodging is going to be about $178 per night.”
“This also shows that we have an increase in road travel, two percent from last year which is good," says Harris. "Over 3.7 million Californians are expected to be driving and that is always the most preferred way of transportation.”
Most preferred Harris says because driving is more convenient and less expensive than flying. Harris says gas prices have stabilized in the past month. The average price in California is now $4.14, about the same as last month. Harris says barring any unforeseen event, gas prices should hold steady through the holiday weekend.
The survey also finds weekend car rentals rates are expected to be around $58 a day, which is the same as last year.
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