NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Californians have been hit hard this year with ongoing high fuel prices, unemployment concerns and a sluggish economy, and AAA’s July 4 travel forecast survey reveals that these factors have helped to cause a decrease in overall travel plans for this upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend.
According to AAA, during the upcoming July 4 celebration holiday weekend more than 4.6 million Californians are projected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes. This represents a 2.3 percent decrease compared to last year.
“Travelers are definitely feeling the budgetary squeeze this year,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “Although some Californians may be postponing their travel plans, many others are bucking the economic headwinds by opting for shorter vacations and by cutting back on travel expenditures in order to afford a weekend getaway.”
July 4 marks one of the busiest national holidays. This year, AAA projects more than 3.6 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. That’s a 2.9 percent decrease when compared to 2010.
Air travel will increase by 1.7 percent, with more than 541,000 Californians expected to take to the skies to reach their holiday destinations.
More than 430,000 state residents plan to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, buses and watercraft. This represents a decrease of 2.6 percent when compared to travel figures from last year.
Nationally, AAA forecasts just over 39 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the 4th of July holiday weekend, representing a 2.5 percent decrease compared to last year.
Independence Day holiday weekend airfares are expected to increase by 11 percent, with the lowest round-trip rate averaging $213 per ticket, to top 40 U.S. air routes, according to AAA Leisure Travel Index.
Hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are increasing by 3 percent this year, when compared to 2010. They’re averaging $147 per night.
Weekend car rentals also are forecast to increase by three percent, to an average weekend rate of $56. A West Coast family of four is expected to spend an average of $782 over the weekend, while the average road trip will cover 602 miles.
According to AAA’s survey, the primary leisure activities for Californians celebrating the nation’s birthday will be dining, visiting family and friends, traveling to the beaches and waterfront areas, shopping, and sightseeing. Approximately 30 percent of California residents said they will be traveling with family members.
As part of AAA’s ongoing commitment to providing safety and protection to motorists, the AAA Tipsy Tow Program will offer a free tow for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on July 4, until 6 a.m. on July 5, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah.
Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to ten miles. “Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow’, and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”
AAA tips to avoid air travel delays
Avoid unnecessary frustration while flying, by following these defensive measures:
Avoid delay-prone flights. Before you book, make sure you’re on a flight that has a decent arrival history.
Know your airline. Avoid airlines that are known for labor disruptions or major instances where flights have been canceled.
Book a nonstop. If you fly direct, you won’t get stuck in a connecting city.
Fly mornings. Whenever possible, book the first flight of the day. Delays tend to worsen later in the day.
Leave enough time for connections. Schedule at least one hour for a connection. Give yourself more time if you have to change planes and go through security again.
Use small airports. Avoid airline hubs whenever possible. Secondary airports are usually less congested and less prone to delays.
