AAA publishes good news for the travel industry

Despite a difficult economic period, America will see an increased number of travelers over this coming holiday period compared to 2009.

Although gas prices are at incredibly high levels (as much as $3.04 per gallon in some areas), around 92.3 Americans are expected to travel for holiday purposes this year according to a study by AAA. The report shows that travel by car is expected to be up by 3.1%, while air travel is seeing a 2.8% rise.

Another key figure highlighted by the report is that holiday travelers are likely to go 33% further in their trips over the period in comparison to years passed.

Despite the high gas prices, air costs have seen a dip to an average of $174 for the most popular domestic routes. In contrast, hotel rates have risen for the first time since the global recession hit, with prices averaging $125 a night. Business travel has seen the largest increase in hotel rates this year.

The report comes at a time when much of the US and Europe is being dogged by severe snow, and many are warned not to travel unless absolutely essential. Laura Gooch, a supervisor at AAA, has stated that travel companies are lowering their prices as an incentive to get people moving over the holiday season.

She also echoed the call of many breakdown services urging for safe driving practices, especially in areas gripped by ice. “Everyone should have a box with de-icer, a scraper, a help sign, a blanket to keep warm, snacks, and kitty litter to put underneath tires,” Gooch said. “The litter gives tires enough traction to get back on the road.”

Reported by Zeke Lyons.

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