AAA forecasts that more than one-third of Americans and more than three-in-10 Georgians will travel this holiday season. The record-breaking 112.5 million travelers taking to the nation’s runways, roads and rails for the year-end holidays is the most since AAA has been tracking holiday travel. That represents a 4.4 percent increase over last year nationwide and a 4.2 percent increase in travelers from Georgia.
“’Tis the season for holiday travel, and a record-breaking number of Georgians plan to travel this year,” said Garrett Townsend, GA Public Affairs Director, AAA - The Auto Club Group. “Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for seasonal travel.”
More Americans will travel by car this holiday season than ever before. The 102.1 million people expected to pack up their cars for road trips is 4.4 percent higher than last year. It is the most since AAA began tracking holiday travel in 2001.
The 6.7 million people who will travel by air this year is the highest level in 15 years and is 4.2 percent more than last year.
Trains, buses and cruise ships: Travel across these sectors will increase by 4 percent, with a total 3.7 million passengers.
More Georgians will travel by car this holiday season than ever before. Nearly 3 million Georgians are expected to pack up their cars for road trips, a 4.2 percent increase over last year.
About 179,020 Georgians plan to travel by air this year, a 3.5 percent increase over last year.
Trains, buses and cruise ships: Travel across these sectors will increase by 5.1 percent, with a total 119,650 passengers.
The national average price of gas has declined 63 consecutive days, for a total discount of 51 cents, to reach the current average of $2.40 (as of December 12, 2018).
AAA expects the national gas price average to stay low through the end of the year due to cheaper crude oil prices. However, pump prices this cheap may not last into 2019. OPEC recently announced that the cartel and non-OPEC members, including Russia, will reduce production by 1.2 million b/d for the first six months of the year. While the decision will help to reduce the high level of global crude supply, the move has the potential to increase oil and gas prices.
AAA expects to rescue more than 960,000 motorists at the roadside across the country this year-end holiday period. Dead batteries, lockouts and flat tires will be the leading reasons AAA members will experience car trouble.
AAA recommends motorists take their vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out. Oil changes, fluid level checks, battery tests and tire inspections go a long way toward reducing the chances of a breakdown. Members who require roadside assistance can call the toll free number (800-222-4357 or 800-AAA-Help), or contact AAA via www.AAA.com or the AAA mobile app.
AAA encourages drivers to be vigilant when hitting the road this winter and to always stay prepared by carrying an emergency roadside kit containing a mobile phone and car charger, first-aid kit, blankets, drinking water and snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, a basic toolkit, warning flares, an ice scraper, jumper cables and a shovel.