The number of travelers by automobile is expected to be 77.7 million in 2009 compared to 74.4 million last year; an increase of 4.4%. The number of travelers by air is expected be 4.2 million compared to 4.1 million in 2008; an increase of 2.9%. [image-nocss] The number of those traveling by "other" means, including, trains, watercraft, buses and multiple-modes of transportation, is expected to be 5.8 million compared to 6 million last year, AAA said. Last year, the total number of travelers during the year-end holidays was 84.5 million; a decline of 4.7% from 2007.
Gasoline priceswhile higherwill not deter holiday travelers, AAA said; 88% of year-end vacationers are expected to travel by automobile, while 5% are projected to go by air. In November, the time when most people make decisions in regards to year-end travel, average gasoline prices were over 50 cents more expensive per gallon than they were in November 2008. Despite these higher prices, AAA believes the impact of higher fuel costs on year-end travel will be minimal. This is because the average cost of self-serve regular gasoline remains well-below $3 per gallon, and because prices have been fairly stable since mid-October; staying between $2.60 and $2.70 per gallon on a nationwide average basis.
Average spending will be $1,009, and average distance traveled will be 791 miles.
Americans are expected to spend approximately $1,009 per household on travel during the Christmas/New Year period. The largest average share of all spending will be on transportation and transportation-related charges. Approximately 11.6% of spending will go toward lodging. Dining will account for 17.6% of total holiday spend, while shopping will account for 17.6%. Entertainment and recreation expenses will account for 13.1% of the average travel budget.
Christmas/New Year travelers will average of 791 miles roundtrip this upcoming holiday weekend. An estimated 40% of travelers will journey more than 700 miles round trip. One-quarter (25%) of travelers will log between 251 and 700 miles. More than one-third (35%) of travelers will travel 250 miles or less round trip.
Airfare and rental car cost to be slightly higher, lodging expense will be lower, added AAA.
"More Americans traveling during the winter holidays is another sign consumers' are continuing to grow more confident in their personal financial situations," said AAA's director of travel services, Glen MacDonell. "The moderate projected rise in the number of air travelers this holiday period is especially welcome since the airline industry was hit especially hard by the recession."
For purposes of this forecast, the year-end holidays travel period is defined as trips that include travel of 50 miles or more away from home during the period from Wednesday, December 23 to Sunday, January 3.
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services.
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