AAA: Holiday Season to Feature More Travelers on the Road

The 2014 holiday travel season is projected to be the busiest ever, according to national records. Lower gas prices and an improving economy are cited as the chief factors for this influx of travelers. AAA expects nearly 100 million Americans to travel upwards of 50 miles by air or car during the 2014 holiday season. More than 90 percent of travelers arrive at their destinations by car. The current

average price of a gallon of gas is just $2.55, an impressive drop of 69 cents from 2013.

Given the fact that both New Year’s Day and Christmas fall on Thursdays this year, long-weekend trips have become a possibility for many employees and their families.

The federal government and certain businesses are offering employees an extra day of vacation on Dec. 26 to assist them with their travel plans. The least busy days at airports are New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, according to representatives from Airlines for America.

As a benefit for all of its clients, AAA offers the following tips for making the holiday travel season a safe and enjoyable one.

Schedule a budget-friendly rental vehicle.

For rental car companies, the holiday season is a stressful time and reservations are at a premium. Holiday travelers should try to book fuel-efficient trucks or cars that cost much less at the gas pump.

Pack a snack or small meal.

Food and beverages have often been an overlooked expense on road trips. When driving, stock a cooler with tortilla chips, peanuts, crackers, cut-up vegetables and other convenient snacks that can be accessed at a moment’s notice. Roadside gas stations, truck stops and fast food restaurants are more expensive and sell items that could be hazardous for the family’s budget.

Try to collect gifts beforehand and bring them along.

Instead of shipping presents through FedEx or standard mail, place them in the trunk or backseat of the vehicle. Keep in mind that shipping costs add up quickly. AAA advises clients not to store gifts to where they compromise the driver’s visibility.