AAA predicts record numbers will travel during Christmas and New Year's
December 23, 1998
Web posted at: 10:07 a.m. EST (1507 GMT)
In this story: Tips for the family trip
(CNN) -- Tens of millions of Americans are expected to travel over the Christmas-New Year's holiday period this year -- the greatest number for any holiday period, according to the AAA.
A record 45.2 million are expected to travel 100 miles or more, which represents a 2 percent increase over last year's 42.3 million.
"Christmas-New Year's travel has skyrocketed this decade. Since 1990, travel during this period has jumped 66 percent. That compares to 35 percent growth for Thanksgiving and 46 percent for the three major summer holidays," said Cindy Sharpe, managing director of public and government relations for AAA Auto Club South.
The AAA travel forecast is based on a national telephone survey of 1,500 adults conducted by the Travel Industry Association.
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The survey also addresses mode of transportation: It found that about 35.5 million people plan to go by auto this season and 9.7 million plan to travel by airplane, train or bus.
On a region-by-region basis, the West and the Southeast are expected to have the most auto travelers with 9.2 million from each region. The Northeast is expected to have 5.8 million motorists, the Midwest, 5.7 million and the Great Lakes region 5.6 million.
As might be expected during Christmas and New Year's, the majority -- 55 percent of travelers -- said they were planning to stay with a relative or friend when they reach their destination. Thirty-one percent plan to stay at a motel or hotel.
Tips for the family trip
If your family is among those hitting the road for the holidays, consider these AAA tips for keeping spirits high while you're traveling:
Allow children to help plan the trip. For example, they could choose a restaurant to stop at on the way or a family outing to take during the trip.
Wrap a few inexpensive toys, books or snacks and bring them along. Let the kids open them as special treats during the trip.
Stop every two hours for 10 to 15 minutes if you're traveling by car to stretch your legs and let the children release some pent-up energy.
Bring a pillow so your children can sleep comfortably.
Let the kids choose a tape, CD or radio station. You might want to play recorded stories and songs for them.
You may want to have a parent or other adult ride in the back seat with the kids to help entertain them. Think of it as an opportunity to play with them.
Remember than children under age 12 should ride in the back seat. They should be in a properly installed child safety or booster seat until adult seat belts fit -- which usually happens around age 8.
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