AAA projects 98.6 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the year-end holiday season, an increase of four percent from the 94.8 million people who traveled last year. The upward trend marks the highest forecast growth rate for the year-end holiday season since 2009 and the highest travel volume for the holiday period on record. The year-end holiday period is defined as Tuesday, December 23 to Sunday, January 4.

Travel forecast highlights:

• Holiday travel is expected to total 98.6 million, an increase of four percent from the 94.8 million who traveled last year.
• Travel volume for the year-end holidays will reach the highest peak recorded by AAA.
• Nearly 91 percent of all travelers (89.5 million) will celebrate the holidays with a road trip, an increase of 4.2 percent from 2013.
• Air travel is forecast to grow one percent from 2013, with 5.7 million travelers (or 6% of all travelers) are taking to the skies.
• Low gas prices continue to help boost disposable income this holiday season, with today’s average in Washington state at $2.82 per gallon, 49 cents less than a year ago.

The calendar also has a positive effect on the number of travelers expected to journey from home this year. The holidays land on a Thursday, creating a travel season that is one day longer than last year’s and the longest since 2008, offering travelers more options for departures and return trips.

“There are several elements working in favor for travels this year, contributing to the highest anticipated travel volumes we’ve seen yet for this holiday period,” said Jennifer Cook, AAA Washington spokesperson. “Consumer confidence and spending is up, and lower gas prices are a welcomed gift as the majority of travelers plan to drive to their destination.”

Impact of gasoline prices on travel plans:

Drivers will enjoy savings at the pump this holiday, reaching the lowest cost per gallon in nearly five years. The current price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Washington state is $2.82 on average, which is 49 cents less than this time last year and down 15 cents in the past week. Idaho residents will pay an average of $2.58 per gallon, 54 cents lower compared to a year ago.

Today’s national average is 2.53 which is 70 cents lower than last year. Nationally, gas prices have fallen 81 days in a row. In Washington, prices have dropped for 26 consecutive days. AAA estimates drivers are saving more than $400 million dollars each day compared to the high prices paid earlier this year.

Hotel, car rental rates rise modestly:

Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to increase four percent from one year ago with travelers spending an average of $143 per night compared to $138 last year. The average hotel rate for AAA Two Diamond hotels has risen five percent with an average cost of $108 per night. Daily car rental rates will average $66, four percent higher than last year.

Airfares fall seven percent this year, driven by low-cost carriers:

Average discounted round-trip airfares across 40 top domestic routes are expected to fall seven percent this year, to $186. This is influenced by the availability of discounted rates from low-cost carriers in several top markets. AAA encourages travelers to consider the full cost of a ticket when purchasing air travel, as many airlines charge ancillary fees for checked bags, meals, priority boarding and seat assignments.

Local winter road trips and survival tips:

AAA Washington Travel has identified a list of top Northwest winter getaways for holiday road trippers. Each destination offers a unique experience, all within 700 miles or less from home:

• Ashland (Oregon)
• Kalaloch (Washington)
• Leavenworth (Washington)
• Victoria (British Columbia)
• Whitefish (Montana)

Visit the AAA Washington Newsroom for tips, tricks and tools to help you arrive at your destination safely, including what to pack in your winter driving kit.

AAA also offers convenient on-the-go access to travel planning tools with its free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android users. Users can access resources including TripTiks, travel guides, downloadable eTourBook guides and much more.

Celebrate responsibly:

With more than 90 percent of holiday travelers driving to their destinations, AAA urges everyone on the road to be extra diligent about the dangers of impaired driving. Last year (2013) there were 208 fatalities caused by an impaired driver in Washington state alone.

Nationally, an average of one alcohol-impaired driving death occurs every 45 minutes. According to the latest data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s annual Traffic Safety Culture Index, 91 percent of drivers consider impaired driving to be unacceptable, with 42 percent reporting that drunk drivers are a bigger problem today versus three years ago.

AAA offers tips to help keep roadways safe this holiday. Visit PreventDUI.AAA.com for impaired driving facts, transportation alternatives and expert advice.