The upcoming Christmas and New Year’s holiday season will see record-breaking travelers in California. The traveling period is defined as Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2.

According to the latest travel survey from AAA Northern California, more than 12.4 million state residents will celebrate the end-of-year festivities with an excursion out of town, representing a 1.8 percent increase from last year.

“More Californians will travel to celebrate the holidays than ever before,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “Rising incomes and a desire to gather with family and friends should make this the most traveled holiday season ever recorded.”

AAA estimates approximately 10.9 million Californians traveling during Christmas and New Year’s will choose to drive to their holiday destinations, representing a 1.7 percent increase compared to last year.

The air travel industry will experience an increase of 4.8 percent over last year, as more than one million Californians are expected to fly.

More than 400,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents a decrease of 1.3 percent compared to last year.

Nationally, AAA projects more than 103 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday festivities. That’s a 1.5 percent increase compared to last year.

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are six percent lower this year, falling to an average of $204 per round trip ticket for the top U.S. air routes.

Rates for AAA Two and Three Diamond Rated lodgings are expected to increase 7 percent, with travelers spending an average of $128 and $160 per night, respectively. Daily car rental rates will average $66, slightly lower than last year’s rates.

According to www.AAA.com vacation bookings, mostly warm weather destinations top the list of most popular holiday destinations:

· Las Vegas;
· Orlando;
· New York City;
· San Diego;
· Anaheim, California.

This holiday season, millions of travelers could be easy targets for thieves and scam artists.

AAA advises all travelers to broaden their peripheral vision while on vacation and always remain diligent about their personal security and surroundings.

AAA travel theft and safety tips:

· Enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): By enrolling in this program U.S. citizens have easy access to U.S. embassies or nearby consulates to contact in case of an emergency.
· Always be aware of your things on your person or left behind you. Whenever leaving a hotel, your car or home, tap your pockets to double check that phone, keys, wallet are there. When in travel mode, always add in passport and ticket.
· Separate your sources of cash: If all your sources of money are in your wallet and it gets stolen, it will be difficult to access any funds if in a foreign country. Credit cards have a system set up to send you emergency cash when your card is stolen. Make sure to carry your credit card company’s international phone numbers to call to report theft. Wear a money belt with some cash under clothing and keep extra cash and credit cards safely behind in a hotel room safety lock box.
· Scan and photocopy your travel documents: Should your credit cards get stolen, the first thing to do is cancel your cards and file a police report. Having a scanned driver’s license, passport and travel documents will speed up the re-application procedure for new credit cards and allows you access to online details relevant to your car rental, hotel reservations or flight itinerary.  
· Buy travel insurance: Most travel insurance providers offer reimbursements for travel interruption, lost luggage, medical evacuation and other services. Inquire from your provider to make sure you are covered for any other travel emergencies you might need.
· Share travel plans and itineraries with family and friends:  When traveling alone, make sure someone has copies of your itinerary, and check in with them while on the road. Make sure to let a friend or family member be aware of your movements, or ideally have a contact in the same city who can help in case of an emergency.
· If traveling overseas, be respectful of local customs: The best way to bring unsolicited attention to yourself is by being unaware of local ways and behaving inappropriately. Study up on the area you are visiting and be informed about local greetings, and what behavior and dress code is considered appropriate when visiting religious, government or tourist sites. 
· Walk facing the traffic or on a part of the sidewalk that gives you maximum visibility: Motorbikes zooming past you can snatch your purse or smartphone right from out of your hands and then drive off. Avoid flaunting your possessions; keep them out of sight.

 AAA projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA earlier this year as part of an agreement to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades.

AAA Travel is the nation’s largest travel organization. AAA Travel offers trips, cruises, tours, and vacation packages throughout the world. Call 888-937-5523 for more information or visit us at your local AAA Travel office or online at www.aaa.com/travel .