WALNUT CREEK – The latest holiday travel report from AAA Northern California finds growing signs that recession-battered Californians are willing to travel again, especially when it comes to family-centric holidays.
 
AAA Northern California’s latest travel survey predicts more than 3.5 million Californians plan to travel 50 miles or more this extended, four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents an overall increase of 8 percent compared to 2008.
 
“This year’s expected increase in travel appears to reflect improved consumer confidence from one year ago, better financial market performance and a growing sense among many consumers that the worst of the global economic crisis is behind us,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris.
 
Travel by car represents one of the strongest areas of growth this year. AAA projects more than 3 million Californians will travel by motor vehicle during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. That represents a 9 percent increase compared to last year.

About 267,000 Californians are planning to travel by air, which is a decrease of 1 percent compared to last year. Just over 250,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents an increase of 9 percent compared to last year.
 
Nationally, AAA expects 38.4 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day weekend. That’s a 1.4 percent increase compared to last year.
 
An average West Coast family of four will save money by staying with friends and family, with overall expenditures of $817 over the holiday weekend. Families that forego airports will drive an average of 664 miles over the four day holiday weekend. AAA Three Diamond and Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be 11 percent lower, with West Coast travelers spending an average of $146 on accommodations. Car rental rates are up about 7 percent compared to last year’s Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
 
Despite airfares dropping by 4 percent compared to last year, added surcharges and fees and reduced capacity and routes have contributed to a decline in air travel. Californians who take to the skies during this holiday weekend will pay an average price of $170 per round trip ticket.
 
As part of AAA’s ongoing commitment to provide safety and protection to motorists, AAA’s Tipsy Tow Program offers a free tow for drinking drivers in Northern California from 6 p.m. on Nov. 26 until 6 a.m. on Nov. 27, in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. Members and non-members alike can call (800) 222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to five miles.
 
“Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow,’ and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”

While many airlines are trying to maximize revenue by charging extra fees per checked item, travelers should re-examine the best and most cost effective way of transporting holiday gifts, sporting equipment, and extra luggage.

Minimize stress and expense by doing the following:
 
–Find out what your airline policy is regarding extra baggage and fees.
– Consider renting items that you might need while on vacation. Your travel agent can advise you as to what items or sporting equipment are available at your destination.
– Ship items directly to your destination rather than going through security checkpoints.
–Tag your shipped items and carry-on luggage. Make sure your name, address, and cell phone number are on all checked or shipped bags. By placing bright colored tape or large travel I.D. tags on your luggage, you will be able to recognize them quickly.
– Make sure to insure all items you ship.