On the Road for the Holidays

More than one in 10 Americans is planning a holiday getaway, which could set a travel record over the Christmas and New Year’s period, according to an American Automobile Assn. survey.

Based on a telephone poll of 1,500 adults, AAA is predicting that about 35.2 million people--the most since the organization began keeping holiday travel records in 1985--will be taking trips.

Travel is up for several reasons, said Jerry Cheske, AAA spokesman. He cited decreasing gasoline prices, low inflation and numerous discounts available in accommodations, transportation and cruises.

The AAA predicted three-fourths of holiday travelers will go by car. The cost of auto travel went up by 3% from 1991 to 1992-93, the smallest two-year increase since the mid-’60s, Cheske said.

Roads will be busiest in the Southeast, with 7.4 million people planning car trips and in the West with 7.3 million, AAA said.

Florida is a perennial favorite, Cheske said, accounting for the Southeast’s No. 1 position this year, and the West has two strong attractions in warm weather and popular ski areas.