-
If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >> If you want breaking news sent to your email just click here.More >>
SALINAS, Calif.- More than 11.7 million Californians are expected to travel over Christmas and New Year's, according to AAA.
In a news release Monday, AAA officials said consumer optimism is offsetting unresolved financial issues as millions of Californians help propel this year's holiday travel season into the highest number of travelers ever recorded.
AAA said the number of people traveling represents an overall increase of 1.8 percent compared to 2011.
"For the fourth consecutive year, California has seen a slow to steady increase in travel volume," said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris in a news release. "This season we are experiencing the highest number of travelers as Californians kick-start the New Year with a holiday vacation."
AAA estimates that more than 10 million Californians traveling during Christmas and New Year's will choose to drive to reach their holiday destinations, representing a 1.4 percent increase compared to last year. The air travel industry will also experience an increase of 4.4 percent this year as more than 950,000 Californians are expected to fly. Approximately 398,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents an increase of 7.4 percent compared to last year.
Nationally, AAA projects that more than 93 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday festivities. That's a 1.6 percent increase compared to last year. An average West Coast family of four will save money by staying with friends and family, spending an average of $1,048 on their trip.
