AAA Predicts Fuel Prices Down and Holiday Travel Up, and AAA's Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips
BELLEVUE, Wash., Dec. 18, 2003 -- Holiday Fuel Prices
The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline in Washington is 1.544 per gallon, down six cents since one month ago, and in Idaho is 1.607 per gallon, down nearly 4 cents in the same period. The national average price of self-serve regular unleaded is 1.471 per gallon.
Holiday Travel Predictions
AAA estimates that 59.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season, up 2.4 percent from the 58.2 million who traveled last year. Approximately 48.5 million travelers (up two and one-half percent) are expected to travel by motor vehicle, and another 8.3 million travelers (up two percent) plan to go by airplane.
AAA's Top 10 Holiday Travel Tips 10. Carry your valuables (jewelry, medications), do not check these items. 9. Confirm all reservations before you leave home. 8. Auto travelers should pack an emergency driving kit. 7. Know your airline's baggage etiquette -- weight limits, number limits, etc. 6. Secure your home -- make your house appear lived-in. 5. Get a ride -- airports, bus terminals and train depots will be crowded -- saves time and money. 4. At the airport, have photo identification and your boarding passes in hand. 3. Prepare your car for winter driving conditions. 2. Know what to do if your vehicle breaks down or you're in a fender bender. 1. Expect lines and prepare for delays -- pack your patience.
A more complete list of holiday travel tips is available at aaa.com, enter your zip code and click on "holiday travel tips" in the left-hand column.
Sample Fuel Prices City Holidays Thanksgiving Holidays 2003 2003 2002 Washington Bellingham 1.565 1.629 1.362 Bremerton 1.522 1.589 1.309 Olympia 1.526 1.592 1.229 Seattle-Bellevue-Everett 1.532 1.610 1.392 Spokane 1.558 1.587 1.367 Tacoma 1.476 1.544 1.296 Tri-Cities 1.527 1.627 1.449 Vancouver 1.478 1.561 1.306 Walla Walla 1.690 1.690 N/A Wenatchee N/A 1.627 1.404 Yakima 1.569 1.630 1.364 Idaho Coeur d'Alene 1.622 1.649 1.482 Lewiston 1.490 1.560 N/A AAA Washington/Inland provides over 831,000 members in Washington and northern Idaho a full range of products and benefit. More information about AAA is available on the company's website at www.aaa.com.