Fourth of July Ignites Busy Travel for California, says AAA
28 June 1999
Fourth of July Ignites Busy Travel for California, says AAA; Independence Day Travel 25 Percent Busier Than Memorial Day Weekend
SAN FRANCISCO--June 28, 1999--Californians are blasting off in near-record numbers for the Fourth of July weekend, AAA of Northern California reported today.An estimated 5.1 million Californians are expected to venture at least 100 miles from home over the Independence Day weekend - up 8 percent from last year's holiday, according to AAA.
"It's a three-day weekend, schools are out, and we have a strong economy," said Scharlene Murray of AAA Worldwide Travel. "These factors add up to make it the busiest Fourth of July holiday for travel in 13 years."
By comparison, about 4.1 million Californians traveled over last Memorial Day weekend - making this Fourth of July about 25 percent busier.
Of the 5.1 million Californians traveling, 4.4 million - or 87 percent - will travel by auto. The remaining estimated 700,000 will go by air, train, bus or ship, according to AAA's survey.
Mountains, beaches, theme parks, wine regions and cities rate as top recreation spots. The most popular destinations for Northern California motorists will be Monterey, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Southern California coastal cities and the Napa and Sonoma valleys.
Those taking extended road trips are traveling to British Columbia, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Mexico, according to AAA.
Northern Californians taking to the skies have their sights set on Hawaii, Las Vegas and beach resort cities in Mexico, according to AAA Worldwide Travel.
Motorists will find Northern California gas prices lower than last month but higher than one year ago. Average gas prices range from a high of $1.60 per gallon average in San Francisco to a low of $1.32 per gallon average in Fresno. The Northern California average of $1.46 is 18 cents higher than last June.
Nationwide, an estimated 37.4 million Americans - 13 percent of the population - will travel at least 100 miles from home over the Fourth of July weekend.
For those staying overnight, 46 percent will lodge in a hotel or motel and 37 percent plan on staying with friends or relatives. Six percent will camp or be in a recreation vehicle and 6 percent will stay in a condo or cabin. Two percent will sleep aboard a boat or ship and 2 percent will arrange other accommodation. One percent are undecided.
The Fourth of July travel survey is based on a national telephone survey of 1,500 adults by the Travel Industry Association of America, which conducts special research for AAA, and a survey of AAA travel counselors in Northern California.
Tips for Motorists
-- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination, especially
if traveling to a popular spot. Plan your route and keep a
map handy.
-- Take a 10-minute break for every two hours or 100 miles of
driving.
-- Check your car's tires, fluid levels and all lights before
embarking on a road trip. Carry drinking water, coolant,
road flares and blankets. Bring a cellular phone if you have
one.
Established nearly 100 years ago, AAA offers a wide array of automotive, insurance, worldwide travel and financial services. The California State Automobile Association services nearly 4 million members and is the second largest regional affiliate of the national AAA organization.
