NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Even though many families will have to tighten their belts for a leaner “Turkey Day” feast, that’s not stopping them from gathering with family and friends to celebrate one of the most traveled holiday weekends of the year.

AAA Northern California’s latest travel survey predicts more than 5.2 million Californians plan to travel 50 miles or more this extended, four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents an overall increase of 11.2 percent compared to last year.

“While Californians remain cautious regarding their household expenditures, analysts believe that Californians are slightly better off financially than they were a year ago and that the economy is inching its way along to a recovery,” said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris. “This improvement, added to the strong desire to spend time with family and friends, is expected to propel a significant increase in Thanksgiving travel.”

Road trips remain the most prevalent mode of transportation and AAA projects more than 4.7 million Californians will travel by motor vehicle during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

This represents a 12.1 percent increase compared to last year. Just over 300,000 holiday travelers are forecasted to fly, which is an increase of 3.6 percent compared to last year.

More than 140,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents a decrease of less than one percent compared to last year.

Nationally, AAA forecasts over 42 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day weekend. That’s an 11.4 percent increase compared to last year.

 

An average West Coast family of four will spend an average of $619 over the holiday weekend. Families who travel by car will drive an average of 1,162 miles over the four day holiday weekend. AAA’s Leisure Travel Index reveals that AAA Three Diamond lodgings are likely to increase six percent from a year ago with an average price of $136 per night. AAA Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be four percent higher, with an average room costing $96 per night.

According to AAA’s latest travel survey, airfares during the holiday weekend are expected to increase four percent from last year. This Thanksgiving weekend, the average lowest round-trip rate is projected to be $176 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Car rental rates will decrease four percent to an average of $42 over the holiday weekend.

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. 25 (Thanksgiving Day), until 6 a.m. on Nov. 26, 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.”

For those planning to travel by air, AAA suggests booking your flight any day except a Tuesday or Sunday. This will save you up to $170 on average. Tuesday before Thanksgiving is the most popular date to fly and the airlines know it. Travel on Thanksgiving Day and return the following Tuesday for the cheapest fares.

Planning ahead also is important. The longer you wait, the higher the price as flights become booked. Surcharges increase from $10 to $30 dollars extra on peak travel days.

When good deals come along, grab them – don’t wait before others start booking flights and airlines shift their pricing to match booking trends.

For more information visit at www.aaa.com/travel.