Holiday travel up 2 percent

La Crosse Tribune, Dec 20, 2003 by McAlpine, Linda

More of us will be traveling for the holidays, and if going by car, we'll be paying more for gas than we did last year, says AAA.

About 59.6 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more from home this holiday, up from 58.2 million in 2002, according to AAA, a 2 percent rise.

The vast majority about 48.5 million of holiday travelers will be taking to the roads.

The current average price for a gallon of self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline in Wisconsin is $1.53, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

Other average prices for regular unleaded gas in the region are: Illinois, $1.51; Iowa, $1.41; Minnesota, $1.44; and Michigan; $1.45.

Air travel is expected to see a 2 percent increase, as 8.3 million plan to travel by airplane, up from 8.1 million last year.

"We've seen an increase in air travel," said Dave Friedman, owner of Friedman's Hobbit Travel in La Crosse. "It's been getting progressively better since 9/11."

Friedman said that perhaps because of the early cold snap the area experienced, it seems many people are heading for warm climates for the holidays.

"Mexico and the Caribbean have been popular destinations," he said. "The resorts there have done a good job of keeping their rates reasonable so you have the unbeatable combination of economy and warm weather."

According to AAA, a projected 2.8 million holiday vacationers will go by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

La Crosse Amtrak ticket agent Bob Kamrowski already has felt the effect of travelers planning on taking the train.

"This is a very busy time of year and some spaces are sold out," he said. "If someone is looking to travel now, they better call ASAP."

AAA Wisconsin spokesman Michael Bie reminds motorists to put safety first while traveling.

"Most road deaths are caused by drinking and driving, excessive speed, and failure to wear a safety belt," he said.