AAA Texas: More than 3 Million Texans Will Travel For Memorial Day Holiday

AAA Texas projects more than three million Texans will travel 50 miles or more away from home during the Memorial Day Weekend which is nearly five percent higher than last year and the highest volume for the holiday in 10 years. The Memorial Day travel period is five days from Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25.

A number of economic factors are contributing to the large increase in holiday travelers this year. A strong employment market and low gas prices have driven consumer optimism to new highs and boosted Americans disposable income.

“As we remember our service men and women who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms, Texans will also spend quality time with family and friends at beaches, lakes, rivers as well as state and national parks in our great state,” said AAA Texas Vice President Branch Operations Rhonda Wilson. “Our travel agents are available to speak with visitors to our branches to offer free travel ideas and help people save time and money on Memorial Day trips and summer vacations ahead.”

AAA’s travel survey shows traveling by car or truck will be the primary mode of transportation for most people this Memorial Day:

Auto Travel – 2.7 million – Up 5.5% Air Travel – 214,260 – Up 2.5% Other Travel (Bus, Train or Cruise Ship) – 142,974 – Down 3.5%

Impact of gasoline prices

Travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower gas prices compared to recent years. AAA predicts most U.S. travelers will pay the cheapest Memorial Day gas prices in at least five years.

Tips for drivers

Nationwide, AAA expects to rescue nearly 350,000 motorists at the roadside this Memorial Day weekend, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends motorists inspect their vehicle and check battery and tire condition before heading out on a holiday getaway. Members can download the AAA mobile app (AAA.com/mobile), visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown.

Travel planning resources

AAA’s digital tools for travel planning on the go include the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Travelers can use the app to map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel and access AAA roadside assistance. Travelers can learn more at AAA.com/mobile.

On AAA.com, travelers can find more than 58,000 AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using the TripTik Travel Planner or the searchable Travel Guides at AAA.com/Travel. Every AAA Approved establishment offers the assurance of acceptable cleanliness, comfort and hospitality, and ratings of One to Five Diamonds help travelers find the right match for amenities and services.

AAA Texas reminds drivers to Click It or Ticket

AAA Texas supports the Texas Department of Transportation’s 14 th annual statewide “Click It or Ticket” campaign which will include stepped up enforcement May 18 – 31. Beyond the deadly consequences of not buckling up, fines and court costs for not using seatbelts can total up to $200. In Texas, the law requires everyone in a vehicle to be buckled up, including back seat passengers.

As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 55 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. For more information about AAA Travel, visit AAA.com/Travel.