Thanksgiving 2016 Travel in Virginia Should Be Highest Since 2007

RICHMOND, VA — Thanks in large part to relatively inexpensive gas prices and an uptick in the economy, AAA projects that Virginians will travel at a rate this coming Thanksgiving weekend not seen since 2007.

Triple A believes 1.3 million residents will travel 50 miles or more from home, an increase of nearly 50,000 from a year ago.

And most of those travelers will be going by car.

Here are two reasons AAA projects increased travel during the holiday weekend, defined as Wednesday-Sunday.

• The national average price for a gallon of gas is $2.17, 12 cents more than last year but nonetheless the second-cheapest since 2008. The average for Virginians is $2.02, up from $1.90 in 2015.
• Driving remains the most popular mode of Thanksgiving travel, with more than 89 percent of travelers taking to the roads.

More at Patch: Holiday Travel with a Medical Condition: TSA Offers Tips for Flying

Other tips and tidbits, provided by AAA:

Many travelers will journey west this Thanksgiving
This year’s top destinations for Thanksgiving include many popular west coast cities, as well as perennial family-friendly favorites. The most popular destinations this Thanksgiving, based on AAA.com bookings, are:

1. Las Vegas, Nevada
2. San Francisco, California
3. San Diego, California
4. Orlando, Florida
5. New York City, New York
6. New Orleans, Louisiana
7. Anaheim, California
8. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
10. Seattle, Washington

AAA will rescue thousands of motorists this Thanksgiving
AAA expects to rescue more than 370,000 motorists this Thanksgiving, with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts. AAA recommends that motorists check the condition of their battery and tires and pack emergency kits in their vehicles before heading out on a holiday getaway. Drivers should have their vehicles inspected by a trusted repair shop, such as one of the nearly 7,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America. Members can download the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA.com or call 1-800-AAA-HELP to request roadside assistance.

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 56 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Virginia. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

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