Gasoline prices drop as holiday travel season arrives

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline has dropped four cents in Beaumont as the holiday travel season approaches, according to a survey released Thursday by AAA Texas.

The average this week in Beaumont is $2.49, a drop of four cents from last week.

With an improving economy, stable gasoline prices and the desire to be with family and friends, AAA Texas is projecting 3.3 million Texans will travel this Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Texas is part of a four state region including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Arkansas where travel is expected to increase 7.5%, after falling a whopping 40% in 2008.

“The travel and tourism industry appears to be coming out of a slow period. Texas once again is leading the way with 12% of the state’s total population, just under three-million people, expected to travel by auto on a trip of 50 miles or more this long weekend, in many cases to visit relatives,” said Rhonda Wilson, AAA Texas Regional Vice President and General Manager.

While another 200,000 Texans will choose to fly, 140,000 will use other modes of transportation like a bus or train.   

Nationally, 38.4 million Americans will travel over the holiday weekend, a 1.4 percent increase over last year when 37.8 million traveled.

As Texans prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, motorists will find gas prices are 15 cents less than the national average, according to AAA Texas Weekend Gas Watch.

The average price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 3 cents statewide compared to last week, from $2.51 to $2.48 a gallon. The national average price fell by 2 cents from $2.65 to $2.63. 

In Ft. Worth and Galveston travelers are paying an average of $2.44.  This is the least expensive average price compared to other metropolitan areas in Texas.  The state’s highest price is in El Paso at $2.62 – a decline of 2 cents from last week. Houston, at $2.45, fell by 3 cents since last week.  Dallas is reporting a price of $2.46 a gallon, a weekly decrease of 3 cents. 

Second only to California, Texas continues to be one of the states with the largest number of Thanksgiving holiday travelers with 3.34 million residents expected to take trips.  Among Texans, 2.96 million or nearly 12 percent of the state’s total population, plan to drive. 

“Nearly every holiday, studies have shown that several million motorists will experience vehicle problems on the way to their destination.  Before taking to the road for a long car trip, remember to double check the tires, battery, belts, hoses and fluid levels,” said AAA-Texas spokesperson Sarah Schimmer.  “If you plan to travel to a colder climate, don’t forget to equip your car with antifreeze.”

Texans are projected to travel an average of 1,162 miles roundtrip, about 347 miles more than the national average.  AAA’s network of approved repair facilities is a free public service to help consumers find trustworthy repair shops with certified technicians.  Consumers can find Approved Auto Repair facilities online at www.AAA.com/repair. 

Before you find yourself stranded along your travel route, AAA Texas suggests including the following items in the car:

       State and local maps

       Cell phone car charger

       Fully equipped first aid kit

       Bottled water

       Non-perishable foods

       Tissues and/or pre-moistened towels

       Blanket or sleeping bag

       Tool kit including jumper cables and a tire iron

Additionally, AAA Texas can help travelers planning to drive this holiday with TripTiks that include detailed directions, outlines areas with road construction, and also notes points of interest along the travel route and affordable hotels if motorists need accommodations if they do find themselves stranded before arriving to their destination.

This year the number of automobile travelers is expected to reach 33.2 million; compared to 32.5 million last year; an increase of 2.1 percent.  Air travel is expected reach 2.3 million; compared to 2.5 million in 2008; a decline of 6.7 percent.  Another 2.9 million is expected to travel by “other” means, including, trains, watercraft, buses and multiple-modes of transportation; compared to 2.8 million last year, an increase of 1.2 percent, AAA National said.

“AAA Texas is aware of the tough economic climate before us not only in our state, but across the country as well. We are pleased to see the gradual recovery in the travel industry along with other Texans,” said Rhonda Wilson.

Last year, Thanksgiving travel dropped 25.2 percent in the wake of the ongoing housing and financial crisis.  This year’s expected increase in travel reflects improved consumer confidence from one year ago, AAA National said. 

Nationally, thanksgiving travelers expect to spend approximately $718 per household this upcoming holiday weekend.  Texas families will be spending an average of $820 – that’s $102 more than the national average. 

·       15.7 percent of spending will be for accommodations,

·       32 percent will be for transportation. 

·       21 percent for food and beverage will

·       16 percent for shopping

·       10% will account for entertainment and recreation

·       05% expected for miscellaneous spending

On a national basis, Thanksgiving travelers will journey an average of 815 miles roundtrip this upcoming holiday weekend.  Texans are projected to travel an average of 1,162 miles roundtrip, about 347 miles more than the national average.