Having a little more confidence in the economy than last year, Intermountain area residents appear more likely to take longer trips during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to AAA Utah.

Rolayne Fairclough, Utah spokeswoman for the nation's largest travel organization, said Friday that 2.5 million travelers are expected to journey 50 miles or more during the four-day holiday period. That number would represent a 0.3 percent increase over 2008.

"The projected increase in travel appears to reflect improved consumer confidence from last year," she said. "However, higher unemployment figures and less money in consumers' wallets will most likely keep many people home who in the past may have been more likely to travel."

People who have to fly to visit friends and relatives will be impacted most. Fairclough said about 200,000 Intermountain residents are expected to travel by plane, down 8 percent from last year. A similar number of Westerners are likely to take train or boat trips, a 1.3 percent jump.

But by far, most Thanksgiving weekend travel will involve car trips.

AAA estimates 2.1 million Intermountain Area residents will hit the road in their vehicles, an increase of 1.2 percent from last year.

The average road trip will cover 661 miles, Fairclough said, noting that for people facing an overnight stay, there is a bit of good news: Rates are down 11 percent at lodging establishments that have two or

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three-diamond ratings from AAA.

If travel involves a rental car, it will be more expensive. Rental rates are up 7 percent from 2008.

Overall, Fairclough said, an average family of four can expect to spend $677 on their Thanksgiving travels.

Air travelers will spend an average of $107 for a round-trip ticket, she added.

Nationally, AAA expects 38.4 million people to be traveling, a 1.4 percent increase compared to last year.

mikeg@sltrib.com

 

AAA travel advice

The travel organization says travelers can minimize stress and expense by:

Finding out what your airline policy is regarding extra baggage and fees.

Renting items needed while on vacation. Travel agents can provide advice on items or sporting equipment available at destinations.

Shipping items directly to a destination rather than going through security checkpoints.

Brightly tagging all shipped items and carry-on luggage with your name, address and cell phone number.

Insuring all shipped items.

Source: AAA Utah

"Tipsy Tows » AAA Utah again is providing its "Tipsy Tow Program," which offers a free tow for drinking drivers and their vehicles between 6 p.m. on Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday. AAA members and non-members can arrange tows by calling 800-222-4357, and telling a AAA operator 'I need a Tipsy Tow.' Tows of up to 5 miles are free.