Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyAAA Arizona predicts 64-million people will hit skies and roads for the holidays in the coming days, with a majority of travelers leaving on Sunday and Monday.
Despite a healthy number of holiday travelers, AAA said fewer people are heading out of town this Christmas and New Years.
Travel is down about 2-percent this season -- the biggest decline in travel since 2002. Travel industry experts fault, of course, the poor economy for the slight dip.
Lower gas prices, however, are spurring additional road travel. "Of the people who are leaving about 83% of those will be going by car," said AAA Arizona Public Affairs Director Linda Gorman. "Not really surprising considering the drop in gas prices. It's dropped substantially since an all time high in July."
Other holiday travelers are enjoying what's called "staycations." They're checking into hotels and resorts within driving distance of their homes. Right now is a good time to take advantage of some great last minute deals.
"With gas prices down [and] the economy struggling, a short break is more affordable." said AAA Arizona Vice President of Travel, Don Gleason. He claims AAA 5-Diamond rating hotels and resorts across the Valley, like the Royal Palms Resort & Spa, are luring holiday travelers with great deals.
"A 4-Diamond resort the Enchantment in Sedona is a beautiful property. Here's the tip if you ask for the marathon rate for the weekend of January 2nd, you'll get that rate for $198 dollars and they still have availability."
You have two holiday weekends to getaway: December 27th and then again on January 2nd.
AAA said cruises are also more affordable right now. You can jump aboard a Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruise out of San Diego, California for a few hundred bucks.
And AAA said they have not seen a cruise deal this good in five years. Azamara Cruises is offering a 14-night voyage between Hong Kong and Beijing, China including airfare for $2600.
If you are leaving town, AAA Arizona offers some simple home safety reminders:- Remove gifts from plain sight.
- Turn off washer hose to prevent flooding.
- Tell neighbors you're leaving and give them an emergency contact number.
- Stop newspaper and mail delivery if you can.
- Leave a light or radio on to create the impression someone is home and don't draw all the curtains.
