Statewide, Iowa (RI) – It’s one of the snowiest Decembers in years and record numbers of Iowans are predicted to leave the state for the year-end holidays to thaw out someplace warm.
Triple-A-Iowa spokesman Brian Ortner says the forecast for the seven-state region that includes Iowa shows more than nine million residents will be traveling between now and January 1st. That’s a one percent increase from last year, while the national figures are up more than two percent.
Four of the top 10 domestic destinations for the holidays are in Florida, along with other sunny cities like Honolulu, Maui, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Ortner says the preferences are starting to change for international travel.
While most Iowans who are traveling for the holidays will be going by motor vehicle, those who are flying can expect to pay more for their plane tickets.
Iowans who will be driving to their holiday destinations should be spending less, he says, when stopping to fill the tank.
The statewide average for gasoline is now $2.52 a gallon, compared to the state average a year ago of $2.70, and the current national average price of $2.94.
KIWA Staff Photo
