BETHESDA, Md. – The cost of airfare has taken off and the price of gas is steadily declining, making travel by car the way to go this holiday season, says the Car Care Council.
According to a recent Wall Street Journal story, airfare on tickets sold for Thanksgiving week has risen 9.4 percent compared with 2012, and the average price of airline tickets sold for Christmas week is up 7.3 percent over last year. On the other hand, CNN Money reports that gas prices are falling with nearly 20 percent of gas stations nationwide charging less than $3 a gallon.
"With no relief in sight for escalating airfares and gas prices dropping below $3 per gallon in some parts of the country, more and more travelers are realizing the economic and hassle-free benefits of driving to their holiday destination," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Going by car offers a number of advantages over flying and since a family of four can travel 1,000 miles round-trip by car for about the cost of one airline ticket, driving is the sensible option."
The Car Care Council points out that addition to direct cost savings, travel by car offers a number of practical advantages over flying including:
* Leave when you want, from where you want.
* Pack whatever and as much as you want, including wrapped gifts.
* No airport parking.
* No waiting in long ticket counter and security lines.
* No weather delays.
* More and better meal options.
* No rental car or taxi expenses.
* More legroom and overall comfort.
* Stop and stretch any time.
* No strangers sitting next to you.
* Convenience and ease of taking your pet with you.
* Better able to enjoy the ride.
