Steep Drop Predicted In California Holiday Travel

WALNUT CREEK, CA — Millions of Californians have gotten the message that it is too dangerous to travel right now because of the coronavirus surge.

AAA Northern California predicts that at least 34 million fewer travelers will venture away from home compared to last year’s holiday season.

However, despite the dramatic drop, as many as 84.5 million people may still travel from Dec. 23 through Jan. 3, down at least 29 percent from last year.

"With COVID‑19 cases steadily increasing this month, the expected continued rise will prompt some would-be travelers to not follow through with upcoming travel plans," said Sergio Avila, AAA Northern California spokesperson.

The majority of people who decide to travel anyway will do so by car, with road trips accounting for 96 percent of holiday travel. Up to 81 million travelers will travel by car, a decline of at least 25 percent compared to last year.

Air travel is predicted to drop by 60 percent. Trains and other modes of transportation will see a drop of 87 percent.

Final Thanksgiving travel numbers are not yet available, but AAA expects the drop to be 15–20 percent compared to last year. Although that’s sizable, California hospitals are filling with patients from the Thanksgiving surge, with many hospitals across the state reporting that there are no intensive care unit beds available.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19.

Some cities and regions here in California have quarantines in place, whether you’re arriving for a visit or returning home from one. AAA has a COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map that provides current local and state travel restrictions to help you plan your route.

This article originally appeared on the Walnut Creek Patch