Record low gas prices expected to fuel higher than expected holiday travel

GREENVILLE, S.C. – A record number of South Carolinians - nearly 1,375,000 - will travel 50 miles or more for the Christmas/New Year's holiday, according to AAA Carolinas.

Travel volume represents an increase of nearly 53,000 total travelers compared to last year. An estimated 1,251,200 (or 91 percent) of total travelers plan to drive to their destination.

The 13-day Christmas/New Year's travel holiday is defined as Tuesday, Dec. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 4, which is one day longer than the travel period last year. .

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"Falling gas prices and an improving economy has led to more South Carolinians traveling to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year with family and friends," said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas.

Those driving to their destinations will encounter the lowest gas prices since 2009. South Carolinians are currently paying 79 cents less for a gallon of gas than they were a year ago.