Gone for the Holidays: The 411 on All Things Travel

Nearly 2.7 million Virginia residents will go over the river and through the woods for Christmas and the New Year holiday, according to AAA. While this is only a slight increase from last year, it will still be a busier-than-average holiday season.

 “The fact that the number of Virginians expected to travel this year-end exceeds the decade high average by 4 percent illustrates the importance of being with loved ones for the holidays, regardless of a struggling economy,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

The 2012 year-end holiday travel season officially starts Saturday and continues  until Jan. 1. Nationally, more than 88 million people will travel, mostly by car.

Gas Prices Continue to Drop

The price of a gallon of gas in Virginia is a few cents cheaper than it was at this time last year, according AAA data. The national average for a gallon of regular, unleaded gas is $3.24. In Virginia, the average is $3.11—but it’s higher in the DC metro area, at $3.40.

The current prices for one gallon of regular, unleaded gasoline for popular driving destinations from Northern Virginia are:

Baltimore: $3.26

Philadelphia area: $3.49

Norfolk: $3.05

Delaware: $3.31

Some areas of New Jersey are seeing gas at less than $3 per gallon right now.

Last month at Thanksgiving, Patch published a list of mobile apps to help you find cheap gas.

Here in the Manassas area, check the Patch transportation page. It features the lowest gas prices in our neighborhood as well as current traffic congestion on major roadways in the area.

Air Travel

Air travel is also up, with more than 150,000 Virginians taking to the skies this holiday season, according to AAA.

Here are a few tips on surviving the airport, from parking to security and beyond.

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