Phoenix, Ariz. November 16, 2010. For the fourth consecutive holiday this year, travel is on the rise, according to AAA. The auto club’s annual Thanksgiving travel forecast reveals continued recovery in travel over the upcoming holiday.

According to the forecast, nearly 854,000 Arizonans are projected to travel 50 or more miles from home over Thanksgiving weekend. This represents a jump of 11 percent, or an increase of more than 85,000 travelers compared to last year. Nationwide, 42.2 million Americans will travel over the holiday weekend. This represents an increase of 11.4 percent, or 4.3 million more travelers compared to 2009.

“While consumers remain cautious with budgets and discretionary spending, many are in a better financial position this Thanksgiving than a year ago,” said Linda Gorman, director of communications and public affairs for AAA Arizona. “This improvement, along with a strong desire to spend time with friends and family, is expected to propel an increase in Thanksgiving travel.”

The table below illustrates projected 2010 Thanksgiving travel compared to 2009:

Travelers will likely notice a slight increase in travel costs compared to last year, according to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index. The table below illustrates the change in travel related costs from Thanksgiving 2010:

“Despite a fuel price that’s seven percent higher compared to year ago figures, 92.5 percent – or 790,575 travelers – will travel by motor vehicle over the upcoming holiday,” added Gorman. “This is the highest percentage of Thanksgiving auto travel share we’ve experienced in our recorded history.”

To help auto travelers avoid experiencing a roadside breakdown, AAA recommends that travelers perform car care tasks and address any issues before hitting the road. Motorists can conduct a self-inspection, visit a AAA-owned or Approved Auto Repair facility to have their vehicle inspected by a trained technician. AAA-owned facilities offer AAA members a free, pre-trip check before any road trip, which holds a $39 value.

AAA also encourages travelers to become familiar with AAA’s mobile solutions before taking to the roads and skies over the holiday weekend. A variety of smart phone applications enable members to find discounts, summon roadside assistance, and locate fuel price information, directions and more near user locations.

Thanksgiving travel projections derive from IHS Global Insight, which conducts special research for AAA. The Thanksgiving holiday period is defined as Wednesday, Nov. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 28. AAA has forecast an increase in travel for each of the travel holidays this year.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services more than 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.  In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.