FOR HOLIDAY TRAVELERS, IT'S GETAWAY DAY CROWDS: AREA ROADS, AIRPORTS WILL BE BUSY.

Byline: Sue Doyle

Staff Writer

Nearly 5.6 million Southern California residents are packing up and heading out of town for the holidays -- with most starting their travels today, according to an Automobile Club of Southern California survey.

And despite gasoline prices 70 cents higher than a year ago, at least 80 percent of the region's travelers will be strapping on their seat belts and driving to their celebrations, according to the survey.

For Len Taylor, the holiday season means a fishing trip on the Owens River where the trout are plentiful.

But it's a 260-mile trip, so to avoid the madness of Los Angeles traffic the 61-year-old is hitting the road at 4 a.m. Christmas Eve and not looking back.

"There aren't many crowds there on Christmas," the Canoga Park man said with a grin. "It's pretty sparse."

At least 65.2 million Americans nationwide are revving up for getaways between Christmas Day and Jan. 1 -- with about 53 million getting there by car.

Although holiday travel hit an all-time record last year -- jumping 1.6 percent from the previous year -- there's been little growth since then, said Marie Montgomery, Auto Club spokeswoman.

About 0.2 percent more people are expected to travel this season than last -- another record-setter -- although just a slight increase, said Montgomery.

That's partly because consumers are feeling the pinch on their travel budgets as airfares have increased 16percent from last year and gasoline prices hover at more than $3 a gallon.

"We're seeing more people traveling than ever -- it's just not a huge amount of growth," said Montgomery.

Nationwide, 8.9 million travelers will hit the skies to head for their holiday celebrations, with the heaviest air travel through Sunday and again Thursday-Dec. 30, according to travel Web site Expedia.com.

About 840,000 passengers from Southern California will head to Hawaii, but if you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you can see a dusting of snow at 3,000 feet above sea level in local mountains.

Die-hard snow enthusiasts can head to 8,000 feet above sea level where 6 inches have piled onto hilltops, said Stuart Seto, weather specialist in the Oxnard office of the National Weather Service.

For this season's travelers, local weather shouldn't be a problem -- unlike delays last month when heavy morning fog prevented some flights from leaving Burbank Airport around Thanksgiving.

Rain that has sporadically showered the region should clear up by today, although winds out of the north could gust up to 40 mph, said Seto.

In addition, chilly temperatures will hang over the San Fernando Valley today and Saturday with highs hovering in the 60-degree range and lows at night dropping to the 40s.

Come Sunday, the sun will heat the area up again, with highs through Tuesday expected in a comfortable 70-degree range with nighttime lows around 40 degrees, Seto said.

But while millions head out of town for the holidays, the mere thought of staying close to home brings a smile to Anna Khacheryan.

The 38-year-old has only a few miles to drive to relatives' nearby homes for festivities Dec. 31 - the day she and her family celebrate Christmas.

"We cook and have a big family feast for the holidays," said the Canoga Park woman. "We do our big travels during the summer."

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TIPS FOR TRAVELING

The Auto Club recommends these tips for those hitting the road:

Travel during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.

Check your vehicle's fluid levels, belts, hoses and tires. If traveling to a snowy area or to the mountains, pack snow tires or chains.

Pack snacks and activities for youngsters.

Choose well-lighted, populated areas for rest stops.

Accompany children into restrooms during travel breaks.

For updated interstate, state and highway road closings, call the California Highway Information line at 800-427-7623.

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TIPS FOR TRAVELING (see text)