Dec. 16, 2014 – Plunging gas prices have Americans saving an estimated $250 million per day on gasoline compared to a

year ago but don’t expect to see more chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

A GasBuddy survey of more than 100,000 respondents finds that 83% of us say we will save or pay off debt with the extra

savings, while only 14% say we’ll spend it on holiday presents.

Among those planning to travel, 23% said that record-low gas prices are impacting their plans. This includes traveling

greater distances (29%); purchasing more gifts (35%); spending extra on food (11%) and upgrading accommodations

(8%).

“Nearly half of us (44%) find year-end travel stressful and the greatest single cause of it, apparently, is traffic (37%), with

inclement weather (27%) followed closely by cost (26%),” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with

GasBuddy.com. “But with some extra cash in our pockets, that may help many of us get an early start and avoid the

traffic with 36% of travelers saying they’re hitting the road on Saturday, Dec. 20, or Sunday, Dec. 21.”

Additional findings from the GasBuddy December Holiday Travel 2014 survey:

 Saturday, Dec 20 will be the busiest travel day with 29% planning to hit the road to start the holiday season.

 The metropolitan cities where residents find it the most challenging to escape:

1. Los Angeles

2. New York

3. Atlanta

4. Seattle

5. Washington DC

 The cities where the residents find it the least challenging to escape:

1. Cleveland

2. Philadelphia

3. Phoenix

4. Denver

5. San Francisco

To see the national survey: http://media.gasbuddy.com/content/docs/December-Travel-National.pdf