The American Automobile Association is predicting a slight decline in the number of Americans traveling during the Christmas holiday period.

Nearly 63.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday travel period, a decrease of 1.4 million travelers (2.1 percent) from last year’s total of 65.3 million. This is the first decline in Christmas holiday travelers since 2002.

“The year-to-year decrease in the number of travelers this holiday season reflects the continuing impact that the economic downturn has had on many Americans,” said AAA Washington spokesperson Jennifer Cook. “However, the total volume of travelers this Christmas will still be the third largest we’ve seen since 2000.”

Over Christmas week, AAA estimates more than 52.4 million Americans (82 percent of all holiday travelers) intend to travel by automobile, a 1.2 percent decrease from the 53 million people who drove last year. The decline in travelers by car comes despite a record-fast plunge in gasoline prices. Approximately 8.1 million (13 percent of holiday travelers) expect to travel by airplane, an 8.5 percent decline from 8.9 million last year.

the 8.9 million travelers who flew last year. More than 3.33 million Americans plan to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation. That is an increase of 0.7 percent from a year ago.

AAA Washington believes most holiday travelers are driving to Southern California, Arizona or staying closer to home with destinations in state. They say prices for car rentals are estimated to be higher this year while air fares are down. Their members are more conscious than ever about getting a deal on travel based on recent analyzed data, say AAA representatives. While hotel prices have declined since last year, more visitors are likely to be staying with friends or family. The top destinations for people taking to the air are Southern California, Hawaii and Florida.