The prices of gasoline, air fares and hotel rooms are all either low or falling. But it seems the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the spotty economy have put a damper on America's urge to travel during the holidays.

        The winter holiday season is normally the heaviest travel period of the year. This year, 53.7 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles away from home to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. But that's a 6 percent drop from last year, AAA Cincinnati officials said.

Rebecca Falzone, 54, of Seminole, Fla., and her daughter, Brandi, 8, are traveling, despite initial fears about Sept. 11. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        All modes of travel are down, but those most able to surmount any lingering fears of terrorists are more willing to get behind a wheel rather than step into a jetliner.

        About 42.2 million will drive to their holiday destination, compared to 42.7 million last year, AAA said. About 11.5 million are traveling by airplane, train or bus, which is down 20 percent from the 14.4 million who used those modes of travel last year.

        “People are just wanting to stay closer to home and spend time with their family,” said Christina Mullis, AAA Cincinnati spokeswoman. Yet “Christmas is the time people are going to say, "We need to see our family.' I really think (today) will be the first big push. This weekend is going to be a big one.”

        On Wednesday, holiday travelers were few and lines were short at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Many of those at the airport said the vast, open terminals seemed like a ghost town compared to past holiday seasons.

        On the flip side, getting through the airport was not difficult. Post-Sept. 11 security “went so quick. It was less of a hassle than it used to be,” said Hans Albrecht, 50, of Lexington.

        He and girlfriend Vicki Mikulecky , 37, of Covington, had just returned from a 10-day stay in Hawaii. The couple, who toted a bag of souvenirs and Christmas gifts, said they never considered canceling their trip.

        The travel industry is offering special lures to those skittish about travel — or the economy. Normally, at this time of year, hotels are booked. But rooms in downtown Chicago are available at $109 a night. That's off at least $30, said AAA Cincinnati agent Dawn Dean Harris. On Northern Kentucky's riverfront, hotels that can charge up to $290 a night are asking for $100, she said.

        Gas prices also are down. Nationwide, a gallon of unleaded gas was selling for an average of $1.08 Wednesday, according to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report. That compares to a per-gallon price of $1.45 from last year. Wednesday's average price in Cincinnati was $1.02, while the AAA survey said it was $1.09 in Northern Kentucky.

        Bargain air fares are out there, even for last minute travelers.

        Delta Air Lines, for example, is offering round-trip fares of $78 to $298 to many North American cities — and there is no advance purchase requirement. The catches:

        • You'll have to depart Sunday through Christmas or Dec. 28, and return on Christmas Day, or on Dec. 28, 30, 31 or Jan. 1. The key date you can't travel is Thursday, Dec. 27, which AAA expects will be the busiest of the holiday season.

        • You'll have to book on Delta.com by Dec. 28.

        • If you're trying to get to a sunny beach (such as any place in Florida) or a winter sports location (say Denver), don't expect one of these bargains.

        A sample of fares found Wednesday night on Delta.com from Cincinnati included Boston for $189; Los Angeles for $257; San Francisco for $250; New York (La Guardia) for $149; and New Orleans for $127.

        Special discounts didn't tempt the Falzone family of Seminole, Fla., until November. They normally plan an annual Christmas trip to see relatives in Milton, Ky., months in advance, but Sept. 11 frightened them.

        The three-person family flew here on Wednesday, thanks to individual $200 tickets. But Rebecca Falzone, 54, and her 8-year-old daughter, Brandi, had to take a separate flight from husband, Bill. They must return on Christmas night.

        But, “we want to be with family,” said Mrs. Falzone, who mailed the family's gifts rather than take them on the plane.

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