A lot of people who would normally go on an international trip are staying in the U.S. and vacationing in the warmer states instead and they re saving money by driving and not flying here as well.
California is a major tourist destination. I have always seen tons of out of states here in the LA area. From the first time I visited here in 1979 to when I moved here in 2001 up to the present, I have always seen that about 1% to 3% of all cars on the road have out of state plates. Arizona, Nevada and Baja California seen to be the most common.
People love to vacation in California. My guess is that you just hadn t noticed before. Also, people move here and don t register their car in California (since it s more expensive). I see out of state plates all day long. It s rather common if you look for it. Especially this time of year, when the snowbirds come into California from colder states.Heck, when my daughter and I go from the Mickey Friends lot at Disneyland to the tram stop, we count the number of out of state plates.
I have been noticing that same thing too!! I m guessing because it s wintertime and these people want to enjoy the sun rather than the snow.The majority I see are Washington plates, but I have seen the following in one week:WashingtonOregonSouth DakotaVirginiaNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaTexasIowaOhioIllinoisOklahomaUtahNevada
It could be retirees coming to spend the winter or coming early to spend time with the family until Thanksgiving. I know I used to come visit here around the holidays, but be back in time to celebrate with the other part of my family. There s also less than two months for a lot of people to use up vacation time. If it s snowing where they live, CA is certainly much better! :)
I would say most are residents here and are not vacationing. Alot move here from out of state and do not register their vehicles in Califonria to avoid paying the crazy fees.