AAA Projects Slight Increase in Memorial Day Travel
Indianapolis, IN (May
22, 2007) –
Travel will be up
slightly this Memorial Day weekend despite high gas prices,
according to AAA. In fact, AAA estimates that 38.3 million
Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this
holiday, a 1.7 percent increase from last year.
Approximately 32.1
million travelers (84 percent of all holiday vacationers)
expect to go by motor vehicle; a 1.8 percent increase from
the 31.5 million who drove a year ago.
Another 4.4 million (11
percent) plan to travel by airplane, up 1.0 percent from
last Memorial Day. A projected 1.9 million vacationers (5
percent of all holiday travelers) will go by train, bus, or
other mode of transportation; about even with a year ago.
Travelers will get a bit
of a break this holiday weekend while making their way to
various destinations. AAA’s Leisure Travel Index shows
flights over the holiday weekend averaging 5 percent less
this year than in 2006, with the average flight costing
$166. Car rental rates are expected to fall 16 percent from
last year, with renters paying an average of $31; almost $6
less than one year ago. Hotel rates, however, will be up
about 13 percent from 2006, with travelers spending an
average of $174 per night at AAA 3 Diamond hotels.
The average traveling
household will spend $594 this Memorial Day weekend.
Research for Memorial Day
travel is based on a national survey of 2,000 adults by the
Travel Industry Association of American, which conducts
special research for AAA.
AAA
AAA Hoosier Motor Club is a fully tax-paying, not-for-profit
corporation offering a wide range of member services. The
405,000-member affiliate of the American Automobile
Association (AAA) works for the improvement of motoring and
traveling conditions in the state of Indiana.
AAA is the largest motoring and traveling organization in
the world with more than 50 million members.
Read other releases...
|
