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5/12/2009
Lower Fuel Costs, Travel Bargains Spur Slight Increase in Memorial Day Travel
Bellevue, Wash. (May 12, 2009) – AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 1.5 percent from 2008 with approximately 32.4 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.
Last year, soaring gas prices and a deteriorating economy resulted in far fewer trips taken than had been forecasted. The good news this year is that although gas prices are increasing, they are still about $1.30 per gallon less than a year ago. Lower gas prices coupled with plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this holiday weekend and into the summer.
The H1N1 flu is on everyone’s mind. Data from previous health-related outbreaks, such as SARS or the Avian Flu, have shown that Americans are still likely to travel, but tend to change their travel behavior. Travelers may choose a less public destination or activity, for example.
AAA’s projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA earlier this year as part of an agreement to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2009 Memorial Day holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.
Car trips to increase as air travel dips
Trips by automobile will be the beneficiary of Americans’ returning wanderlust with 27 million people – or nearly 83 percent of all travelers - planning a road trip. This is an increase from last Memorial Day when 26.3 million travelers paid among the highest fuel prices on record to travel by motor vehicle.
The current nationwide average price of self-serve regular is ($2.23). In Washington, gas prices are up a dime in the past week to $2.46 a gallon, which is $1.33 a gallon less than last year at this time. In Idaho prices are climbing at a slower rate, up a nickel the past week to $2.20 a gallon, but down $1.45 from last year. (Gas prices fluctuate daily. Please check our www.FuelGaugeReport.com Web site for current prices.)
In contrast to trips by personal automobile, projections indicate that trips by air will decline by 1 percent. Approximately 2.1 million Americans will travel by air over the holiday weekend, AAA said. This is seven percent of total travelers. Trips by other modes, including rail, buses and watercraft, will be the dominant means of travel used by an estimated 3.3 million Americans, or 10 percent of all travelers.
Travelers visiting friends/family and popular local destinations
Nearly 60 percent of Americans will spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday, and traveling as a family will be the most popular way to go with 34 percent of travelers making a journey with children or other family members.
The top three travel destinations for AAA Washington members traveling by automobile are the Oregon Coast, Vancouver/Victoria, BC, and in-state road trips. Those taking to the air are planning on visiting California, Las Vegas and Reno. With the hot deals on cruises from Seattle, a higher number of AAA members are extending their weekend vacation and sailing to Alaska.
AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 980,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Contact AAA
Jennifer Cook (425) 646-2055
Dave Overstreet (425) 467-7740
Cassie Devaney (509) 358-6950
