US Memorial Day travel predictions
Though more people will be on the road, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be significantly less than last year’s average distance, according to AAA.
- An estimated 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, an increase of 1.2 percent, or 500,000 travelers, from the 34.3 million people who traveled a year ago. The Memorial Day travel period begins Thursday, May 24, and ends Monday, May 28.
- The average distance traveled is expected to be 642 miles, 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles.
- According to AAA, high gas prices are squeezing consumers’ spending power this spring and consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances.
AAA reports a survey of intended travelers found that 53% said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans.
Of the remaining 47% of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, 9% are planning to take a shorter trip, 4% will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34% plan to economize in other areas.
The most common way of economizing or 65% said they would cut entertainment costs while more than one third planned to stay at lower priced hotels. Almost one third planned to stay with relatives.
By David Wilkening
David
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