Regis Philbin
May 22nd, 2007, 01:27 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18713982/
Gas prices won't deter Memorial Day travelers
Car trips forecast to rise, but AAA says people will stay closer to home.
Updated: 5:44 p.m. MT May 17, 2007
WASHINGTON - Despite record fuel prices above $3 per gallon, more Americans will travel by car over the Memorial Day holiday weekend than a year ago, according to a survey by travel agency AAA.
In a sign that energy costs will affect behavior, however, AAA said travelers are planning to stay closer to home and take shorter trips. Travel-related expenses for U.S. households are expected average nearly $600.
AAA forecast that 38.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more, an increase of 1.7 percent from last year. Roughly 32.1 million travelers — or 84 percent of the total — will drive, up 1.8 percent from last year, AAA said.
The AAA estimate is based on the results of a national survey of 2,000 adults.
The number of Americans traveling by plane is expected to rise by 1 percent to 4.4 million. The remaining travelers will get to their destinations by bus or train.
Gas prices won't deter Memorial Day travelers
Car trips forecast to rise, but AAA says people will stay closer to home.
Updated: 5:44 p.m. MT May 17, 2007
WASHINGTON - Despite record fuel prices above $3 per gallon, more Americans will travel by car over the Memorial Day holiday weekend than a year ago, according to a survey by travel agency AAA.
In a sign that energy costs will affect behavior, however, AAA said travelers are planning to stay closer to home and take shorter trips. Travel-related expenses for U.S. households are expected average nearly $600.
AAA forecast that 38.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more, an increase of 1.7 percent from last year. Roughly 32.1 million travelers — or 84 percent of the total — will drive, up 1.8 percent from last year, AAA said.
The AAA estimate is based on the results of a national survey of 2,000 adults.
The number of Americans traveling by plane is expected to rise by 1 percent to 4.4 million. The remaining travelers will get to their destinations by bus or train.