AAA expects fewer Americans driving, flying for holiday

May 16, 2008 (The Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- -- For the first time in six years, fewer Americans will hit the roads and the airports for a Memorial Day weekend getaway, according to AAA Arizona.

Soaring pump prices, airfares, rental car rates and hotel tabs plus a weakened economy have squashed early summer vacation plans for some would-be travelers, said Linda Gorman, AAA Arizona spokeswoman. "It's a small decrease (from Memorial Day 2007), just 0.9 percent," Gorman said, but it could be an omen of how the rest of the summer travel season will shape up.

If gas prices continue to climb, and hotels, airlines and rental car companies don't try to compensate by offering super deals, it could be a tough time for the U.S. tourism industry, she said. AAA Arizona conducted an online poll, asking motorists if gas prices would alter summer vacation plans, and 74 percent of those who responded said they would postpone vacations or downsize plans because of the soaring gas tab.

But for Memorial Day, the first big summer weekend, AAA found that would-be vacationers in the Western United States are more likely than those in other parts of the country to travel despite budget woes, Gorman said. So don't expect noticeably less traffic on the local roads or at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Overall, AAA estimates that 12 percent of Americans, nearly 38 million people, will celebrate Memorial Day away from home. Most, 83 percent, will get to their holiday destination by car, and 11 percent will travel by plane. The rest will use a bus, train or other mode of transportation, according to the auto club.

For those who do travel, maybe because of super summer resort and hotel deals, the Valley will be the ninth most popular destination, said Internet travel booker Orbitz.com. Las Vegas and Orlando, Fla., will be the top two hot spots. And Sky Harbor will be the 10th busiest U.S. airport during the Memorial Day weekend rush.

To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.eastvalleytribune.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The Tribune, Mesa, Ariz. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

Morning Coffee with TradingMarkets -- Free Newsletter

More News:   Market Updates | Stock Alerts | All Trading News | Stock Index