AAA Predicts Slightly Less Fourth of July Travelers This Year
The AAA predicts the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Fourth of July holiday weekend will fall 1.9% from 2008 with approximately 37.1 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 37.8 million Americans traveled during the same period, which marked a 10.5% decline from the 42.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007. The AAA says July 4th holiday is usually the busiest time of year for auto travel with nearly all school-aged children are out of school.
The AAA blamed the projected decline in July 4th travelers on rising joblessness and sagging personal incomes caused by the recession. They say the recent rise in gas prices could also be to blame.
"Many Americans remain cautious about the outlook for their personal finances and these attitudes are reflected in the slight decline in travel we are forecasting for the upcoming holiday weekend," said Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President & CEO. "Those who do vacation this summer will find a plethora of attractive discounts and special offers resulting in some outstanding vacation values. If you can afford to go, this summer is a smart time to travel."
