Around 32 million American are estimated to travel despite the ongoing economic crisis. This was revealed today by AAA as it estimated 32.4 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday weekend, an increase of 1.5 percent from 2008. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

“Higher fuel prices and a tough economy resulted in far fewer trips than had been forecasted last year,” said Brad Roeber, regional president of AAA Chicago. “The sharp decline in fuel costs and plentiful bargains has made travel a bit more affordable this year.”

Memorial Day travelers in the East North Central region, which includes Illinois and Indiana, are expected to spend an average of $901. Accommodations and transportation will account for about half the total, with food, shopping and entertainment accounting for the remainder.

(Source) Press

Rate This Post