AAA: 37.1 million travelers will take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this July 4 holiday, a 1.9% drop from last year; decline blamed on economic uncertainty
Nevin Barich
COLUMBUS, Ohio
,
June 24, 2009
(Associated Press)
–
Auto club AAA says fewer people will be traveling this July Fourth holiday, even though gas is far cheaper this year and falling.
AAA said Wednesday that it expects 37.1 million travelers to take a trip of 50 miles or more away from home this year, a decrease of 1.9 percent from last year.
AAA blames the decline on uncertainty over the economy, particularly the rising unemployment rate and sagging personal incomes.
Gasoline prices rose every day for nearly two months, but began to fall on Monday. Gas at this time last year cost more than $4. National average pump prices are 34 percent lower today at about $2.68.
AAA did say air travel is expected to increase by 4.9 percent because of declining airfares and pent up demand for vacations.
© 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.