AAA Travel predicts 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day weekend, a 0.9 percent decrease from the 35.1 million people who traveled last year.
The projected decline in holiday travel is due to a decline in air travel of eight percent and a struggling economy according to AAA.
The Memorial Day holiday travel period starts today, May 23, through Monday, May 27.
"AAA is forecasting Memorial Day travel to be slightly lower this year due to an up and down economy, the impact of the end of the payroll tax holiday on working families and a 30-year low in the percentage of working age people in the workforce," said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet in a press statement.
Approximately 31.2 million people plan to drive to their destination, an increase of 0.25 percent from the 31.1 million people who drove last year. Around 89 percent of holiday travelers will take to the nation's roadways during the Memorial Day weekend, keeping automobile travel in the lead over air travel.
A survey of intended travelers indicated that gasoline prices would have "no impact" on plans for 62 percent of travelers during the holiday weekend. Of the remaining 38 percent of travelers who said gas prices would affect their travel plans, 27 percent plan to "economize in other areas" according to AAA.
Eight percent of travelers are planning to take a shorter trip than usual and three percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation like motorcycles or bicycles.
"Economic growth in the first quarter was strong, but the impact of the sequester is now beginning to be felt resulting in reduced economic growth expectations," said Darbelnet. "These and other variables are expected to result in few travelers this holiday."
Over 2.3 million travelers will reach their destination by air, an eight percent decrease from last year's 2.5 million air travelers according AAA. The remaining four percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel by other modes, including rail, bus and watercraft.
During the weekend, more than half of intending travelers will visit with friends/family (59 percent) or go out to eat (55 percent). Other activities include shopping (44 percent), going to the beach (32 percent) and touring and sightseeing (27 percent) according to AAA.
The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, Android and iPad uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance.
"The primary driver of the decline in holiday travelers is an eight percent decrease in the number of people expected to take to the skies this holiday," Darbelnet said. "American travelers are experiencing fee fatigue and frustration with everything from higher fares to airport security. As a result, many are choosing road travel in higher numbers due to the lower cost and convenience it offers."
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