AAA: Holiday travel to drop
Travel nationwide during the July 4 holiday weekend will decline 1.9 percent from last year as the recession and high gasoline prices keep motorists off the highways, Aurora-based AAA said.
The number of people traveling at least 50 miles from home will drop to 37.1 million from 37.8 million in 2008, AAA, the nation's largest motorist group, said in an annual outlook Wednesday. The 2008 total showed an 11 percent decline from 2007.
Gasoline at the pump, averaged nationwide, has risen 65 percent this year, pulled higher by a rally in crude oil. The fuel fell 0.7 cents to $2.676 a gallon, AAA said. Prices for regular gasoline rose to a record $4.114 a gallon on July 17, 2008.
"While gas prices are significantly lower than this time last year, the recent rise in pump prices may also cause some travelers to limit or abbreviate their holiday plans," said Brad Roeber, AAA Chicago's regional president.
In Illinois, gas prices are $2.81, up 39 cents from Memorial Day weekend, but down $1.38 from last July Fourth. In Indiana, regular unleaded fuel costs $2.74, which is up 45 cents from Memorial Day weekend, but down $1.37 from July 4, 2008.
In Illinois, nearly 1.7 million people are expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, about the same number compared to last year. Of those travelers, the majority, or 1.5 million will be traveling by motor vehicle. About 60,000 people are expected to fly, and the rest will travel by another mode of transportation.
The July Fourth holiday period is typically the busiest time of year for family auto travel since children are out of school.
"Those who do travel on vacation this summer will find attractive discounts and special offers which result in some outstanding vacation values," Roeber said.
Although air travel will account for only 5 percent of July 4th leisure travel, the industry is expected to see a 4.9 percent increase in leisure travel this holiday due to declining airfares and pent-up demand. Two million people are expected to travel by air.
Fourth of July travelers expect to spend approximately $1,160 per household, and will log an average of 614 miles round-trip. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, airfares over the July Fourth holiday weekend are expected to decrease 16 percent from last year. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond and Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year. Car rental rates are up five percent.
• Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.