Memorial Day Travel Expected to Slow

THE WOODLANDS, Texas –– High gas prices seem to have some travelers rethinking their travel plans for the Memorial Day holiday, with 2.78 million Texans expected to head out for the holiday. That number is down slightly (0.59 percent) from last year, according to AAA Texas.

Of those traveling, 1.95 million will drive to their holiday destination, about a one percent drop over the 1.97 million that drove in 2007. Record high gas prices may be a driving factor in the lower travel numbers. In Texas, gas averages $3.690 a gallon, a 65 cent boost over last year.

“Across the state and much of the country, motorists driving to their holiday destinations will encounter the highest prices ever recorded for a gallon of gasoline,” said AAA Texas spokesperson Rose Rougeau.

Over 414,000 travelers are expected to fly to their holiday destination, about the same as last year. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to rise eight percent over last year as air passengers will pay an average $179.

About 37.87 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home for Memorial Day, down nearly 360,000 travelers (0.9 percent) from last year’s total of 38.23 million.

“Despite the small decrease in the number of people heading out, we will still see a significant number of people traveling during the holiday weekend,” said Rougeau.

Travel Destinations
According to a survey of AAA Texas travel agents, the most popular destinations for Texas travelers will be:

1) San Antonio
2) Orlando, Florida (Disney)
3) National Parks – Western states (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Utah National Parks)
4) Galveston (Including Galveston Island & Cruises to Western Caribbean)
5) Las Vegas

Families who want to estimate the fuel costs for their holiday trip can use AAA’s online tool at the link below.

More Travel Facts
-- In Texas, about 40% say they will spend less than $300 on their trip with 35% indicating they’ll spend $301 - $600.

-- Among U.S. adults living in households with children under 18 and that are planning on traveling this Memorial Day holiday, more than half (55.3%) say they will travel with their children.

-- The largest share of U. S. travelers plan to travel with two or three other people from their household (47.3%)

-- About one in five U.S. travelers say they will travel alone.

Source: AAA Texas