Since the holiday of July 4 lands mid-week this year, an additional travel day will be used by many. AAA is reporting the holiday travel season will be defined as Tuesday, July 3 through Sunday, July 8.
The number of Americans who will journey 50 miles or more from home is projected at 42.3 million which could tie the past decade's previous high set in 2007. The holiday falling on a Wednesday helps with the travel since travelers can have two days on either side of the holiday and a weekend.
"AAA's projection of more than 42 million Independence Day travelers is being fed by Americans' appetite for travel and receding gas prices," said Vice President Wally Smith, AAA of Western and Central New York, in a statement. "This is the second holiday this year where travelers indicated a determination to travel while economizing by actively seeking value-added travel options and activities."
The decreasing gas prices have also helped increase travel numbers for the holiday. The current average price in Buffalo for gas is $3.74 which is $0.38 lower than April's highest price and $0.15 lower than last year. The national average for gas is $3.49 which is lower than the New York state average at $3.70.
While the average gas price for New York state is still higher than the national average, 84 percent of travelers will travel by car. It is predicted that only 8 percent of travelers will fly, a nine percent increase over last year. The final eight percent of travelers will use other modes of transportation such as bus, rail or water. The distance travelers ventures will average 723 miles which is 150 miles more than last year's average distance traveled.
AAA's survey of intended travelers found travelers would be making economical decisions by staying with friends and family members. This trend was seen over the Memorial Day weekend and will continue through this upcoming holiday weekend.
Comments on this article may be sent to smcdonnell@observertoday.com
