The American Automobile Association is predicting more than a half million fewer Americans will be traveling over the Independence Day holiday. Triple-A Idaho’s Dave Carlson says the combination of soaring fuel prices, a weak economy and higher related travel costs are the main reasons why the U.S. will experience the first year-over-year July 4th travel decline this decade.
Dave Carlson, AAA-Idaho, comments
Idahoans are also expected to stay closer to home and those who do travel will likely do so by motor vehicle.
Carlson continues
Of the 40.45 million Americans traveling this weekend, most, or 34.2 million intend to drive rather than fly.
As record-high fuel prices continue to stress household budgets, some motorists are going to new and sometimes dangerous lengths to cut costs. The American Automobile Association is particularly concerned about the increased number of drivers “hypermiling” in efforts to exceed a vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Triple-A Idaho’s Dave Carlson says while the goals of “hypermiling” are positive, motorists should refrain from unsafe and dangerous actions associated with the practice.
AAA-Idaho’s Dave Carlson comments
Other tips to achieve better fuel economy include having tires inflated to vehicle manufacturer specifications and also using manufacturer recommended motor oil based on climate.
On average, two adults traveling together will pay nearly $50 less per day for food and lodging in Idaho compared to the national average price, helping the Gem State retain its favored position as one of the cheaper vacation dates in the nation.
According to the American Automobile Association, two adults can expect to pay $197 dollars a day for lodgings and restaurant meals in Idaho, well below the national average price of $244. Triple-A Idaho’s Dave Carlson says Idaho’s daily $197 tab includes $121 for lodging and $76 for restaurants for two adults, making Idaho the 16th most affordable state destination in the country.
Dave Carlson, AAA-Idaho, comments
The most expensive states for vacationers are Hawaii at $793, New York at $575, and Nevada at $301. The most economical choices include North Dakota at $159, Nebraska at $160, and Kansas at $165.
With gas prices averaging above $4.00 and no guarantees that they will stabilize soon, Triple-A offers motorists several tips to better manage their summer vacation budgets.
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Other tips include calculatinbg gas prices,book accommodations early, and dialing 5-1-1 for road and travel conditions. For more information visit www.aaa.com.
The American Automobile Association says despite record high fuel prices across the nation, Americans are expected to take more than 327 million leisure trips this summer, down slightly from a year ago. According to a survey by the Travel Industry Association, this summer’s projected travel decline will fall somewhere between one and 1.5-percent lower than a year ago.
But, as AAA-Idaho’s Dave Carlson explains, the same survey also suggests Americans are unwilling to forego vacations altogether, even if it means paying substantially more to do so.
AAA-Idaho’s Dave Carlson comments
While most still plan to take summer vacations, many are planning to cut corners by shortening their trips or spending less on accommodations, meals and shopping.
Carlson continues
Summer travel tips are available at the American Automobile Association web site at www.aaa.com.
The American Automobile Association believes a slow U.S. economy combined with record high gasoline prices will dictate how many people will travel over the Memorial Day holiday.
Dave Carlson with AAA-Idaho says with most Americans making decisions with their wallets and bank accounts, travel numbers over the holiday weekend will most likely dip compared with last year.
AAA-Idaho’s Dave Carlson comments
In Idaho, travel numbers are also expected to be down by about 8,000 this year compared to a year ago.
Carlson continues
Triple-A is also reminding motorists that proper maintenance, good preparation and non-aggressive driving can pay off with less fuel used and safer travel. More tips and information can be found at http://www.aaa.com.
