AAA expects drop in July 4 weekend travel

For the first year in over a decade, AAA is projecting that travel numbers will decrease over the U.S. 4th of July holiday weekend.

The latest news coming out of Wall Street isn’t giving any indication that gas prices will be coming down any time soon, either.

OPEC had predicted oil at $170 a barrel later this year. Currently, the threat from Libya to cut its oil production and the further decline of the U.S. dollar against the euro are adding up to new heights with oil prices, of $140 a barrel.

Higher fuel prices are making it necessary for many people to alter their daily driving habits.

It isn’t hard to imagine that this is all having an impact on would-be vacationers who were planning on road trips over the July 4th holiday.

AAA has projected that 40.5 million Americans will travel during the 4th of July holiday weekend. That’s 1.3 percent down the 41 million who traveled during the holiday in 2007.

“It’s important to note our projections, look at people who are traveling 50 miles or more,” said spokesperson Ragina Averella, of AAA Mid-Atlantic. “There will obviously be people who opt to stay closer to home.”

This includes drivers like Larry Caudle, who’s currently spending $120 to fill up the tank.

“I’ll just stay with the family that’s here. But as far as going to another city or traveling somewhere else or going to the ocean, no, not right now,” Caudle said.

“For July 4th, I used to go up to York, Pa. or down to Virginia, but I’ll probably spend more time in the local area,” commented Mark Carter.

If you plan to travel during the holiday regardless of the high gas prices, you’ll find some good news, though.

Rates at many hotels will be lower than they have been in recent years. And, you can ask about incentives when you’re making a reservation – such as a free gas card.

In spite of the cost of gas, AAA is saying that 85 percent of those who travel this Independence Day weekend will be driving.

www.aaa.com