Economics Dept.: Fourth of July Travel Falls

An estimated 1 million Michiganians will travel during the 2009 Fourth of July holiday, according to a recent AAA survey. Of this number, 931,000 will travel by car and 37,000 will travel by air. 

The number of auto travelers in Michigan is down 3.5 percent from last year and the number of air travelers is up 7.5 percent.

“Gas prices, unemployment and reduced household income are factors that many travelers here in Michigan and across the country must assess when planning a holiday vacation,” said Claire Lockley, vice president Travel for The Auto Club Group. “The good news is there is pent-up demand and a lot of travel bargains, including lower air fares, to drive consumers’ decision-making.”

Holiday auto travelers will find gas prices in Michigan averaging $2.76 for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline, $1.42 lower than last year at this time.

According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, the lowest average published airfares over the July 4 holiday weekend are expected to decrease 16 percent from last year as air passengers will pay as little as $169. Car rental rates are up slightly with consumers paying an average of $51 per day compared to $49 a year ago, an increase of 5 percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond and Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $137 per night for Three Diamond properties. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay an average of $101 per night.  

For Michigan residents planning a summer vacation, the 10 most popular destinations are:

1 -- Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island
2 -- Traverse City
3 -- Frankenmuth/Birch Run
4 -- Boyne Mountain
5 -- Dearborn (The Henry Ford)
6 -- Munising
7 -- Sault St. Marie
8 -- Dundee
9 -- Saugatuck/Douglas
10 -- Lansing

For Michigan AAA members, the 10 most popular driving destinations throughout the United States are
1 -- Chicago
2 -- Niagara Falls, Ontario
3 -- Myrtle Beach, S.C.
4 -- Washington, D.C.
5 -- Gatlinburg, Tenn.
6 -- Cleveland, Ohio
7 -- Mackinaw City
8 -- Yellowstone National Park
9 -- Nashville, Tenn.
10 -- Orlando, Fla.
 
This year, the official 78-hour Independence Day holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Thursday (July 2), and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday (July 5).

During last year’s 78-hour July Fourth holiday period, 14 people died in 14 fatal crashes on roads across the state.  Three of last year’s deaths were alcohol-related.  Of the 14 persons killed, three were not belted and three did not have seat belts available.

To help make this year’s Independence Day holiday period a safe one, AAA Michigan will once again partner with the Michigan State Police in supporting Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).  Bright banners will be posted at rest areas statewide, with most sites offering complimentary coffee and refreshments.  In addition to free coffee, Operation C.A.R.E. volunteers will provide information about some of the major causes of deadly crashes and how to avoid them.

AAA’s projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA/HIS Global Insight 2009 July 4th holiday forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

For traffic and detour information, motorists can call (800) 411-4823 or visit www.aaatraffic.com.