Are You Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend? – Survey of the Day

It's the unofficial first day of summer, a day to remember those we lost, and for a lot of folks an extra day tacked on to the end of the weekend allowing us to travel. Whether it be to go visit friends or family, or just a quick weekend getaway, AAA projects 34.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Are you traveling? 

AAA says the amount of travelers this weekend increased slightly from last years number. four and a half percent of those traveling will take non-traditional means such as rail, bus and watercraft. Seven percent will fly, and the other 88 or so percent will drive. That is about nine out of ten holiday travelers will do it by car this year.

A survey of intended travelers found that 53 percent said recent increases in gasoline prices would not impact their Memorial Day holiday travel plans. Of the remaining 47 percent of travelers who said gas prices would impact their travel plans, nine percent are planning to take a shorter trip, four percent will travel by an alternate mode of transportation and 34 percent will economize in other areas. Those who intend to economize in other areas plan to reduce spending on entertainment (65 percent), stay at a lower priced hotel (34 percent), stay with friends and relatives instead of reserving a hotel room (31 percent) or stay in a hotel that includes value-added amenities like free breakfast and internet (27 percent).

According to a survey of traveler intentions, the average distance traveled by Americans during the Memorial Day holiday weekend is expected to be 642 miles, which is 150 miles less than last year’s average travel distance of 792 miles. With high gas prices squeezing consumers’ spending power this spring, consumers are responding by traveling shorter distances this Memorial Day holiday.