AAA Expects Increase in July 4th Travel
29 June 2004 - 7:46AM
PR Newswire (US)
AAA Expects Increase in July 4th Travel AURORA, Ill., June 28
/PRNewswire/ -- Strong demand for travel and a recent decrease in
gasoline prices will keep Americans traveling in large numbers for
this July 4 holiday. AAA Chicago estimates that 39.4 millions
Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday,
which is up 3.4 percent from the 38.2 million who traveled last
year. Approximately 34.4 million travelers (87 percent of all
holiday travelers) will go by car, an increase of 3 percent from
last year. Another 4.6 million (12 percent of all travelers) will
travel by airplane, which is up 4.4 percent from last year. The
remaining 400,000 (1 percent) will travel by train, bus, or other
mode of transportation, which is about even with last year.
"Americans' strong desire to travel will overcome high gasoline
prices, increased airfare and lodging costs," said Steve Nolan,
spokesman for AAA Chicago. "We expect a strong interest in travel
to continue throughout the summer." The greatest number of
motorists is expected to come from the Southeast with 8.7 million
and the West with 8.5, followed by the Midwest with 6.7 million;
the Northeast, 5.6 million; and the Great Lakes, 4.9 million.
Oceans and beaches lead the list of popular holiday destinations
with 24 percent of the travel volume. Cities tied with towns and
rural areas at 22 percent, followed by lakes, 12 percent;
mountains, 8 percent; and theme/amusement parks, 3 percent. Another
5 percent were undecided or visiting another destination. AAA
Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial
services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest
affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members
in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a
not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in
the United States and Canada. DATASOURCE: AAA Chicago CONTACT:
Steve Nolan, +1-630-328-7235, or Nicole Niemi, +1-630-328-7237,
both of AAA Chicago Web site: http://www.aaa.com/
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