LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - May 19, 2008) - Memorial Day travel in Southern California
is expected to decline slightly compared to 2007, according to the
Automobile Club of Southern California. About 2.9 million Southland
residents are projected to take trips this weekend -- a decline of
one-tenth of one percent compared to last year.
About 73 percent of Southern California travelers, or 2.12 million people,
are expected to drive to their holiday destinations, which is a decline of
one-tenth of one percent over last year. More than 440,000 will take plane
trips -- a decline of two-tenths of one percent compared to Memorial Day
2007.
Statewide, 4.66 million people are expected to take Memorial Day trips --
also a decline of one-tenth of one percent. Of those travelers, 3.4 million
are expected to drive and 710,000 are expected to fly.
Nationally, 37.9 million Americans are expected to travel to holiday
destinations of 50 miles or more this weekend, which is a decrease of
nine-tenths of one percent from last year.
"There is no doubt that this year's record gas prices are affecting
travelers' budgets and destination choices," said Auto Club spokesman
Jeffrey Spring. "There is a slight drop-off in travel numbers, but that
doesn't tell the whole story. Travel agents tell us that this year's
holiday vacationers are more expense-conscious when planning trips."
More than two-thirds of Californians traveling this holiday will have at
least three people in their travel party. Just over half of California
travelers will take trips of 250 miles or less. And 54 percent of the
state's travelers plan to spend a total of $600 or less on their Memorial
Day getaways.
The top five destinations for Southern California travelers, according to a
survey of AAA Travel agents, are:
1) San Diego
2) Las Vegas
3) Grand Canyon and other national parks
4) Central California Coast (Santa Barbara to Monterey)
5) Mexico (cruises, flights and drive trips)
The Auto Club has the following recommendations for travelers looking to
save money on their Memorial Day getaways:
-- If taking a drive trip, try not to leave or return during heavy
traffic, which reduces fuel economy.
-- Budget your trip ahead of time. To estimate your fuel costs, use AAA's
Fuel Cost Calculator, at www.fuelcostcalculator.com, which will calculate
gas costs based on your vehicle make and model as well as real-time
regional gas price averages.
-- Take advantage of free breakfasts or snacks that may be offered at
your lodging.
-- Buy snacks and drinks at a grocery store and store them in a cooler
instead of buying them along the way.
-- Plan your route and stops ahead of time to take advantage of buying
gas in cities where it will be less expensive. Generally speaking, larger
metropolitan areas will have lower gas prices.
-- Always ask whether a restaurant or lodging has an Auto Club discount.
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Marie Montgomery
Jeffrey Spring
(714) 885-2333