The availability of cheap airplane tickets, cheap auto rentals, and discount hotel rooms, is making experts forecast a jump in Memorial Day travel. Over 32 million Americans are expected to travel over the upcoming holiday weekend, according to AAA (American Automobile Association). This years estimate is for almost 2 million more people to be traveling.
Finding great travel deals is a higher priority among this years travelers. According to an AAA study just released these visitors will be spending much less than last year. The auto club projects that median spending on travel for Memorial Day weekend this year will come in at $809 vs. $1,052 last year, a decrease of 23 percent.
Airline ticket prices for the holiday weekend will be virtually flat with last year, according to AAA. Car rental rates for the weekend are projected to drop by 15 percent to an average of $37 per day. Hotel rates are forecasted to fall somewhat from last year.
More people are expected to travel by car, even though gasoline prices are almost 50 cents higher per gallon that they were last year. Airlines will be flying more leisure travelers, with a modest projected increase of about 50,000 passengers.
The improving economy is a key factor in why AAA is expecting more people to be traveling this upcoming holiday weekend. AAA travel agents are seeing double digit increases in the percent of people reserving tours, cruises, and hotels.
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