Travel expected to increase over Memorial weekend

Even though the economy being down and the recent Gulf of Mexico
oil spill could dampen many vacation plans, a new survey from AAA
finds Californians are planning to increase travel over last year’s
numbers.
Even though the economy being down and the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill could dampen many vacation plans, a new survey from AAA finds Californians are planning to increase travel over last year’s numbers.

AAA’s travel survey projects that nearly 4 million Californians plan on traveling 50 miles or more this Memorial Day holiday weekend. This represents an overall increase of 7.8 percent from last year, according to a statement from the organization. 

“Despite a challenging economy, travel is expected to rebound for this Memorial Day weekend, said AAA Northern California spokesperson Cynthia Harris in the statement. “With a hint of renewed economic optimism, the upcoming holiday weekend will likely have Californians making up for their previously delayed travel plans.” 

AAA projects just over 3.2 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. Driving is by far the most predominant mode of transportation, with an 8.3 percent increase compared with last year. More than 360,000 Californians are planning to travel by air, an increase of 4.9 percent compared with figures from 2009. Approximately 260,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, buses and watercraft. This represents an increase of 5.6 percent compared to 2009, according to AAA.

Nationally, AAA projects just over 32 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Memorial Day weekend, representing a 5.4 percent increase compared to the prior year.