AAA predicts 34.8 million Americans, including 1.31 million Ohioans, will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day holiday weekend, Thursday May 23 to Monday, May 27. While this is a decrease of 0.9 percent nationwide and 1.4 percent for Ohio from 2012, the projected numbers remain in line with 12-year historical travel averages.
The expected decrease can be attributed to a sluggish economic recovery and the impact of sequestration, which is expected to be strongest during the second quarter of this year. In addition, four years removed from the recessionary declines of 2009, pent-up demand for travel has been largely satisfied.
Despite these factors, millions of travelers plan on kicking off the summer travel season with a vacation getaway.
Modes of Transportation:
An estimated 88 percent of American travelers (31.2 million) and 91 percent of Ohio travelers, (1.2 million) will drive to their destinations this Memorial Day. Automobile travel remains the preferred choice of transportation as it is often more affordable, convenient and flexible.
More than 2.3 million leisure air travelers, including nearly 64,000 Ohioans, will fly this Memorial Day. This is an 8 percent decrease nationally and 7.8 percent decrease in Ohio.
Gas Prices and Travel:
A survey of intended travelers found that 62 percent of travelers will not alter their travel plans due to high gas prices (up from 53 percent in 2012). Of the remaining 38 percent of travelers who said gas prices will impact their travel plans:
- 27 percent plan to economize in other areas
- 8 percent plan to take shorter trips
- 3 percent plan to travel by an alternate mode of transportation
Spending and Activities:
Travelers expect to spend an average of $659 this Memorial Day holiday, which is 6 percent lower than last year. Transportation will account for the largest portion of the travel budget, at 28 cents per travel dollar. This is likely because, overall people are expected to drive farther distances this year.
During the holiday weekend, more than half of travelers plan on visiting with friends and family (59 percent) and dining (55 percent). Other popular activities include shopping (44 percent), going to the beach (32 percent) and touring and sightseeing (27 percent).
Popular Destinations:
The top 10 driving destinations for Ohioans hitting the road this Memorial Day holiday weekend, or throughout the summer, include:
1. Myrtle Beach, SC
2. Hilton Head, SC
3. Orlando, FL
4. Gatlinburg, TN
5. Virginia Beach, VA
6. Niagara Falls, ON
7. Chicago, IL
8. Nashville, TN
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Charleston, SC
More information on these destinations, including travel consultant suggestions, can be found at AAA.com/RoadTrip.
Other popular destinations for Ohioans include cruises, all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico, Hawaii and Ohio destinations, such as Cedar Point, Hocking Hills, the Ohio State Parks and Amish Country.
About Marion Online News
