AAA today projected the number of Americans traveling on vacation this Memorial Day holiday weekend will increase 1.5 percent from 2008 with approximately 32.4 million travelers taking a trip of 50 or more miles away from home. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period; a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.
According to Robert L. Darbelnet, AAA President & CEO, “the good news is sharply lower gasoline prices and plentiful travel bargains have Americans feeling better about taking a road trip this summer which should help tourism-based economic activity throughout the nation.”
New Mexico’s high country offers beautiful sunny skies and cool evenings. Just 28 miles from the Arizona border, Spring Canyon Ranch is your best bet for a fantastic summer escape! Plentiful wildlife, gorgeous views, and lots of room to roam—think horseback, ATV, camping by starlight… It’s a getaway in the true sense of the word, miles away from the daily grind.
Trips by auto will be the beneficiary of Americans’ returning wanderlust with 27 million people – or nearly 83 percent of all travelers – planning a road trip. This summer AAA does not expect the price of gasoline to average more than $2.50 per gallon. (The current nationwide average price of self-serve regular is $2.248.)
Gas prices, airfare, rental car rates and some lodging costs will be lower
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, air fares over the Memorial Day holiday weekend are expected to decrease four percent from last year as air passengers will pay an average $176. Car rental rates will drop lower with consumers paying an average of $43 per day compared to $45 a year ago, a decrease of three percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with travelers spending an average of $142 per night. Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay an average of $104 per night, seven percent less than a year ago.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com—organize your New Mexico trip today!