AAA has projected a slight increase in the number of travelers for the Memorial Day weekend. It's anticipated that 34.9 million Americans, or 11% of the overall population, will travel 50 miles or more from home for the unofficial kick off of summer. In the west, travel is expected to increase 0.2% over last year. AAA-Oregon spokeswoman Marie Dodds, a guest Friday morning on Wake Up Bend!, said many people are going to get out of town, even though gas prices are considerably higher than this time last year.
"We are hearing from people who say they've done the staycation thing over the last couple of years, now they are ready to hit the road, take a break from home and work, and even with high gas prices, they're going to go on their trip, and if they have to make cutbacks, they're going to do it elsewhere."
Dodds said it's not just gas prices that are cutting into travel and vacation budgets. She said air travel will cost over 11% more, and hotel and car rental rates have increase over the last year. Dodds added if you plan ahead, there are several ways you can save on your vacation.
"You can look at, perhaps, spending a night with family or friends, cutting out staying one night at a hotel, or staying at a less expensive property, look for more budget friendly restaurants. Lot of folks now a days will pack lunches and snacks. Again if you can eliminate a $20 snack stop and break out granola bars and bottles of water for the kids in the car, that can help you save a little bit of money as well."
Dodds said one area where a decrease is anticipated, the median spending. Figures indicate vacationers will spend $692 this year, a drop of 14% from last year.
"We are hearing from people who say they've done the staycation thing over the last couple of years, now they are ready to hit the road, take a break from home and work, and even with high gas prices, they're going to go on their trip, and if they have to make cutbacks, they're going to do it elsewhere."
Dodds said it's not just gas prices that are cutting into travel and vacation budgets. She said air travel will cost over 11% more, and hotel and car rental rates have increase over the last year. Dodds added if you plan ahead, there are several ways you can save on your vacation.
"You can look at, perhaps, spending a night with family or friends, cutting out staying one night at a hotel, or staying at a less expensive property, look for more budget friendly restaurants. Lot of folks now a days will pack lunches and snacks. Again if you can eliminate a $20 snack stop and break out granola bars and bottles of water for the kids in the car, that can help you save a little bit of money as well."
