AAA announced that ever-escalating gas prices are getting travelers’ attention, but that Americans are expected to take more than 327 million leisure trips this summer, down only slightly from a year ago.
According to a new survey, the Travel Industry Association said this summer’s projected decline in travel, expected to range from 1 to 1.5 percent lower than a year ago, points to a relatively soft summer travel season.
AAA-Idaho says that’s not surprising given the current economic environment, including gas prices that are 75 cents higher than the record prices of a year ago.
But that same survey suggests Americans are unwilling to forego vacations altogether, even if it means paying substantially higher gas prices.
“No one should underestimate the resiliency of travelers when their personal vacations are on the line,†said AAA-Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson. Record gas prices and high food costs may cause many travelers to modify their travel plans, he said. “Just don’t ask them to cancel a much needed vacation.â€
