Rising gas prices have not deterred one American dream: driving across the entire country.
About one quarter of men and one third of women say they have never done it but “always wanted to,” according to an Expedia survey.
“And 41% of Americans and nearly half of men who were surveyed said they've already driven cross-country at least once in their lives,” the survey found.
The survey of 2,262 adults by Harris Interactive on behalf of Expedia went beyond Americans' automotive dream trips. It confirmed what previous surveys and studies have found: Tough economic times have forced Americans to turn to cheaper vacation alternatives.
"We believe that Americans are proving to be resilient in a down economy, by driving instead of flying and taking more frequent, shorter trips," said Joe Megibow, vice president and general manager of Expedia.
Travel statistics released by the US Commerce Department show that overseas travel from the U.S. dropped 6% in 2010 from 2009.
Fewer than 1 in 4 (23%) Americans are likely to travel internationally in the next year, according to the Expedia survey.
Meanwhile, travel to neighboring countries Mexico and Canada increased slightly during the same period, according to the federal agency.
By David Wilkening
