Pain in the Pump? Another Reason to Travel Michigan

Stretch Your Vacation Dollars by Staying in Michigan

LANSING, Mich., April 19 -- When gas prices begin their expected upward climb this summer, don't cancel your travel plans, reroute them to stay in Michigan. Why spend countless hours on a cross country trek, when there are thousands of one-tank trips you can take right in your own backyard?

"We don't expect people to drastically change their travel plans this season. When you look at a map of Michigan, you start to realize that you can travel from one extreme of the state to the other on under two tanks of gas," said Dave Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. "While no one enjoys paying a higher price for gas, the extra couple of dollars should not hinder Michigan residents to explore other parts of the state this summer."

Instead of cutting back on travel, try cutting costs in other ways, such as finding deals and discounts or packages on the http://www.michigan.org/ web site. Michigan.org offers information on more than 10,000 properties with the State of Michigan, with more than 200 cost savings packages. Mark http://www.michigan.org/ on your favorite list as packages are updated on a daily basis.

In addition, AAA Michigan offers a list of gas saving tips including keeping tires properly inflated, giving your car a full tune-up, slowing down and traveling during off-peak times. A complete list of tips is available online.

Tourism in Michigan is a $17.5 billion industry. Of those who travel in the state annually, nearly two-thirds of leisure visitor spending in Michigan is by Michigan residents. This trend may increase with higher gas prices.

Travel Michigan, a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is the State of Michigan's official agency for the promotion of tourism. Travel Michigan markets the state's tourism industry and provides valuable visitor information services.