1.2 Million Michiganians Have July 4 Travel Plans, Says AAA

International leisure travel bookings are increasing

DEARBORN, Mich., June 27 -- An estimated 1.2 million Michiganians will travel during the 2006 Fourth of July holiday, according to a recent AAA survey of 1,500 U.S. residents. Of this number, 88 percent will travel by car and 12 percent will travel by air.

This year, many Americans will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Interstate highway system, which was created when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act on June 29, 1956.

Niagara Falls was the top vacation destination in 1956; today it is Orlando, according to AAA, the largest leisure travel agency in the state. Gasoline was 22 cents per gallon 50 years ago, compared with $2.846 today.

AAA has noted a 100-percent increase in the number of visits to the AAA Fuel Cost Calculator (http://www.fuelcostcalculator.com/ ), an indication that Americans want to know how much they will be spending on gas.

Many travelers are opting to fly as an alternative to an expensive road trip.

AAA Travel Agency reports an 18-percent increase in international summer travel bookings and a 25-percent increase in bookings to Europe. Top European destinations include London, Rome, Dublin, Copenhagen and Venice.

"Americans are less nervous about traveling overseas and are taking advantage of great vacation offers to a variety of international destinations," said Claire Lockley, assistant vice president Travel Product Management for The Auto Club Group. During July, which is "AAA Travel Awareness Month," agents are advising travelers to book now for fall and winter itineraries.

"July is when many new itineraries are released," said Naab. "It's also the best time to reserve winter holiday getaways. Savvy travelers book in July to get the best price and the best accommodations."

For state residents planning a summer vacation in Michigan, the five most popular driving destinations are: 1) Mackinaw City, 2) Traverse City, 3) Muskegon, 4) Sault Ste. Marie, and 5) Ludington (based on 2005 AAA TripTik(R) requests).

Tourism in Michigan is a $15-billion-a-year industry, and the state remains one of the best travel values. A family vacation in Michigan will cost slightly less than the national average, with travelers paying an average of $230.23 per day for food and lodging. That's $16.77 a day less than the national average.

This year, the official 102-hour Independence Day holiday period begins at 6 p.m. Friday (June 30), and ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday (July 4).

During last year's 78-hour July Fourth holiday period, 17 people died in 13 fatal crashes on roads across the state. That's an increase from the 54- hour holiday in 2004, when 15 people died in 13 fatal crashes. Four (23.5 percent) of last year's deaths were alcohol-related. Of the 17 occupants killed, 13 (76.5 percent) were not wearing their safety belts.

For traffic and detour information, motorists can call 1-800-AAA-MICH (222-6424). Or, before leaving, check the AAA Michigan Web site, http://www.aaatraffic.com/ , for updated traffic information.