Rising Gas Prices and Worries About the Economy Lead to Cautious Travel This Summer

 Progressive.com Survey Finds Americans Staying Close To Home Visiting Family
             And Friends And Going To The Beach This Memorial Day

    MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio, May 21 Mixed reports on the
economy and steadily rising gas prices have Americans planning trips close to
home this summer, according to a new survey by progressive.com, the Web site
of Progressive Insurance .  The survey reveals that 52 percent of
respondents are worried about the state of the economy.  Despite being
worried, 71 percent of respondents say they are planning a summer vacation but
most (66 percent) say they will travel by car (rather than by plane) to their
vacation destinations this summer.
    Further reflecting a cautious approach to spending money, this Memorial
Day weekend, most respondents (61 percent) say they will drive less than 50
miles round trip.  And, travelers this long weekend will visit low-cost
destinations -- 48 percent will visit family and friends, 18 percent will
visit the beach and 12 percent will go to the movies.  Only five percent of
respondents will visit amusement parks to celebrate the beginning of summer.
    And when comparing overall vacation budgets, 23 percent of respondents say
their summer vacation budget will be less than last year.  The good news is
that only 15 percent will finance their summer vacations using credit cards.
However, the rising cost of gas is taking its "toll" on driving habits this
summer ... 25 percent of respondents say they will drive less than last summer
and 40 percent will give more consideration before driving long distances.
    Also as a result of reports of an economic downturn, 21 percent of
respondents say they will take more weekend trips instead of a longer
vacation.  Of those respondents not taking a summer vacation, 28 percent say
it is due to reports of an economic slowdown while 43 percent say they do not
have enough time to get away.
    Full survey results featuring a wide number of topics including Memorial
Day travel, summer driving distractions, drinking and driving, gas prices, and
vacation financing can be found at progressive.com.
    Progressive , with headquarters in Mayfield Village, Ohio, is
the nation's fourth largest auto insurance company. In business since 1937,
the company provides all drivers with competitive rates and 24-hour, in-person
and online services. The company sells its products over the phone at
1-800-AUTO-PRO(R), online at progressive.com and through more than 30,000
independent agencies throughout the U.S. More information about the company
can be found at http://www.progressive.com .

                               Did You Know ...
           According to a countrywide survey by progressive.com ...

                                  Gas Prices
    Gas Pains
    When asked what they would do as a result of increased gas prices,
25 percent of respondents said they will drive less than last summer and
40 percent will give more consideration before driving long distances.

    The Good Ole' American Gas Guzzler
    Respondents driving vehicles manufactured by foreign-based companies are
more likely than respondents driving vehicles manufactured by US-based
companies to reduce their gasoline grade due to price increases in the summer
-- they are also more likely to drive less miles than last year.

    Looking for that Special Someone -- Try the Bus Stop
    Single respondents are twice as likely than married respondents to take
public transportation during the summer as a result of increasing gas prices.

    Gas Pains II
    As gas prices continue to rise, 25 percent of respondents report opting to
buy a reduced grade of gasoline  (i.e. premium gas, regular gas, etc.).

                  Summer (Memorial Day) Travel Destinations

    How We'll Travel
    A whopping 66 percent of respondents will travel by car this summer, with
29 percent opting to fly.

    Men Are From Mars, Women Travel To Venus De Milo
    When selecting their Memorial Day driving destination, women are two times
more likely than men to choose a cultural event while men are three times more
likely than women to pick a historical destination.

    It's An Age Thing
    Respondents who have had their license for 20 or more years are three
times more likely to make sure they have a spare tire and equipment to change
a tire prior to traveling during the summer than respondents who have had
their license between one and three years. Veteran drivers are also more
likely to check safety-related items and have their vehicle's oil changed.

    Check Out The Museum's Parking Lot
    Respondents who drive mini-vans or station wagons are two times more
likely than respondents who drive sports cars to select a cultural event as
their Memorial Day driving destination.

    No Kids = More Cultured
    Respondents without children are seven times more likely than respondents
with children to report cultural events as their Memorial Day travel
destination -- they are also three times more likely to travel to a historical
destination on Memorial Day.

    Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000629/PGRLOGO
    Web site:  http://www.progressive.com

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