AAA Chicago Says High Fuel Prices Won't Keep July 4th Travelers Home

AURORA, Ill., June 27 -- Both the roads and the skies will be crowded this weekend as record numbers of travelers are expected for the Fourth of July, according to AAA Chicago. AAA estimates that 40.7 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, a 1.2 percent increase from the 40.2 million who traveled last year. About 80 percent, or 34.3 million travelers, will travel by car although the national average for regular unleaded gasoline is $2.86, which is a 66-cent increase from last year.

"Higher vacation costs, including fuel, are not causing travelers to cancel their vacation plans," said Nicole Niemi, spokesperson for AAA Chicago. "The Fourth of July is the biggest vacation travel weekend of the summer, and this follows the trend of increased travel throughout 2006."

Although prices may vary by the weekend, currently in Illinois, the price of regular unleaded is $2.97 per gallon, which is 72 cents higher than this time last year. In Indiana, a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline costs $2.80 per gallon compared to $2.18 per gallon during last year's July Fourth holiday weekend.

The skies will also be busy this weekend as 4.6 million people plan to travel by airplane, the same number flying last Fourth of July.

The Great Lakes region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, will see approximately 4.7 million auto travelers and roughly 600,000 air travelers.

With so many construction projects scheduled in and around Chicago, AAA Chicago recently unveiled a "Construction Update" link at http://www.aaa.com/ to enable drivers to check for the most up-to-date construction zone news in Chicagoland detailing which roads have restricted lane use and suggestions of alternate routes.

Today's travelers can benefit from online mapping services such as AAA.com TripTik routings used by millions of Americans who go online to map out their summer vacation road trip before they leave home. In addition, many Americans have continued to rely on AAA TourBook guides over the years as a comprehensive travel source with thousands of AAA Diamond rated hotels and restaurants plus attractions, events and destinations.

It is no surprise that ocean and beach vacations top the list of preferred destinations this holiday with 22 percent of travelers saying they will be taking a water-based vacation. Small towns and rural areas was the next popular destination, with 21 percent and cities were third at 19 percent. Ten percent of travelers will head to the lake areas, and 5 percent to the mountains.

If you haven't made your hotel reservations, AAA notes it might be challenging to find rooms available. More than one quarter of the total Fourth of July travelers expect to stay at a hotel or motel. Forty percent of travelers expect to stay with friends or relatives. Look for AAA Approved and Diamond rated properties to ensure that your accommodations meet strict quality standards.

AAA's Leisure Travel Index shows other vacation costs up somewhat from Fourth of July 2005. Hotel rates are up slightly, averaging 10 percent higher for AAA-Rated Three Diamond hotels for the 20 top destinations used in the comparison. Airfares are up 7 percent and car rental rates are up 5 percent.

Research for holiday travel is based on a survey of 1,500 adults by the Travel Industry Association, which conducts special research for AAA. The survey was conducted in May 2006.

This year AAA Chicago celebrates 100 years of service, as 2006 marks the membership organization's centennial celebration. Formed in Chicago in 1906, the company represents roadway interests for motorists and pedestrians and serves as a leading advocate for various traffic safety and travel-related issues.

For more information on any aspect of AAA Chicago's breadth of service including AAA's home, auto and life insurance products; travel-related services, AAA's Show Your Card & Save program; and/or any AAA membership service including emergency roadside assistance, please visit our Web site at http://www.aaa.com/ or call us toll-free at 1-877-YOUR AAA (968-7222).