June 2005
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National News TIA: Record-breaking summer travel
Despite rising prices, Americans will be traveling in record numbers this summer, with Florida, California, Nevada and New York the top preferred destinations, according to a Travel Industry Association (TIA) forecast. "Every sector of the travel industry will be up, up, up," said Dr. Suzanne Cook, TIA's senior vice president of research. TIA predicted that Americans will take 328 million leisure person-trips during June, July and August, a 2.3 percent increase over last summer. Top activities for summer travelers will be visiting friends and relatives, going to a beach or lake, and visiting small towns or rural areas.
The worst of the pain at the pump may be over. Gasoline prices are expected to average $2.17 a gallon in May and June after hitting a record, not adjusted for inflation, of $2.24 in April, the Energy Department said in a monthly report. "Gasoline prices may well have seen their peak for the year, barring sharp disruptions of crude oil supply or refinery operations," analysts said. Average gasoline prices are expected to continue to be above $2 a gallon through the end of 2006.
Location is the number one feature that travelers look for when deciding where to stay, according to a new AAA survey conducted by Market Horizons. The survey named the top 10 factors that are considered when choosing accommodations. Following location in or near a destination (93% of respondents) are proximity to a planned activity (90%), price (86%), a discount for AAA members (82%) and the property's AAA Diamond Rating (72%). Other factors include a complimentary breakfast and cleanliness.
A leading online travel resource, Expedia.com, says a survey it commissioned found that Americans are likely to give back more than 421 million vacation days this year, with each employed U.S. adult anticipated to leave an average of three vacation days on the table this year. Nearly a third (31%) of Americans reported that they do not always take all of their vacation days, despite almost half (48%) admitting that they come back from a vacation feeling rested, rejuvenated and reconnected in their personal life.
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