The Times Herald (Norristown, PA)
AND WE’RE OFF!
AAA: Record number expected to travel over Memorial Day weekend
PHILADELPHIA » After a long winter, residents across the region are ready for the unofficial start to the summer season — Memorial Day weekend.
AAA Mid-Atlantic estimates a record number of people will be traveling over the holiday period — between Thursday, May 24 and Monday, May 28.
Memorial Day travel volume in the Philadelphia region this year could be at its highest level since 2005. It is the fourth year of travel growth over the period.
“In the Philadelphia region and across Pennsylvania, residents have been waiting for this day,” said Kathleen Miller, AAA spokeswoman. “Because winter has been so long, they are ready to get summer started with a Memorial Day weekend trip.”
According to AAA’s first travel forecast for the summer season, more than 480,000 Philadelphia-area residents will travel 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend. That represents a 4.7 percent increase over last year.
By far, most of those planning to travel will do so by car — 433,000 or 90 percent. Another 33,000 will travel by air, which represents a 6.2 percent increase over last year.
Whatever your mode of transportation over the holiday weekend — you will have lots of company.
According to AAA, nearly 42 million Americans are planning to travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend — an increase of 2 million over last year.
Nearly 37 million Americans, 88 percent of travelers, will drive to their destinations, an increase of 4.7 percent over 2017. Another 3 million will take to the skies, increasing air travel by 6.8 percent over last year. Other modes of transportation — including cruises, trains and buses will be used by nearly 2 million travelers, a 2.4 percent increase over 2017.
So what is driving the continued increase in travel volume?
“We’ve got a good economy going and growing consumer confidence. People are willing to travel. Even though gas prices are higher, the Memorial Day weekend is a tradition for many,” Miller said.
Motorists will be paying the highest gasoline prices since 2014 as they go to and from their vacation destinations.
“The 2018 summer driving season, which begins with Memorial Day weekend, could see the average family paying $1,318 for gasoline, $225 to $250 more than 2017,” said Jana L. Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA.
The average price per gallon of gas Monday in the fivecounty Philadelphia region was $3.10, compared with $2.61 per gallon for the same period last year. In 2014, the price of gas per gallon for the same period was $3.73.
Across the region, the price per gallon on Monday ranged from $2.89 in Delaware to $2.92 in South Jersey and $2.99 in other parts of New Jersey. Nationally, the average price per gallon of gas was $2.93 on May 21.
Miller said there are a number of factors driving the gas price increases.
“The price of oil is higher than it was one year ago, by about $20 per gallon. In addition, OPEC has been cutting production. There has been a smaller supply but a higher demand,” she said.
In addition, the annual addition of summer gasoline blends cost more to produce.
“Stations have to buy it; they have to pay more for it and then pass it along to the consumer,” Miller added.
While gas prices are up, airfares, hotel and car rental rates are trending lower this year. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be seven percent lower this Memorial Day, with an average round trip ticket landing at $681. Hotel costs have also decreased since last Memorial Day, with the average AAA Three Diamond Rated hotel costing $186, or 14 percent less than last year. Daily car rental rates will average $59, which is 11 percent less than last year.
And just where is everyone planning to go this weekend? Based on AAA advance bookings, warm weather destinations including Orlando, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Phoenix and California top travelers’ domestic itineraries this Memorial Day.
AAA recommends making sure your car is ready to make the trip — whether it’s across the country or across town.
Miller urges motorists to check tire pressure and tire tread.
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association agrees. The organization has announced this week as National Tire Safety Week, to raise awareness and educate consumers about proper tire care and safety. This year’s theme — “Know Your Roll” — runs through Memorial Day.
The organization’s public outreach campaigns empower drivers — especially teen drivers and young adults — to check the condition of their tires, especially at the start of summer. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association recommends drivers check their tire pressure monthly, regularly check their tire tread depth and ensure that tires are rotated and properly aligned.
Another tip from AAA before taking a road trip, is to make sure windshield wipers are working properly.
“You need to be able to see and be seen. If they need to be replaced, it’s an easy fix,” Miller added.
In addition, Miller said motorists should check their lights and signals are working properly, keep windows clear and consider packing an emergency kit complete with water, snacks, jumper cables and a first aid kit.