AAA: 2.9M Michigan Residents Plan Holiday Travel
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - About 2.9 million Michigan residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from home during the upcoming Christmas holiday period -- Dec. 21 through Jan. 1.
The estimate released earlier this week by AAA Michigan is from the auto club's latest travel survey. The number is on par with last year.
Most Michigan travelers will go by car, truck or van to destinations this year -- 92 percent compared to 91 percent nationally. Six percent will go by air, down slightly from last year, while the rest will travel by bus or train. Michigan motorists can expect to pay about 12 cents less for a gallon of gas, compared to last year.
During the holiday travel period, Americans plan to travel an average 805 miles roundtrip, up 45 miles from last year. Median spending per household is expected to be $765, up from $759.
Most surveyed reported the main purpose of their trip was to visit family or friends. While many indicate they will stay with family or friends, those planning hotel stays will find average prices relatively flat. Weekend daily car rental rates will average $63, compared to $55 last year.
Those traveling by air will find airfares slightly lower than last year. During Christmas week, the average lowest round-trip rate is $199 for the top 40 U.S. air routes, compared to $204 last year.
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