An estimated 2 million Michigan residents – almost the same number as last year traveled 50 miles or more from home during the Christmas holiday and New Year’s period, according to AAA’s latest travel survey. Nationwide, AAA predicted a slight decline in travel.
Most travelers went by car, truck or van to their destinations this year (88 percent), while fewer traveled by air (7 percent). Lower gas prices provided additional incentive for travelers to hit the roadways this holiday. Michigan motorists paid $1.34 less for a gallon of gas ($1.699 as of December 16), compared to last year.
According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index (LTI), which is based on available rates this holiday, Americans paid lower hotel and higher car rental rates throughout the holiday season.
However, travelers saw different trends in airfares depending upon the week of travel.
For Americans traveling during the week of Christmas, rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels were down an average 3 percent compared to last year. On average, travelers renting a vehicle during the week of Christmas paid 2 percent more than a year ago.
New Year’s offered a significant decline in hotel costs with rates for AAA Three Diamond hotels 16 percent less than a year ago. Car rentals rates were 8 percent higher than last year for the same period.
In the 2007 holiday period, there were 11 traffic fatalities reported by the Michigan State Police. Of the 11 fatal crashes, five involved alcohol. Lack of restraint use was a factor in three of the 11 fatalities.
Source: AAA Michigan
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