AAA: More than 715,000 Arizonans will travel for Memorial Day
May 16, 2014, 10:57 AM | Updated: 10:57 am
PHOENIX — Almost three-quarters of a million Arizonans are expected to take to the roads and skies over Memorial Day weekend, Triple-A of Arizona said.
“The majority — about 87 percent of Arizonans traveling — will be driving to their destination,” said spokeswoman Michelle Donati. “That’s up by about a half-percent or a little more than a half-percent over last year.”
The 718,000 Arizonans traveling is an increase of about 6,500 from last year, an increase of nearly 1 percent.
“Very healthy travel numbers and we’re really attributing this to continued improvement in the economy, disposable income and consumer confidence,” said Donati.
The slight bump comes despite increases in travel costs. Airfares are up 6 percent, mid-range hotels are up 2 percent and rental cars are up 1 percent. Gas will be about $3.50 per gallon in Arizona during the holiday.
Nationally, more than 36 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more. If that estimate holds true, it would be the largest amount of people traveling during the holiday weekend since 2005.
KTAR’s Cooper Rummell contributed to this report.
