More expected to travel this Fourth of July holiday

June 28– Nationwide, the number of projected travelers this Independence Day holiday (July 1 - 5) is expected to increase 17.1 percent from 2009 with an estimated 34.9 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles or more away from home, according to AAA’s holiday travel projections.

Last year, 29.8 million Americans traveled during the Independence Day weekend.

Travel from Florida is projected to increase 6.2 percent, from Georgia by 11 percent, and from Tennessee by 16.1 percent, despite the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

"The situation in the Gulf continues to change rapidly and the long-term impact on tourism in the Gulf Coast region is still unknown," said Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public Relations.

"Currently, the majority of Florida’s beaches are unaffected, beautiful and open to the public," she said.

 AAA has reported inquiries regarding travel to the Gulf Coast, but has not experienced widespread cancellations.

Travel in the Gulf Coast region is expected to increase slightly since many travelers visit Florida for reasons other than the beaches such as golfing, theme parks, state parks, shopping, nightlife and to visit family and friends.

AAA Auto Club South conducted an oil spill survey to capture traveler sentiment as it relates to Florida and the affects of the oil spill from May 24-28.

The initial survey found most travelers still planned to travel to the state despite news of the Gulf oil disaster.

A follow-up survey will field June 24-28 to see how consumer sentiment has changed as news of the oil disaster has developed.

Independence Day weekend remains a predominately auto travel holiday with 31.4 million Americans expected to travel via automobile, or 90 percent of travelers, an increase of 17.7 percent from 2009.

Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee are all expected to see increases in auto travelers by 6.7 percent, 11.5 percent, and 16.5 percent, respectively.

AAA expects the national average price for regular retail gasoline to be between $2.70 and $2.85 a gallon.

Air travel is also expected to increase nationally by 8.2 percent with 1.56 million air travelers projected versus the 1.44 million who flew last year.

Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee are expected to see increases in air travelers by 2.1 percent, 2.2 percent, and 6.8 percent, respectively.

"Overall, travel sentiment for Independence Day weekend is very high compared to last year, when the U.S. economy was in a very different place and Americans felt the strain of the recession," said Brady.

"Optimism," she said, "is high this year for Independence Day travel, as more Americans report they plan to travel this year since they stayed home last year, mainly for financial reasons."