LAS VEGAS - This year Thanksgiving holiday travel is well on its way to reaching its highest levels since 2007, according to the latest travel survey from AAA.
AAA Utah's travel forecast predicts that more than 3.4 million Mountain West residents will travel 50 miles or more this extended, four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents an increase of 3.7 percent when compared to last year's figures.
"Increased disposable income is spurring an increase in consumer spending," said AAA Nevada spokesperson Cynthia Harris. "And for Utahans, this post-recession boost and the desire to travel will make this upcoming Thanksgiving holiday a well-deserved celebration to be spent with family and friends."
According to AAA, car travel will lead the way with more than 2.9 million Mountain West residents projected to drive during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This represents a 3.6 percent increase when compared to last year's figures. AAA projects that more than 233,000 holiday travelers will fly, which is an increase of 3.9 percent when compared to 2013. Approximately 244,000 state residents are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, such as boats or trains. This represents an increase of 3.8 percent when compared to last year's figures.
Nationally, AAA forecasts that more than 46 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the four-day weekend. This represents a 4.2 percent increase compared to last year's travel statistics.
The AAA Leisure Travel Index reports that prices at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are up about 8 percent from a year ago, with an average price of $154 per night. AAA Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be 9 percent higher, with an average room costing $114 per night.
This Thanksgiving weekend, those traveling by air will find airfares comparable to last year, according to the AAA Leisure Travel Index. The average lowest round-trip price is projected to be $189 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Car rental rates will average $55 for the holiday weekend, up ten percent from last year. The expected primary activities this holiday weekend will be dining, shopping and visiting family and friends.
According to AAA, a Mountain West family of four will drive an average of 952 miles and will spend an average of $1,100 during the holiday weekend. The highest expenditures will be on fuel transportation, food and beverage, followed by accommodations. Visiting family and friends will be the preferred activity, followed by dining and shopping.
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