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Americans Shift to Domestic Travel This Summer
U.S. residents are taking more road trips and shorter domestic vacations this summer. Higher airfares and fuel costs are cited as the main reasons for the change.
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Americans are choosing closer-to-home trips this summer, according to reports from several tourist areas. Vacationers are opting for day trips and driving destinations instead of longer flights or international travel.
AAA estimated that 72.2 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 6. The group said the number is 0.5 percent higher than last year, with the increase coming mainly from cruises, buses, and trains. Gasoline prices remain higher than a year ago, yet 85 percent of travelers during the holiday week were expected to drive.
Car trips continue to cost less than flights for most families.
Tahoe reported higher advance bookings compared with last year. One boat rental operator said future reservations rose 10 percent, while a property manager noted more guests cooking meals in rental units rather than dining out. In Asheville, North Carolina, a river tubing company increased its summer staff after seeing more day visitors from nearby states.
A chocolate factory offering tours said demand has risen this season.
City businesses reported increased foot traffic during the FIFA World Cup. Local shops selling team merchandise and nearby cafes said sales rose during match days, with many customers driving from within three hours.
