Nearly 100 Million Americans Will Embark on Family Vacations this Year
Written by WKTN Staff on March 22, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio (March 21, 2019) – As spring officially begins, families are gearing up for travel adventures with their loved ones.
According to a recent AAA Travel survey, nearly 100 million Americans – 4 in 10 U.S. adults – are planning to take a family vacation in 2019, slightly more than last year.
Spring and summer road trips will top many families’ vacation plans.
.Summer is the most popular season for family travel, with 68 percent of family travelers planning a summer getaway.
.Spring is the second most popular travel season, with nearly half (45 percent) of family travelers planning a spring getaway.
.Regardless of the season, the great American road trip remains the major draw for families; more than half (53 percent) of family travelers expect to pack up their cars for a road trip this year.
Other family travelers will visit a national or state park (37 percent), an international destination (32 percent), or a theme or amusement park (26 percent), or sail away on an ocean cruise (21 percent).
“The great American road trip is still one of the best ways for families to relax and reconnect with one another,” said Stacey Barber, executive director, AAA Travel Information & Content. “This is quickly shaping up to be another busy year for family travelers, both on the roadways, as well as other popular travel destinations and attractions.”
Gas Prices:
Nationally, gas prices have averaged more than a quarter cheaper so far in 2019, compared with the first few months of last year. Ohio’s gas prices have averaged 21 cents less than the first few months of 2018.
Prices usually increase during the spring and summer, as refineries switch to making the more expensive summer blend of gasoline, and demand increases. Last year, Ohio’s gas prices peaked just before Memorial Day with an average of $2.91 on May 25.
Yet, road travel remained strong that weekend and throughout the summer.
AAA expects another busy spring and summer travel season, regardless of the gas prices.
