Summer's planes, trains and automobiles

Despite a down economy, less disposable income and the H1N1 flu scare, Americans are set to satisfy their vagabond whims this summer, driving themselves to summertime destinations instead of flying or traveling with carriers whose prices strive to be competitive with the cost of driving. The watchword is “economical,” as consumers and the companies seeking their business obey the dictates of the current economic crisis.

The AAA predicts that 1.9 percent fewer travelers nationwide will drive this July 4th holiday weekend over last year. 

AAA estimated that about 32.4 million people traveled more than 50 miles from home over the recent Memorial Day weekend — reaping the benefits of gas prices then around $2.35 a gallon, well down from Memorial Day 2008.

But the forecast for the rest of the summer may or may not be good for getting behind the wheel. Current average gas prices (now around $2.66 a gallon) and warmer temperatures augur well for driving, but the increased traffic in many U.S. cities puts wear and tear on the infrastructure of the patience. And then there's the economy.

Airlines are set to capitalize on our seasonal wanderlust in a sour economic climate. Some of the major carriers are offering dramatically reduced fares to major U.S. cities this summer, with advance ticket purchases. Southwest Airlines, for one, is offering one-way fares of $59 or less to a variety of popular destinations. For Americans weary of serving time behind the wheel, Southwest’s online come-on may be irresistible: “Why drive when you can fly for $59 or less one-way?” Other carriers like AirTran, American, Delta and United matched Southwest’s earlier drop in prices.

Rail service isn’t being left behind. Amtrak, the national rail service, has announced it will reduce fares 25 percent through Sept. 3 for travel on regional trains on the Northeast Corridor, which runs from Washington to Boston. A 14-day advance purchase is required.

For those who insist on the DIY travel experience, AAA advises you be prepared. The auto club estimates that 7.3 million drivers will be stranded sometime this summer, and expects a big increase in requests for help on the road.

AAA automotive vice President Marshall L. Doney said that “a combination of lower gas prices, consumers holding onto their vehicles longer and some motorists cutting regular maintenance from their budgets will drive an increase in the need for roadside assistance.”

That’s likely to mean more than 3 million tows by AAA truck drivers, the club’s Web site says.

And a May 26 report from AAA, Volvo and Partners for Highway Safety is more sobering: The report finds that the “101 days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day are the deadliest days on the road, with more fatal crashes and more children and teens dying than at any other time of the year.”

Many Americans are expected to limit the range of vacations; or they’re adopting the latest vacation trend: the “staycation,” and discovering the joys of the homes on the .streets where they live.

The savvy traveler can definitely continue to travel,” AAA’s Cynthia Harris told the Sacramento Bee. “People will travel closer to home and stay overnight this summer or do a three-day weekend. Or they'll stay with friends and family.. instead of paying for a hotel.”

A recent Associated Press-Gfk Poll shows 56 percent of Americans have no plans for leisure travel this summer. For 52 percent of those Americans, finances are the main reason why.

“If we do any last-minute travel, we'll take road trips,” said Christine Young, wife and mother of six, to The Bee. “With a family of eight, summer or not, we love road trips. .We pack the kids and everything we need and just drive. We're always looking for ways to save even the tiniest bit.”

                                                                                            — Michael E. Ross

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