More Americans To Travel This Memorial Day Weekend

May 12, 2009 11:28 a.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - After a year of falling gas prices, more Americans are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend according to a survey from AAA. AAA Auto Club South says 32.4 million Americans will travel this weekend, up 1.5 percent from last year. Across the country Americans are enjoying gasoline prices that have fallen an average of $2 since the same holiday last year.

This year 83 percent of travelers will drive, up 2.5 percent from last year. In the South for example, Florida will see 3.1 percent more travelers, Georgia will see 3.7 percent more travelers and Tennessee will see 1.4 percent more people hitting the road.

"There's no question the economy remains a major concern, but we are certainly seeing some signs of recovery," said Kevin Bakewell, Senior Vice President, AAA Auto Club South. "There's a noticeable increase in the number of people coming into our branch offices in recent months to plan family vacations, cruises and tours which supports the 'pent up demand' this research reflects."