AAA Expects Increase in July 4th Travel AURORA, Ill., June 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Strong demand for travel and a recent decrease in gasoline prices will keep Americans traveling in large numbers for this July 4 holiday. AAA Chicago estimates that 39.4 millions Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday, which is up 3.4 percent from the 38.2 million who traveled last year. Approximately 34.4 million travelers (87 percent of all holiday travelers) will go by car, an increase of 3 percent from last year. Another 4.6 million (12 percent of all travelers) will travel by airplane, which is up 4.4 percent from last year. The remaining 400,000 (1 percent) will travel by train, bus, or other mode of transportation, which is about even with last year. "Americans' strong desire to travel will overcome high gasoline prices, increased airfare and lodging costs," said Steve Nolan, spokesman for AAA Chicago. "We expect a strong interest in travel to continue throughout the summer." The greatest number of motorists is expected to come from the Southeast with 8.7 million and the West with 8.5, followed by the Midwest with 6.7 million; the Northeast, 5.6 million; and the Great Lakes, 4.9 million. Oceans and beaches lead the list of popular holiday destinations with 24 percent of the travel volume. Cities tied with towns and rural areas at 22 percent, followed by lakes, 12 percent; mountains, 8 percent; and theme/amusement parks, 3 percent. Another 5 percent were undecided or visiting another destination. AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. DATASOURCE: AAA Chicago CONTACT: Steve Nolan, +1-630-328-7235, or Nicole Niemi, +1-630-328-7237, both of AAA Chicago Web site: http://www.aaa.com/

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