AAA Kansas is forecasting a strong return to travel this Memorial Day weekend, both at the national and state levels.
Public and Government Affairs Manager Shawn Steward says they are projecting around 39.2 million Americans traveling this weekend, an increase of 8.3 percent from one year ago.
“We’re looking at almost 329,000 Kansans traveling more than 50 miles from their homes and that’s up 10 percent over last year’s numbers. Most people will drive to their destinations,” he said.
Despite gas prices being at record highs, AAA is expecting some 290,000 Kansas travelers to travel by vehicle this weekend. Air travel is also expected to increase drastically this weekend, with a projected 25 percent increase from last year.
“There’s a good percentage of people that will be getting out and visiting places they haven’t been in a while and people they haven’t perhaps visited in a while,” he said.
Steward says there appears to be more interest in traveling this year and people are cutting their budgets in other places to make up for high fuel prices.
“They may stay at less expensive hotels or do less expensive activities or free attractions or activities during their trip just to balance out those higher gas prices,” he said.
The average price of a gallon of unleaded in Kansas, is $4.12, according to AAA. The national average is $4.60.
If you are one of those who plan to travel this weekend or are planning a trip this summer, Steward says AAA recommends you have an emergency kit with you in your vehicle.
“We talk about it a lot during the winter, but it’s also just as important in the summer. Have things that you need if you might be stranded for a while in order to stay safe until help arrives,” he said.
It’s important to have drinking water and food or snacks for everyone in the vehicle.
Other items might include a basic first aid kit, a tool kit, charger for a cell phone, and road flares or some kind of reflector. Having a fully charged cell phone is one of the most important items to ensure you can communicate if you get stranded.
AAA is urging drivers to take some extra precautions on the road this weekend. This includes slowing down, avoiding distractions, and always wear seat belts.
