04 Broadcaster Press September 4, 2012 www.broadcasteronline.com Isaac adds new concerns to Labor Day travel AAA South Dakota is still projecting 69,000 South Dakotans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a three percent increase from the 67,000 South Dakotans who traveled last year. Nationwide, the total number of expected travelers – 33 million – is a 2.9 percent boost over year ago numbers and the strongest Labor Day travel period since 2008, marking a new post-recession high. It’s the third increase in holiday travel this year, according to the AAA/IHS Global Insight. AAA’s Memorial Day and July 4 holiday travel forecasts projected increases of 1.2 percent and 4.9 percent, respectively. However, Tropical Storm Isaac could add a wrinkle to travel plans for some. Isaac is already impacting travel, disrupting flights and cruises in the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. Hundreds of flights have been cancelled in Florida, and cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises have changed some itineraries due to Isaac. AAA South Dakota reminds flyers to check with their travel agents and to consider purchasing travel insurance. “Whether or not the elements of Tropical Storm Isaac will impact travel in our area, we know an increase in gas prices (perhaps as much as 10 cents per gallon) is likely to occur ahead of Labor Day,” said Marilyn Buskohl, spokeswoman for AAA South Dakota. ”With more people expected to travel this year than last, we know the roadways will be busy. For many people, Labor Day weekend is one last opportunity to get away before returning to regular work and school schedules. It’s unlikely that many South Dakotans will alter their travel plans in light of Isaac and higher gas prices. AAA advises all travelers to be safe and pack their patience.” Automobile travel up 3.1 percent Across the U.S., about 28.2 million people (85 percent of all holiday travelers) will make their Labor Day holiday journey by automobile. This is a 3.1 percent increase over the 27.3 million people who took to the nation’s roadways in 2011. This year’s Labor Day holiday travel period runs from Thursday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 3. Number of air travelers expected to increase by 3.7 percent, airfares decrease Labor Day holiday air travel nationally has been fairly consistent since the recession bounce-back began for the travel industry in 2010. About 2.55 million leisure increase over the $702 median AAA.com/ebooks. Titles AAA.com/Travel. And for the travelers (eight percent of spending of intended holiday include cities, such as Orlando, latest gasoline prices, click on holiday travelers) will fly New York and Las Vegas, as Fuel News & Tools in the AAA during the Labor Day weekend, travelers in 2011. Travelers to experience well as national parks. News & Safety section at a 3.7 percent increase over 2011 increase in hotel rates and a The free AAA Mobile app AAA.com. when 2.46 million traveled by decrease in car rental rates Labor Day travel projections for iPhone and Android devices air. In 2010, 2.6 million chose According to AAA’s Leisure are based on economic uses GPS navigation to help to fly to their Labor Day Travel Index, Labor Day forecasting and research by IHS travelers map a route, find vacation destinations, which Global Insight. The Bostoncurrent gas prices and nearby began the steady recovery from holiday hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond lodgings are based economic research and member discounts and access the decade-low 1.5 million air consulting firm teamed with expected to increase four AAA roadside assistance. travelers in 2009. Airfares AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze percent from a year ago with Information about the AAA decreased four percent travel trends during major travelers spending an average Mobile app and AAA Mobile compared to last year with an holidays. AAA has been of $154 per night compared to Web can be found at average lowest round-trip rate reporting on holiday travel $148 last year. Travelers AAA.com/mobile. of $197 for the top 40 U.S. air trends for more than two planning to stay at AAA Two At AAA.com, travelers can routes, according to AAA’s decades. Diamond hotels can expect to find thousands of AAA Leisure Travel Index. The complete AAA/IHS pay six percent more for an The remaining seven Approved and Diamond Rated Global Insight 2012 average cost of $117 per night. hotels and restaurants using percent of U.S. Labor Day Independence Day Holiday Weekend daily car rental rates holiday travelers are expected AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner Travel Forecast can be found at will average $39, a ten percent to use other modes of or the searchable Travel NewsRoom.AAA.com. decrease from one year ago. transportation, including Guides at cruise ship, rail, multi-modal AAA offers digital travel and bus travel, accounting for planning resources 2.3 million Americans – a 0.2 AAA’s digital tools for travel percent decrease from last planning “on the go” include year. eTourBook guides for 101 top Travel distances increase, North American destinations, spending is up free to members at According to a survey of intended travelers, the average distance traveled by Buying all types of SCRAP IRON Americans during Farm Machinery • Cars & Trucks the Labor Day References Available • Top Market Prices Paid holiday weekend is Home: 402-945-1512 • Cell: 402-533-3640 expected to be 626 miles, up slightly from last year’s average 608 miles. 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