Fewer South Carolina Travelers Expected for 4th of July

AAA Carolinas is forecasting a 2.4 percent lower number of travelers for the 4th of July holiday weekend compared to a year ago.

That translates to an expected 452,459 motorists on the road for the long weekend. It’s the second year in a row that travel is expected to be down for the period.

The agency issued the forecast while noting the average price of gasoline are more than $1.40 less than a year ago.

However, South Carolina consumers are only seeing a recent break from the rising cost at the pump. Gas increased in cost for 52 consecutive days on average before dropping by more than six cents since June 20.

“Economic uncertainty, combined with the recent 62 cent increase in gasoline prices over 52 days and the July 4th holiday falling on a Saturday have all helped weaken motorist travel,“ said David E. Parsons, president and CEO of AAA Carolinas in a written statement.

The most popular destinations for motorists, based on hotel bookings with AAA Vacations, are Myrtle Beach, Washington D.C., Asheville, Charleston and Atlanta.

Air travel is expected to increase this week. AAA Carolinas expects nearly 27,000 people in the state will take to the skies. That’s a 6.4% rise over 2008.

“Airfares are lower this year and pent up demand for quick, long distance travel will boost airline travel,“ said Parsons.