AAA Colorado is predicting a slight uptick in car travel this Memorial Day weekend, saying roughly 2.7 million people in Colorado and surrounding states will drive 50 miles or more.
But while the number of drivers may be up, the distances they'll be driving this year will be shorter.
AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet says high gas prices through the spring have put a crimp on budgets and travel plans.
“Americans will still travel during the Memorial Day holiday weekend but, many will compensate for reduced travel budgets by staying closer to home and cutting entertainment dollars.”
But gas prices in Colorado and many other states this week are falling slightly. According to the site ColoradoGasPrices.com, the average price for regular unleaded is $3.72 per gallon as of today.
AAA Colorado spokeswoman Wave Dreher told the Boulder Daily Camera that many travelers say they're looking to hit the great outdoors -- which means many of those drivers will turn up in Colorado's state parks this weekend.
Air travel nationwide is expected to be down 5.5% compared to last year.
Hitting the road for Memorial Day? Try this handy fuel calculator from AAA.