AAA predicts fuel prices will keep people close to home for the holiday

By Nate Legue

BusinessRockford.com

Fewer people will travel during this year’s second summer holiday than last year’s, according to AAA Chicago.

Despite the fact that Independence Day creates a three-day weekend this year — July 4 fell on a Wednesday last year — AAA projects a 1.3 percent decline, or nearly 550,000 travelers, compared with last year. Rising fuel costs and consumer concerns about the economy had a similar effect on Memorial Day traveling, which was down nearly 1 percent, according to AAA.

Kwang An of Cherry Valley will be sticking close to home, even though he’d like to visit his son, a Marine stationed in Mississippi. But he has to work Saturday, so the postal worker plans to take in Cherry Valley’s fireworks display.

“I’ll probably do cooking with family,” An said. “It’s convenient. I avoid the traffic and the crowds.”

The phenomenon of fewer travelers after several years of increasing holiday trips has given rise to a new word: the “staycation.” Instead of taking on the expense of traveling, some families are staying home and taking in local sites and attractions. It’s a concept the local hospitality industry is hoping to capitalize on, too.

CoCo Key Water Resort is planning an ad blitz this summer to entice families sticking close to home to its attractions, said Arthur Cooper, director of sales and marketing for Clock Tower Resort & Conference Center, where CoCo Key’s indoor water park is located. The hotel was slightly more than half-occupied on Friday, Cooper said.

“We’re about the same as last year, maybe a tick above,” Cooper said. “At least it’s not worse, which actually gives us hope. ... Whenever people are concerned about the economy and their jobs, that’s when they’re going to tighten up their spending.”

Still, nearly 40.5 million people are expected on the roads, rails and skies this weekend, more than 13 percent of the U.S. population. The vast majority — 34.2 million — will be driving despite record-breaking fuel prices.

Barbara Chaney, a Rockford real estate agent, is one of them. She’ll be traveling to see family in Des Moines for the long weekend.

“It costs what it costs,” Chaney said. “I don’t like it. No one does. I’ll probably drive slower.”

E.J. Dilonardo, owner of Angler’s Edge Fishing and Marine in Loves Park, said he’s noticed no difference in the amount of fishermen buying bait or even the number of boats seeking service this year.

“If you can afford a boat, you’ve made up your mind,” Dilonardo said. “No matter what that gas costs, when you get ready to go out, it’s the cost of doing business.”

Staff writer Nate Legue may be reached at 815-987-1346 or nlegue@rrstar.com.

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Construction delays
While the Illinois Tollway is limiting lane closures for construction projects from noon Thursday to 9 a.m. Monday, there are still major traffic shifts, including along Interstate 90 through the Rock River Valley.

Eastbound traffic between the South Beloit toll plaza and the Kishwaukee River is shifted onto the westbound side of the road as crews reconfigure the Cherry Valley interchange. The Illinois State Police will be conducting roadside safety checks throughout the weekend. A 45 mph speed limit is in effect in work zones and the fine for speeding there is $375, whether workers are present or not.

 

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