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Jed Boal ReportingDespite steep gasoline prices, more Utahns will take a holiday trip than last year. More than a half-million of us will take to the roads of the air. It's a pricey year to travel, but double digit increases in hotel, air and gas prices will not keep most people home for the holidays.
According to AAA, nearly 450-thousand Utahns will take a road trip of 50 miles or more; that's 80-percent of all travelers. Eighty-seven thousand will fly to their destinations, a 3.6 percent increase from last year. Overall, about two percent more Utahns will travel this year than last year.
For several years after the terrorist attacks of 9-11, the travel industry struggled as confidence was shaken, but those attitudes are slowly changing.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah: "Right after 9-11 people were booking very short term, a month or two. But, confidence has built; they're booking vacations a year out now. We can see there has been a change."
Gas prices right now are about 14 cents more per gallon than this time last year. Hotel rates are also up 14-percent, and airfares are up 11 percent.
Here's something else to consider if you drive to your destination. Utah has the highest rate of drowsy driver crashes in the nation. AAA suggests you get the rest you need before you get behind the wheel.
