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Keith McCord Reporting...The Memorial Day weekend "mass exodus" is about to begin and people will start early. By tomorrow, you'll see a lot more boats, RV's and other recreational vehicles on the interstates heading out of town -- in all directions.
Two good omens for the travel weekend: fuel prices are down and the weather will be warm.
In Utah, more than 300-thousand people will travel 50-miles or more away from home this weekend. That's roughly the same number as last year.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah: "WE WERE ACTUALLY A LITTLE BIT SURPRISED, BECAUSE WE NOTICING THE CONCERNS WITH THE ECONOMY AND EVERYTHING ELSE, BUT ARE WITHIN LESS THAN ONE PERCENT OF THE PEOPLE WHO TRAVELED LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME."
After months of winter, the war, the economic news, and homeland security warnings, people are ready to get away.
Most -- 80 percent -- will drive to their destinations -- and many will be towing something!
Fifteen percent or so will get on a plane this weekend.
Around the state, most recreational spots are open, and ready to go. Campgrounds will be busy. Many are already booked.
Utah's reservoirs will be very busy. Places like Jordanelle, Strawberry, and Starvation will have lots of boats.
If you're headed to Lake Powell, expect delays at the boat ramps. Some are not operating because of the low water level, so others will be more crowded.
In other areas, though, the low water levels will give boaters a new experience -- exposing many landforms that have been submerged for years.
Fuel prices are favorable. Although they are a bit higher than last year, they have been declining during the past two months.
All in all, things are shaping up for a busy weekend -- which bodes well for the future.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah: "IT IS A PRETTY GOOD INDICATOR OF THAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING ABOUT TRAVELING AND WHEN WE HAVE A STRONG MEMORIAL DAY, WE HAVE A PRETTY STRONG SUMMER HOLIDAY SEASON."
Rule of thumb for the long weekend: all of Utah's state and national parks will be very busy.
And if you are still in a "winter" mode-- you can still go skiing! Snowbird will be open this weekend! This is the final weekend -- and only a few of the “expert” runs will be open.
