For the first time this decade, AAA estimates a decline in the number of Americans traveling during the Fourth of July holiday. However, AAA projects 40.45 million Americans will still travel during the July 4th weekend, down 1.3 percent, or nearly 550,000 Americans, from the 41 million who traveled last year. This is the second consecutive holiday in 2008 where a year-to-year decrease was forecasted. AAA projected a nearly one percent drop in holiday travelers for Memorial Day. The forecast includes U.S. residents traveling 50 miles or more from home.

“While the numbers of travelers are a bit lower than last year’s levels, more than 13 percent of the U.S. population will be on the road this holiday weekend despite record gas prices. Many will be taking advantage of travel bargains that are being offered by hotels hoping to boost last minute business,” said Gail Weinholzer, director of public affairs.

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than 34.2 million Americans (almost 85 percent of travelers) intend to travel by automobile, a 1.2 percent decrease from the 34.6 million people who drove to their destinations last year. Approximately 4.54 million Americans (11 percent of travelers) expect to travel by airplane, a 2.3 percent decrease from the 4.64 million who flew last year. Nearly 1.7 million plan to travel by train, bus or other mode of transportation.

“While gas prices continue to take a toll on the traveler’s budget, the travel industry is responding with discounts, promotions and other incentives to get people traveling,” Weinholzer said. “Travelers should look for free gas card offerings, breakfast promotions, kids-eat-free deals, car rental discounts, and always ask about AAA discounts.”

AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, which is based on available rates, reveals that Fourth of July travelers can expect increases in other travel costs such as air fares, car rental rates, and other services that were previously complimentary such as checked baggage fees.

AAA Minnesota/Iowa, which includes more than 778,000 members, offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 51 million members in the United States and Canada.