Holiday Travel: Some Cut Back, Some Don't

By Dave Franzman, Reporter

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By Dave Franzman

Story Created: Jul 3, 2009 at 4:28 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2009 at 5:19 PM CST

LINN COUNTY- One national auto club says the economy and fuel prices should mean another drop in the number of people traveling on this holiday weekend. But will Eastern Iowa travelers notice the difference?

The AAA Motor Club says holiday drivers will share the road with just over 37-million other people this 4th of July weekend. That's 2% fewer travelers compared to last year. But if you go back to 2007, that number's actually down a full 10%.

TV9 spoke with some travelers who said they could tell a difference. But others wondered if anyone was making concessions to the economy or fuel prices.

There were plenty of big RV's, campers and boats at the private Scales Pointe campground and marina near North Liberty. But even vacationers who own that expensive equipment said they were trying to economize. Boat owners drop anchor more and cruise less to save fuel. RV owners may still hit the road--but not travel as far.

Scott Swartzendruber, who lives in Minnesota, counted himself among the latter group. Swartzendruber said "when gas went to four bucks, we went out once last year. This year, we parked the camper at the brother-in-law's place (in Iowa)...pull it out, use it and put it back because it's 20 miles away."

An economy and fuel prices that encourage "staycations" at home or short trips could help a business like Scales Pointe where most customers live an hour away or less. But merchants in the Amana Colonies are also hopeful the trend will mean Iowa travelers rediscovering attractions closer to home.

Still, some TV9 met out on the road Friday weren't stopping just a short drive from home. Bob Treft, from Minnesota, was on his way to Missouri.

"We're going about 400 miles, so it helps that gas prices are down about $1.50 a gallon from last year. That's nice, last year we didn't do a whole lot of traveling," he said.

The 4th of July is actually the busiest time for family auto travel. The typical holiday drive is just over 600 miles round trip.

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