Iowa, Statewide — The long holiday weekend started Friday afternoon for many Iowans and it’ll be the busiest holiday for travelers in Iowa and nationwide in nearly two decades.
Rose White, at AAA-Iowa, says strong economic growth that’s being fueled by robust consumer spending is driving the significant boost in seasonal travel.
While gasoline has been relatively expensive throughout this year, White says a recent pump price drop combined with rising disposable income is motivating more people to take to the highways.
Nationwide, gas prices are averaging $2.36 a gallon, roughly 24 cents a gallon higher than Iowa. The motor club is expecting to rescue more than 960,000 motorists from various troubles over the year-end holidays.
The survey finds more Americans will travel by car this holiday season than ever before. The 102.1 million people expected to pack up their cars for road trips is 4.4% higher than last year. Also, the 6.7 million people who will travel by air this year is the highest level in 15 years and is 4.2% more than last year. As for trains, buses and cruise ships, travel across those sectors will increase by 4% with a total 3.7 million passengers.
