Americans think twice about hitting the road this weekend

[marmar]

from USA Today:



Americans are thinking twice about traveling this Labor Day weekend.

High unemployment, expensive gasoline, higher hotel room rates and the hassles of securing a seat on packed planes are giving travelers pause this year at a time families typically squeeze in one last getaway, experts say.

The number of Americans who will travel at least 50 miles from home this holiday weekend will fall 2.4% to about 31.5 million, the auto club AAA estimates.

Driving is how most Americans who are traveling will get away, AAA says. But gasoline averaged $3.62 a gallon nationally on Wednesday, about $1 more than last year. ..............(more)

The complete piece is at: http://travel.usatoday.com/news/story/2011-08-31/Americans-think-twice-about-hitting-the-road-this-weekend/50208096/1

[TwilightGardener]

1. I have never gone anywhere for Labor Day weekend. I am surprised that so many do, actually.

[yellerpup]

2. Not to mention bridges out and weakened roads

from Hurricane Irene on the East Coast.

[bigwillq]

3. I don't travel.

Especially not on a holiday weekend. I don't need the stress or the hit on my wallet. Happy to be close to home surrounded by good family and friends.

[Renew Deal]

4. About 30% of people probably blew their vacation money on hurricane Irene

And many others can't get to the beaches for the same reason.

[FSogol]

5. Don't forget bedbugs! n/t

[Broderick]

8. That shit is fucking scary

I saw a show about it on Discovery or some channel like that a few weeks ago.

[knitter4democracy]

6. I don't have any gas money, and school starts Tuesday.

At least I have a teaching job (for now--only lasts until Thanksgiving).

[Broderick]

9. Woohoo!

A job! I usually hear otherwise from folks. Maybe it will develop into something more than temp.

[knitter4democracy]

10. Nah. Long-term sub job. The teacher's coming back.

I wish it would. I've had interviews for jobs this summer and was promised a job last year at my old school only to watch them hire someone else because of his dual-certification. I've been calling around, applying everywhere, checking the districts' websites all to no avail. :(

[Broderick]

11. :(

I remember a lot of teachers in waiting so to speak left Minnesota to go to Texas some years ago. I can assume you don't want to move, and that I completely understand. There are states with shortages most likely though like states that have nursing shortages. I wish the best, wholeheartedly, and maybe just maybe you will be surprised. Getting a foot in the door is sometimes a good first step.

[knitter4democracy]

12. I hope so. I can't move (kids).

I mean, legally, I could move, but then their dad would take me to court (again), and it would get nasty. It's best if I stay put for everything else, but then there aren't enough jobs here or really anywhere in Michigan.

[Broderick]

14. If you ever need anything

I am all about kids, and believe me they need "a father", pm me.

[taterguy]

7. The Outer Banks are still closed, Where else is there to go?

[phylny]

13. We live year-round on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

We don't have to go anywhere, because vacation is every day (when we're not working, that is). However, we've seen quite a decrease in lake activity this year - fewer boats, fewer jet skis, and fewer people in restaurants.

I imagine even people who own second homes here can't afford to keep two going, or can't afford the gasoline to come visit.

[Shagbark Hickory]

15. Fall?! But they just said on the "news" that it will be at an all time high. Who to believe?