MONROE - Fewer people are expected to travel Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA.
For the first time in this decade, the number of people who travel will decrease, the organization announced last week.
AAA estimated that about 37.9 million people will travel fewer than 50 miles for the holiday. That number is down from last year's 38.2 million.
The main reason for the decline is the price of gasoline.
Travelers in Wisconsin and nationwide will find gas prices at an all-time high.
Wisconsin's average price for a gallon of gas is $3.85, up 42 cents from a month ago and up 55 cents higher than last year. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.79, which is 68 cents higher than a year ago.
In Monroe, the average price of a gallon of gasoline Monday was $3.77. Last Memorial Day weekend, the average price for a gallon of gas in Monroe was $3.35.
"Many families are feeling the financial stress of record high gas prices and other factors in the economy and they are adjusting their summer travel plans because of it," AAA Wisconsin regional president Tom Frymark said. Businesses that depend on summer travels could feel a pinch this year, he added.
Car rental rates have increased by $14 over last year, AAA reported.
AAA also reported there is a decrease of about a half percent of people who plan to travel by air. Airfares have increased by 8 percent over the past year, the organization reported.
For the first time in this decade, the number of people who travel will decrease, the organization announced last week.
AAA estimated that about 37.9 million people will travel fewer than 50 miles for the holiday. That number is down from last year's 38.2 million.
The main reason for the decline is the price of gasoline.
Travelers in Wisconsin and nationwide will find gas prices at an all-time high.
Wisconsin's average price for a gallon of gas is $3.85, up 42 cents from a month ago and up 55 cents higher than last year. The national average for a gallon of gas is $3.79, which is 68 cents higher than a year ago.
In Monroe, the average price of a gallon of gasoline Monday was $3.77. Last Memorial Day weekend, the average price for a gallon of gas in Monroe was $3.35.
"Many families are feeling the financial stress of record high gas prices and other factors in the economy and they are adjusting their summer travel plans because of it," AAA Wisconsin regional president Tom Frymark said. Businesses that depend on summer travels could feel a pinch this year, he added.
Car rental rates have increased by $14 over last year, AAA reported.
AAA also reported there is a decrease of about a half percent of people who plan to travel by air. Airfares have increased by 8 percent over the past year, the organization reported.