1 Million Michiganians Have July 4 Travel Plans, Says AAA

AAA predicts slight decrease in travelers, Bargains available for the
budget-conscious

DEARBORN, Mich., June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- An estimated 1 million Michiganians
will travel during the 2009 Fourth of July holiday, according to a recent AAA
survey. Of this number, 931,000 will travel by car and 37,000 will travel by
air. The number of auto travelers in Michigan is down 3.5 percent from last
year and the number of air travelers is up 7.5 percent.

"Gas prices, unemployment and reduced household income are factors that many
travelers here in Michigan and across the country must assess when planning a
holiday vacation," said Claire Lockley, vice president Travel for The Auto
Club Group. "The good news is there is pent-up demand and a lot of travel
bargains, including lower air fares, to drive consumers' decision-making."

Holiday auto travelers will find gas prices in Michigan averaging $2.756 for a
gallon of self-serve regular gasoline, $1.424 lower than last year at this
time.

According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, the lowest average published airfares
over the July 4 holiday weekend are expected to decrease 16 percent from last
year as air passengers will pay as little as $169. Car rental rates are up
slightly with consumers paying an average of $51 per day compared to $49 a
year ago, an increase of five percent. Hotel rates for AAA Three Diamond and
Two Diamond lodgings are expected to be 12 percent less than last year with
travelers spending an average of $137 per night for Three Diamond properties.
Travelers planning to stay at AAA Two Diamond hotels will pay an average of
$101 per night.

For Michigan residents planning a summer vacation, the 10 most popular
destinations are:

1. Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island
2. Traverse City
3. Frankenmuth/Birch Run
4. Boyne Mountain
5. Dearborn (The Henry Ford and Museum)
6. Munising
7. Sault St. Marie
8. Dundee
9. Saugatuck/Douglas

10. Lansing

For Michigan AAA members, the 10 most popular driving destinations throughout
the United States are:

1. Chicago IL
2. Niagara Falls ON
3. Myrtle Beach SC
4. Washington DC
5. Gatlinburg TN
6. Cleveland OH
7. Mackinaw City MI
8. Yellowstone National Park WY
9. Nashville TN

10. Orlando FL

This year, the official 78-hour Independence Day holiday period begins at 6
p.m. Thursday (July 2), and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday (July 5).

During last year's 78-hour July Fourth holiday period, 14 people died in 14
fatal crashes on roads across the state. Three of last year's deaths were
alcohol-related. Of the 14 persons killed, three were not belted and three
did not have seat belts available.

To help make this year's Independence Day holiday period a safe one, AAA
Michigan will once again partner with the Michigan State Police (MSP) in
supporting Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). Bright
banners will be posted at rest areas statewide, with most sites offering
complimentary coffee and refreshments. In addition to free coffee, Operation
C.A.R.E. volunteers will provide information about some of the major causes of
deadly crashes and how to avoid them.

AAA's projections are based on research conducted by IHS Global Insight. AAA
has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The
complete AAA/HIS Global Insight 2009 July 4th holiday forecast can be found at
AAA.com/news.

For traffic and detour information, motorists can call 1-800-411-4823. Or,
before leaving, check the AAA Michigan Web site, www.aaatraffic.com, for
updated traffic information.

SOURCE AAA Michigan

Jim Rink, +1-313-336-1513, or Nancy Cain, +1-313-336-1514, both of AAA
Michigan