Othello Outlook -- AAA projects the number of Americans traveling this Fourth of July weekend will decrease 1.9 percent from 2008, with approximately 37.1 million people planning to travel 50 or more miles. Travel originating in Washington mirrors the national trend with a decrease of 1.9 percent. The projected decline in travel is related to ongoing uncertainty about the economy, especially rising unemployment and waning incomes. The increase in gasoline prices may also cause travelers to limit their holiday plans, although its impact on overall vacation costs remains minimal, AAA said.
