Thursday, Jul. 03, 2008

High gas prices crunch summer travel plans

By EDDIE JIMENEZ
The Fresno Bee

Rising gas prices and a struggling economy appear to be curtailing vacations plans this summer.

Motels in Pismo Beach and Morro Bay and lodging and campsites in the national parks will be packed this Fourth of July weekend, but thus far this summer families have been finding ways to cut back vacation expenses, officials and businesses say.

Vacationers seem to be saving money by visiting nearby attractions and making shorter trips rather than traveling longer distances, coastal community and park representatives say.

Yosemite National Park and its gateway communities are heavily booked for the Fourth of July weekend, park spokesman Scott Gediman said.

"We're getting Central Valley folks; we're getting Bay Area folks -- people who decide, 'Hey, we're going to a national park,'" he said.

That's money in the coffers of businesses along the way to Yosemite, such as service stations and produce stands along Highway 140.

But expect Yosemite to be crowded, Gediman said, because the number of visitors from Asia and Europe is up because of the weak U.S. dollar, which makes travel to America a relative bargain even with high air fares.

Gediman said the park also benefits from the heavy use of shuttle and tour buses, which burn less fuel per passenger than private cars.

In Pismo Beach, motel and vacation rentals are about the same in the past, but restaurant and store owners say sales are down a bit, said Rebecca McMurry, chief executive officer of the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce.

"Once people get here, they're holding on to their cash a little more," she said. "Those extra dollars are more than likely going into the gas tank."

AAA of Northern California is predicting a drop in Fourth of July travel by Californians.

More than 4.8 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes for Independence Day. That would be an 0.8 percent decrease from last year, the first decline in Fourth of July travel this decade, AAA reported.

"Less disposable cash and an overall increase in travel expenses have caused Californians to postpone or downsize their holiday getaways," Cynthia Harris, AAA of Northern California spokeswoman, said on the company's Web site. "But while Californians are being cautious about their spending, most are not giving up their vacation plans."

But nearby getaway spots remain popular.

Last week's opening of two bridges on Highway 140 allowing tour buses and other long vehicles helped to boost park attendance.

David Herrera, of Atwater, plans to head for the foothills regardless of the cost of driving.

"My wife wants to go to the casino," he said. "We'll probably do that. We only do a few trips a year and stay close, so it's not too expensive for us."

The Modesto Bee also contributed to this story.

Fourth of July travel forecast

Motels in Pismo Beach and Morro Bay will be packed. "There are very, very, very few (motels) that have space available and all the campgrounds are booked 100 percent," said Rebecca McMurry, chief executive officer of the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks also are preparing for big crowds. Hotels and reserved campsites will be full.

Amtrak, Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Greyhound officials say their trains, planes and buses should have plenty of Fourth of July travelers, though no more than a typical summer weekend. Independence Day is not normally one of Amtrak's busier holidays, said spokeswoman Vernae Graham. She suggests checking to see if seats are available for those who have not yet booked Amtrak reservations.