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BriefsTravel

AAA study reveals Americans love fall travel

ASSOCIATED PRESS

A bull elk keeps a watchful eye on a herd of cow elk in Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park, Colo. Elk mating rituals are often observed in the area in the fall.

A new study revealed that almost 30 percent of Americans plan to take a fall vacation this year.

According to AAA, 28 percent of United States citizens expect to make time to travel between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Fewer crowds and children, more favorable weather and a better value are some of the reasons travelers prefer vacations in the fall.

For autumn travelers, a road trip in the family vehicle is the most common form of transportation, with 62 percent of survey respondents driving to their destinations.

“We have seen strong demand for travel throughout the course of the year, and Americans are discovering that traveling during the fall season is a best-kept secret,” AAA senior vice president Bill Sutherland said in a statement.

“Travelers increasingly prioritize immersive travel experiences and autumn offers more opportunities for them to explore a destination’s local culture, thanks to fewer crowds and mild weather.”

Another reason behind the rise in fall travel is the abundance of festivals and seasonal events throughout the country. The AAA survey found that 26 percent of travelers are planning a vacation this fall to view the changing foliage.

Most people hitting the road this fall will be staying within the U.S., with top destinations such as Orlando, Fla., Anaheim, Calif., Honolulu, New York City and Las Vegas receiving the most visitors. On the other hand, one-third of respondents will be traveling internationally to popular cities such as Rome, London, Dublin and Cancun.

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