Memorial Day Travel Likely To Hit 1st Dip Since 9/11

"There's enough to do right here," S.Y. Espy said. Instead of hitting the road, she and her family plan to plant some zucchini and bell peppers in the yard and have a family barbecue with hot dogs and her secret-recipe chicken.

Others say time with family is more precious than the price of self-serve regular. That's why gas prices are not stopping the Rice family from going canoeing in West Virginia.

"Not for this trip; it's within reasonable distance," said Len Rice, a veterinarian who lives in Chantilly.

Although more people are expected to stay home this year, the Memorial Day weekend is still a major travel time. More than 12 percent of Americans will be celebrating away from home, according to AAA.

Travelers are escaping high fuel prices in part by looking at alternatives such as Amtrak. Ridership is up 10.6 percent this fiscal year, and the company expects an increase in passengers this weekend.

"We have been attributing the increase to the price of gasoline," said Karina Romero, an Amtrak spokeswoman.

With gas prices rising, automotive industry groups have resorted to something few might think necessary in the United States: the marketing of driving.

According to the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, supported by the Car Care Council, a coalition of auto-parts suppliers, driving allows you to "leave when you want from where you want" and "pack whatever and as much as you want." And unlike flying, there is no waiting in ticket counter and security lines, no weather delays, more meal options and "no strangers sitting next to you."

According to the council, even if gas hits $5 a gallon, it would still be cheaper for a family of four to drive to a vacation destination than fly: For a 1,000-mile round trip, it would cost $343 to travel in a sport-utility vehicle, compared with $1,324 to fly.

"Even with gas prices considerably higher than last year, the cost of driving is a much better deal compared with going by air," said Rich White, executive director of the council.

To help those who are planning to get away this weekend, area roadwork will generally be suspended. On the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, most of the steel plates on the westbound span will be removed, and redecking work will be suspended for the summer, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

When passing a traffic incident, drivers are reminded to pull over to the next lane whenever possible.

And, as always, a reminder to air travelers: All liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must be in three-ounce or smaller containers and must be packed in one quart-size clear plastic bag with a zip top.