The Hurbicide Guru

We`d probably all like to have weekend breaks and golfing breaks, but because of the economy, it looks like this year fewer Americans are getting the chance to do that. AAA says just over 37 million Americans will be traveling during the fourth of July weekend. That`s down almost two percent from last year. “Due to just the economy, kind of sagging incomes,” says Amanda Bakkedahl, of AAA. “People losing their jobs or just changes in lifestyles, habits and behaviors.” AAA says surprisingly air travel will be up almost five percent due to declining airfares and pent up demand, but 88-percent of those who travel will do so by automobile, which is down almost two percent from last year. The good news is, the drive will cost far less. The state`s average for a gallon of gas is $2.69, compared to $4.06 last year. And even though fewer people are taking to the roads, The North Dakota Tourism Division is optimistic North Dakota will be a regional hotspot for the holiday weekend. “There`s a lot to do right here in the region,” says Otte Coleman. “I know a lot of people like to go to the lake cabins or go to the lakes and resorts and camping is obviously very popular. Most of the state parks have added activities and events as well. So that`s another affordable way to have fun this weekend.” Anywhere you choose to go the tourism division says, you can be pretty certain you`ll at least be able to catch a festive fireworks display.