http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/nat-gen/2007/may/25/052502522.htmlAmericans are expected to do slightly more driving this Memorial Day weekend than they did last year. But the near-record gas prices are prompting some travelers to take shorter trips and economize in other ways.
About 38 million Americans are expected to travel 50 miles or more this weekend, a 1.7 increase from last year's holiday, according to the AAA. About 83 percent of them will drive, with the remainder taking airplanes, trains or other transportation.
An AP-Ipsos poll showed that nearly half the country says gas prices are causing a "serious hardship," but fewer people than last year are reducing their driving, trimming other expenses or curtailing vacation plans due to higher energy costs.
Holiday travelers will find gas prices nationwide averaging $3.04 a gallon for self-serve regular, according to AAA. That's up 25 cents from last month and more than 15 cents from the same time last year.
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