Mackinac Island Is in 2nd Spot as Midwest Vacation Destination

Mackinac Island ranks only behind Chicago as the most popular vacation spot in the Midwest, according to a survey of AAA travel agents. The survey of 572 agents, conducted earlier this year, asked them to rate popular destinations based on their professional opinion. Behind Chicago and Mackinac Island, agents listed Branson, Missouri, Black Hills, South Dakota, Wisconsin Dells, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Traverse City, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis.

Nationwide, families will not see any relief in their wallets this year, according to AAA, with average combined lodging and restaurant costs up 3.7% over last year. According to the company, a family of two adults and two children can expect to pay an average $269 per day for food and lodging. Lodging rates will average $152 a night, up nearly 7.9% from last year. Meals will cost $118, down 1.3% from 2006.

Tourism in Michigan is a $15-billion-a-year industry, and the state remains one of the best travel values. A family vacation in Michigan will cost $43 less per day than the national average, with travelers paying an average of $226.38 per day for food and lodging (two adults and two children). That's $42.62 a day less than the national average, according to AAA.

An estimated 1.2 million Michiganians will travel during the 2007 Fourth of July holiday, according to a recent AAA survey of 1,950 U.S. residents. Of this number, 92% will travel by car and 8% will travel by air.

"This Fourth of July holiday is somewhat unique, in that it falls in the middle of the week," said Claire Lockley, vice president of Travel for The Auto Club Group. "Interestingly, we're finding that Americans aren't willing to give up their traditional Fourth of July celebrations with friends and family, and many are choosing to take a few more days off of work to do so."

Ms. Lockley added that fuel prices have stabilized somewhat, providing relief at the pumps and stimulating the decision to travel.

Holiday auto travelers will find gas prices in Michigan averaging $3.042 for a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline, 20.7¢ higher than last year at this time.