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AAA Michigan Projects Highest Memorial Day Travel In 8 Years

DEARBORN (WWJ/AP) - AAA Michigan expects more people from the state to travel during this year's Memorial Day weekend than they have since 2007.

The Dearborn-based auto club says its projections show more than 1.1 million Michigan residents will travel 50 miles or more from home during Memorial Day weekend. That's up nearly 5 percent from last year.

"After a wicked winter, Michiganders are ready to trade in their winter wear for flip flops, summer fun and a vacation getaway," AAA's Susan Hiltz said in a statement. "With the economy up and gas price down, it's the perfect formula for travelers to enjoy everything our great state has to offer this summer."

The projections include more than 1 million people driving and nearly 60,000 people traveling by air. Other forms of travel include train, bus or ship.

Most drivers will likely pay the lowest Memorial Day gas prices in at least five years, right around $2.60 -- $1.05 lower than the average price for Memorial Day last year.

AAA Michigan says travelers will find car rental and lodging costs are higher this year, while airfare is down slightly compared to last year.

The Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25.

TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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