Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, time for all-American pursuits like picnics and barbecues. And, it's a time when Americans often take road trips -- to the beach, the mountains or grandma's house. But high gas prices are putting a damper on the holiday this year. Sandra Endo has the story from a rest stop along interstate 95 between Washington and Baltimore.
CROWDED HIGHWAYS USUALLY MARK THE START TO CELEBRATING THE NATION'S BIRTHDAY.
BUT THIS JULY 3RD, IT MAY BE SMOOTH SAILING ON THE ROADS.
"In the past, definitely, road trips.. definitely, flying to someplace for a
weekend, but this year we simply cannot afford it."
A NEW CNN/OPINION RESEARCH CORPORATION POLL SHOWS 31% OF AMERICANS HAVE CANCELED OR SHORTENED THEIR PLANNED VACATION FOR THE LONG 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND DUE TO THE SKYROCKETING PRICE OF GAS.
"We were going to drive down to New Orleans for the 4th of July, but because of the gas prices, we're just gonna stay home, really."
"I work hard and I can't vacation because gas prices are so high."
You know, it's so expensive to do anything."
BUT OTHER TRAVELERS SAY THEY WON'T LET RECORD GAS PRICES AND INCREASED AIRLINE FEES STOP THEM. FOR THOSE WHO DO STAY HOME, THE FOURTH IS STILL A DAY TO REMEMBER.
"I'm usually a low key celebrator as it is, and so I will usually walk from my home in D-C to the fireworks celebration on the mall."
EVEN WITH STEEP GAS PRICES, IT'S ALMOST ALWAYS CHEAPER TO DRIVE THAN FLY -- ESPECIALLY WITH ALL THE RECENT ADD-ON AIRLINE FEES FOR FUEL AND CHECK-IN BAGS IN LAUREL, MARYLAND, I'M SANDRA ENDO.
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