Americans traveling the most since 1999

Travel in the United States is entering a boom period despite soaring gasoline prices, a survey indicates.

The 2005 National Leisure Travel Monitor survey shows the percentage of adult Americans who have taken at least one overnight trip of at least 75 miles from home has risen to the highest level since 1999, the Orlando Sentinel reported Thursday.

The national survey released in Orlando said 58 percent of adults took a trip of that length over the last year, up from 49 percent a year ago.

One-third of those who traveled took at least one trip for business and 93 percent took one primarily for pleasure. Florida was the top destination, once again.

The Travel Monitor survey did not specifically address the gas price issue, it shows how many travelers relied on their car for trips.

Seventy-seven percent said their personal auto was the primary mode of transportation for at least one major trip of 75 miles or more.

Airlines were a primary method of travel for 48 percent of the travelers and 17 percent said it was rental cars. Cruises took up 7 percent, down from 8 percent.

Source: UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL