Weak economy will zap holiday trips, AAA says (AP)

The Automobile Club of Southern California predicts a 2.3% drop in the number of people who will travel at least 50 miles over the holiday weekend, to 2.9 million people.

The average vacationer will be driving instead of flying, traveling a shorter distance and spending less than a year earlier, according to surveys and an economic analysis by the Auto Club. More than 2 million Southern California residents are expected to pack up the kids and gas up the car for the Fourth of July weekend, but they haven't returned to their pre-recession spending habits for the holiday.

A near-record 4.88 million Californians are expected to travel over the July 4 holiday.

Higher gasoline prices are expected to deter lower-income households from taking trips for Independence Day weekend.

The economy and a calendar quirk are expected to keep many off the road that weekend, according to the AAA. Americans are putting the brakes on Labor Day weekend travel plans this year, as economic strains combine with a quirk of the calendar. ¶ Capping a rough stay-cation summer for the tourism business, the American Automobile Assn.

A survey of Auto Club members found that 49% are planning one or more trips during the November and December holidays, up from 47% a year earlier.