OTSEGO COUNTY, Mich., (WPBN/WGTU) – Northern Michigan tourism officials say this Fourth of July Weekend will be just as busy as any other year.
Travel experts say people are not cancelling their Fourth of July plans even though gas prices are the highest we have ever seen this time of year.
“I think no matter what people are going to take their vacations,” said Christy Walcott, marketing and communications director for the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce.
“You know it's summertime you don't usually skip your summer vacation,” Walcott said. “We might see a little less travel during the offseason because of some of the changes going on.”
Fourth of July Weekend brings in thousands of people from all over the country, but this year may be different
“We'll get probably get more Michiganders to our area,” said Amanda Wilkin, executive director for the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce.
“I bet you know, we'll probably see a lot of local folks coming out so more regional travel will be happening around the Fourth of July this year,” Wilkin said.
Walcott said if you want to save on gas, Gaylord is a central location to lots of places.
“If you want to come up and you want to explore northern Michigan, Gaylord is a great place to make your home base so you can stay right here,” Walcott said.
And even though some hotels might be fully booked.
“There's always room for more I'm sure there will be cancellations,” Wilkin said. “So, make sure to check with hotels if you still like to come but you know, there's always room to come to the restaurants and hotels.”
Even though gas prices will be high this July, GasBuddy expects prices to drop 10 to 20 cents by Independence Day.