FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Coastal rainstorms threaten to put a damper on many local outdoor activities during the long Memorial Day weekend. But those who hit the road in search of sunnier weather have even more to consider than just whether to pack an umbrella. Travel costs and safety are also issues to be aware of.

“As far as traffic, we are expecting an increase over last year,” said Clay Ingram, AAA Alabama public relations and marketing manager. “Last year we expected a decline, but had even more of a decrease because gas prices were so high.”

Because of the larger than expected downturn during the 2008 holiday weekend, AAA estimates the Memorial Day weekend this year will show an overall 1.5 percent increase in travel, including by passenger vehicles, airlines, railways, buses and cruise ships.

Ingram said, “The vast majority will be traveling by automobile (27 million people/83 percent of those traveling).”

It will still cost them a pretty penny to load up the family and drive to their destination though. The state average for a gallon of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline was nearly $2.28 per gallon on Friday, $1.50 less than the same period last year. Although the lower cost is good news, the price is beginning to increase rather quickly, having gone up 32 cents over the past month.

“It is very common to see an increase in gas prices this time of the year because of demand,” Ingram said. “It picks up in the spring as we head into the summer.” Demand has actually been lower than usual in March, April and May of 2009, however, because last year’s sticker shock resulted in consumers driving fewer miles and learning how to make the most of each, he added.

The H1N1 (swine) flu scare likely won’t stop travelers, according to the nation’s largest leisure travel organization. AAA notes consumers are ready for a vacation, and will shift travel plans if necessary.

The group is projecting that around 32.4 million travelers will take a trip of 50 or more miles away from home this weekend. Last year, 31.9 million Americans traveled during the same period — a dramatic decline from the 35.3 million travelers who vacationed in 2007.

“The average trip is going to be 620 miles,” Ingram said. “Most will be looking for a destination closer to home. They want to cut back the expense of taking a trip. Travel is more a necessity than a luxury these days.”

He pointed out travelers will make a greater effort to spend less this Memorial Day and beyond, as they seek greater bang for their buck. Ingram added many hotels, rental car companies and attractions are making that easier by offering package incentives and discounts.

“Most people will spend less on their vacations this year because of the number of travel bargains out there,” he said. “Almost anywhere they want to go, there are travel bargains.”

AAA reports that the average spending per family this Memorial Day will be around $1,052.

Ingram said, “They will stay somewhere six nights instead of seven, three instead of four, and (patronize) less expensive restaurants and hotels. If a family has been planning for a year to go to Disney World this year, they’re still going to go to Disney World (despite the expense).

Nearly 60 percent of Americans will instead spend time with friends and relatives over the holiday, and traveling as a family will be the most popular way to go with 34 percent of travelers making a journey with children or other family members, the travel group estimated.

Ingram expects Alabama state parks will realize an impressive increase in visitors this year, and other nearby attractions will also see a spike in attendance. He said, “People are getting more creative.”

With all those drivers on the road, caution is of great concern for the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Cpl. Steve Jarrett, public information and education officer of the Alabama State Troopers said the No. 1 rule over the holiday weekend is to always wear your seatbelt and be sure it is on properly.

“We’re going to do PSAs, and try to educate people about this,” Jarrett said. “Law enforcement will be out in full force for the Click It or Ticket campaign. Obey all traffic laws because they are in place for your safety.”

He added, “Be patient on the road. Lack of patience causes stress and people become more aggressive and take chances.”

Jarrett said troopers will set up checkpoints across the state using their new BATmobiles (Breath Alcohol Testing mobile units). He pointed out, “We want to insure the public is sober, buckled up and obeying all traffic laws.”