U.S. Vacationers Deliver a Profitable Boost to Travel Stocks

The number of U.S. travelers hitting the road - and the air and sea - is on the rise, bringing profit-making momentum to travel stocks that will continue into 2011.  While the U.S. economic recovery is slowing down, travel has picked up since 2009's fourth quarter. Consumers are facing less debt and an increase in household net worth, and those who have weathered the worst of the storm have saved enough to treat themselves to a trip. While 2009 was the year of the " staycation ," travelers in 2010 have opted for more traditional vacations. AAA projected the number of Americans traveling over this Labor Day weekend will be up 9.9% from 2009.