Record Amount Expected To Hit The Road This Independence Day Weekend

Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 10:35 AM

Road travelers will pay more at the pump this year, compared to 2020.

Shutterstock photo.

(Undated) – Travel volumes are expected to be near pre-pandemic levels this Independence Day weekend.

According to AAA, more than 47.7 million Americans will take to the roadways and skies between July 1-5, up from 34.2 million a year ago.

This amount of travel would be the second-highest Independence Day travel volume on record, trailing only 2019.

A record 43.6 million Americans are expected to drive to their destinations, despite high gas prices.

The national gas price average is at $3.09 per gallon as of Monday. AAA expects the average to increase, possibly as much as another nickel before Independence Day.

Last year, gas prices were near $2.17 per gallon between July 1-5.

AAA says gas prices are higher this year due to confidence in worldwide vaccination rollout, global oil demand spikes, and the easing of travel restrictions leading to optimism for leisure travel.

Before hitting the road, AAA reminds motorists to plan their route in advance and ensure their vehicle is ready. AAA expects to rescue more than 460,000 Americans at the roadside this holiday weekend.

Another 3.5 million people are planning to fly this holiday weekend, up 164 percent from last year.

Approximately 620,000 are expected to travel by other modes, such as bus, train, or cruise.

For more information and helpful travel tips, visit AAA: More Than 47M Americans to Celebrate With an Independence Day Getaway | AAA Newsroom.

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