WASHINGTON — A record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles over the extended Independence Day holiday period, according to AAA — slightly higher than last year’s total.
The travel forecast shows most people will hit the road, with about 61 million traveling by car, even as gas prices remain higher than a year ago. Air travel is projected to stay nearly flat at 5.8 million passengers, while buses, trains and cruises are seeing the fastest growth.
AAA says popular destinations include major U.S. cities such as New York, Orlando, Seattle and Chicago, along with international hotspots in Canada and Europe. Traffic is expected to peak beginning Thursday, July 2, and officials urge drivers to plan ahead, leave early and stay alert during one of the busiest holiday travel periods on record.
