A record 72 million expected to travel during July 4 holiday

AAA projects that a record 72 million people will travel over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year's travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019.

AAA projects that nearly 62 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record.

Although tensions in the Middle East are just now starting to have an effect, summer gas prices are still the lowest they've been since 2021. This year, drivers are paying about 40 cents less a gallon than they were this time last year.

AAA expects Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest days on the road during the holiday period. Afternoon hours will be the most congested.


(AP file photo)