ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

---

AAA forecasts 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday to Sunday.

“With school out for the summer, it’s common that the July 4th weekend is the busiest time for summer travel,” according to Jim Lehman, President, AAA East Central. “Gas prices also play a role in the amount of people packing up their cars and driving to their holiday destinations,” he added.

Highlights from 2015 AAA National Independence Day Holiday Travel Forecast include:

• Independence Day holiday travelers total 41.9 million, a increase of 0.7 percent from the 41.6 million who traveled last year
• 35.5 million travelers are expected to drive this holiday period, an increase of 0.7 percent from 2014
• Holiday air travel expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million
• The 41.9 million travelers expected to take to the roads, skies, rails and water is the highest since 2007 and 8.9 percent above the holiday average since 2000
• Gas prices have averaged $2.76 in June, and as of June 17, were $0.86 per gallon below last year. Most drivers should pay the lowest gas prices for the holiday in at least five years

“The Fourth of July is typically a family-oriented holiday,” Lehman explained. “It is the perfect time to make vacation memories and enjoy a recess from the responsibilities of work and school. This year, Orlando, Myrtle Beach and Los Angeles are very popular getaways,” he added.

---

Get breaking news delivered. 

with the ENP Mobile app for Android.