Travel For This 4th Of July Weekend To Break Records As Gas Prices Fall, Says AAA

Florida - This 4th of July weekend could break records for the amount of Florida travelers (and American travelers) taking to the roads as gas prices could hit 13-year lows, according to AAA.

AAA forecasts that 2.3 million Floridians are expected to travel for 4th of July Weekend (44.2 million Americans). That's 4.8% more Floridians than last year (2.9% more Americans). AAA defines the 4th of July holiday travel period as Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4.

“This Independence Day will be historic,” said Vicky Evans, Assistant Vice President of Travel Sales Development for AAA. “Traveler numbers are up and prices are down, adding to what has already been a bustling summer travel season."

The majority of travelers will drive to their holiday destination as gas prices continue to drop. "Florida motorists are finding the lowest gas prices of the year as oil prices plunge in response to high production and supply," said Mark Jenkins, spokesperson for AAA. State averages have already plunged below $2.20 for a gallon of regular. If prices remain that low through the 4th, they would be the lowest for the holiday since 2004.

Tuesday's average gas prices were at $2.19 for Florida and under $2.18 for Daytona Beach for a gallon of regular. Tuesday's national average is $2.25.

Even though driving is the most popular mode of travel, all types of travel are expected to increase this 4th of July weekend over last year. Below is a breakdown from AAA of how many Floridians are expected to travel and how they will get to their 4th of July destination:

• 2 million Floridians will drive (5% more than last year).
• 168,556 Floridians will fly (5.1% more than last year).
• 125,305 Floridians will take other modes of transportation (1.4% more than last year).

Below is a breakdown of 4th of July travel for the country:

• 37.5 million Americans will drive (2.9% more than last year).
• 3.4 million Americans will fly (4.6% more than last year).
• 3.3 million Americans will take other modes of transportation (1.4% more than last year).

AAA says that travelers can also expect lower prices for airfares, car rentals, and hotels. “Travel bookings at The Auto Club Group are up more than 15 percent in Florida, compared to this time last year. The biggest factors driving growth are low gas prices, strong employment, rising incomes, and higher consumer confidence; but overall, Americans just love to travel, and want to do something fun for this mid-summer tradition,” Evans says.

Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.