(WWJ) - This year's Fourth of July weekend is gearing up to the busiest travel day on record as more than 1.7 million Michiganders head to their holiday destinations.
Officials with AAA said 76,000 more Michiganders will take at least one trip of 50 miles or more, between Friday, June 30 and Tuesday, July 4, compared to last year's record-setting high.
“Independence Day weekend appears to be the continuation of what has already been a very strong summer travel season,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although airfares and hotel rates are more expensive than last year, Michigan residents are still eager to travel. So, expect to see congested roads, busy hotels, and long lines at airports and attractions.”
An estimated 43.2 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.4% over 2022 and 4% higher than 2019, AAA said.
Friday, June 30, is forecasted to be the busiest travel day with vehicles packing highways throughout the country. Spokeswoman Axia Diaz advised motorists to start driving prior to 6 a.m. to avoid traffic or, if you can, wait to hit the road until after 6 p.m.
Officials estimated that the average travel time can take up to 30% longer than normal, particularly in major metro areas, near beaches and attractions.
Helping to fuel the holiday exodus is low gas prices when compared to last year. The national average for a gallon of regular was $4.80 on July 4th, 2022. Gas prices have leveled off within the last few months, with the national average hovering around $3.50 to $3.60 a gallon.
Just over 71,000 Michiganders are expected to take to the skies to get to their holiday destinations, but AAA said it's not a record number for 2023.
Surprisingly, the company instead stated that they're seeing a drastic increase in other modes of transportation for the Fourth of July weekend.
"3.36 million people will travel by bus, cruise, or train over the long weekend, an increase of 24% over last year," AAA estimated. "About 109,121 Michigan residents are projected to travel by bus, cruise, or train, which is almost 25% more than last year."
You can catch traffic and weather together on the :08s here on WWJ LIVE anytime you drive.