(WWJ) -- Over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, 1.5 million Michiganders are expected travel, marking the third-highest on record for the state.
Last year, travel numbers in Michigan were down nearly 25% from 2019 due to the pandemic.
Throughout the country, nearly 48 million Americans anticipate making a trip from July 1-July 5. According to AAA, many are willing to return to flying this year, but it’s the road trip that continues to be the most popular option this summer.
Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, AAA anticipates 91% of holiday travel will be by car.
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If you’re one of the 1.4 million Michigan vacationers planning to drive to your destination this weekend, AAA strongly suggests you hit the road before noon on Friday if you can swing it.
Meanwhile, those returning on Monday should leave no later than 1:00 p.m., and avoid the roads anywhere between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
As far as routes go, metro Detroiters might want to try to stay away from northbound I-75 — especially between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Friday.
While I-75 north of 12 Mile Road is already considered one of the worst stretches of freeway in the country, it’ll see even heavier traffic on Friday, with AAA predicting a 50% increase in cars.
Planning to fly to your destination? AAA says you’ll be joining 3.5 million travelers this weekend, which will reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels and increase 164% compared to 2020.
An additional 620,000 Americans are expected take other modes of transportation for trips this Fourth of July -- including bus, train, and the return of cruises. That marks a 72% increase over 2020, though still more than 80% lower than pre-pandemic levels.
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