Fourth Of July Travel: What To Expect And How To Prepare
If you thought travel was a pain for Memorial Day, get ready for this year's Fourth of July.
According to AAA 41 million Americans expected to travel this year, which means highways and airports will be packed with travelers looking to take advantage of the three-day weekend.
These increased numbers of travel have implications for American's spending habits. Forty-one million travelers this year means a 1.9 percent increase over last year, and this 1.9 percent increase hints towards America's improving economy.
Just like Memorial Day, travel rates seem to be bouncing back to pre-recession numbers. USA Today posits that more Americans are willing to use credit cards to expense their travel this year, showing better signs for the economy.
More than 80 percent of that travel will be on U.S. roads this year, with many driving at least 50 miles from home to destinations that range from Boston to Chicago.
With so many people on the road, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
If you're planning a road trip or planning to be one of those 41 million people travelling this year, be sure to prep your car to ensure the safest trip possible. The National Safety Council always recommends that drivers wear seatbelts for every single trip, refrain from cell phone use while driving, avoid drinking alcohol and driving, and exercise caution while driving anywhere.
In addition, ensure that your car is travel-ready. If it needs an oil change or a tire rotation, make sure to get it done well in advance. Also be sure to check the spare tire and fluid levels just in case you end up stranded on the road.
AAA has provided varying numbers for what to expect in terms of prices to travel. For instance, gas prices are expected to remain as high as they have in the past few months, making this Fourth of July's gas prices the highest since 2008.
Additionally, rental car rates should remain the same as last year, while airfare should show a five percent decline from last year.