This year, AAA predicts travel will reach unprecedented levels, with approximately 3.5 million more travelers than last year.
COLUMBIA, SC — As the country prepares for Independence Day, many Americans are hitting the road or flying to their vacation destinations. This year, AAA predicts that travel will reach record levels, with an estimated 3.5 million more travelers than last year.
“Traffic has been pretty good. It’s been tight in places, but I think as we get closer to Charleston to Folly Beach, we’ll run into tighter traffic,” said a traveler heading from Greenville to Folly Beach with his family.
AAA predicts that 60.6 million people will travel by car this Independence Day, a record number, an increase of 2.8 million from the previous year. Tiffany Write, AAA’s director of public affairs, emphasized the importance of the upcoming travel: “This is going to be a busy holiday season. People have already started their vacations since last weekend.”
Write advised travelers to avoid driving during rush hour, especially between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and highlighted traffic congestion around major metropolitan areas and popular attractions like theme parks and beaches.
Not only is air travel up, but air travel is also seeing an increase. “We’ve seen a 7% increase in air travel,” Write also pointed out, stressing the need for travelers to plan ahead by recommending people arrive at airports earlier than usual due to the increased activity.
“With airports being very busy right now, I would recommend arriving 2 hours before your domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight,” advises Write, suggesting extra spacing to ensure plenty of time.
For those hitting the road, AAA plans to provide assistance to 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles in the Carolinas alone this holiday week. It urges travelers to prepare with essentials like a first aid kit, water and food in case of an emergency before embarking on their journey.
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