AAA says Carolinians will set 4th of July Holiday Travel Records

This Independence Day holiday, a record-breaking 1,312,500 North Carolinians, and more than 661,500 South Carolinians will travel 50 miles or more away from home, which is an increase of more than 5% from last year, taking to the nation’s roads, skies, rails and waterways to honor the red, white and blue. For those planning a road trip, AAA Carolinas predicts travel times in most places will take twice as long than the normal trip, with Tuesday being the busiest day. “Despite high gas prices, Carolinians appear to be traveling in record numbers to celebrate Independence Day,” said Tiffany Wright, AAA Carolinas spokesperson. “Confident consumers with additional disposable income will look to spend on travel this holiday, adding to an already busy summer travel season.” In addition to strong economic variables, the expected increase in travelers this year is helped by Independence Day falling on a Wednesday, giving travelers more flexibility to schedule a trip the weekend before or after the holiday. The Independence Day holiday period is defined as Tuesday, July 3, to Sunday, July 8.