AAA predicts travel will reach unprecedented levels this year, with 3.5 million more travelers than last year.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As the nation prepares for Independence Day, many Americans are hitting the road or flying to holiday destinations, with AAA predicting travel will reach unprecedented levels this year, with 3.5 million more travelers than last year.
“Traffic is pretty good, it’s congested in places, but I think as we get closer to Charleston, Folly Beach, it’s going to get even more congested,” said one traveler who was on his way from Greenville to Folly Beach with his family.
AAA predicts a record 60.6 million people will travel by car over this year’s Fourth of July, an increase of 2.8 million from last year. Highlighting the important travel season ahead, Tiffany Wright, AAA’s director of public relations, said, “The holiday travel season is going to be busy. People have already started their vacations this past weekend.”
The writers advised travelers to avoid driving during peak hours, especially between 2pm and 7pm, and highlighted congestion in major metropolitan areas and around popular spots such as theme parks and beaches.
Not only are there record numbers of people on the roads, but air travel is also surging: “Air travel is up 7 percent,” Wright said, noting that the increased activity means travelers need to plan ahead, recommending they arrive at airports earlier than usual.
“Airports are very congested at the moment so we recommend arriving two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights,” Wright advised, suggesting arriving well in advance to give yourself plenty of time.
AAA plans to provide assistance to 20,000 to 30,000 vehicles in the Carolinas alone for people heading out on the road this holiday week, and urges travelers to prepare essentials like first aid kits, water, and food in case of an emergency before setting off on a trip.
Related: Why do we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July?
RELATED: Ooh, aah, boom: Midlands region’s Fourth of July fireworks display