Hitting the Road for the 4th of July Weekend…You Won’t Be Alone!

July 4th may conjure images of fireworks and hot dogs, but sitting in traffic could also be included among the festivities.

AAA reports that an estimated 41 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles during this Independence Day weekend. The New England region is expected to see an even higher percentage increase in travelers, up 2.5 percent overall from last year and 2.9 percent more by car.

Weekend travel will grow almost 2% over last year. Higher gas prices are not expected to dampen travel spirits.

About 34.4 million of travelers are expected to skip town by driving. When people leave for the holiday, they're not exactly making a long weekend the next town over. The average round trip is expected to be 613 miles and cost $747, so make sure to hit the ATM – you’ll need the cash to fill up your tank.

As for what people will do during the holiday weekend while away from home, the most popular pastime will be seeing family and friends (57%), followed by eating (49%) and shopping (44%). Hitting the beach and sightseeing (36%) come up next, as well as visiting a national park or historic site (21%).