More Americans are traveling this year than last year. Please remember to check the weather before you take your road trip and pack a backup map just in case your navigation in your car defaults or if you drive out of range of cell phone towers. Most importantly, please pack your “Patience” and take your time. Tell yourself before you get on the road to expect a lot of other travelers to be on the road with you. Therefore, don’t stress!
According to AAA’s latest projections (East Idaho News Staff (2019), a record 49 million Americans are expected to travel for a 4th of July celebration this year, with 263,000 Idahoans among them. High consumer confidence and low unemployment have generated additional spending money and more opportunities to travel. This year, the Independence Day holiday period is defined as the five days from Wednesday, July 3 to Sunday, July 7.
Gas prices are also lending a helping hand. Today, the national average is $2.66, which is 19 cents less than a month ago, and the same as a year ago. In Idaho, the average price for regular unleaded is $3.06, which is 15 cents less than a month ago, and 12 cents less than a year ago. Nearly two million more Americans will celebrate the nation’s birthday by taking a trip this year, with 1.7 million of them hitting the road (for a total of 41.4 million overall). That’s the most since AAA began tracking the data, and the sixth straight year of growth for this transportation mode.
Please designate a driver, if you plan to drink. Drive safe and enjoy your vacation.
Happy 4th of July!
Christine Roebuck/CEO