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AAA forecasts that 72.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, July 6—an all-time high for the Independence Day period. This year’s projection is 1.7 million more travelers than last year and 7 million more than in 2019. The forecast spans two weekends to better capture the full scope of holiday movement.

Most travelers—about 61.6 million—are expected to drive, marking a 2.2% increase over last year and the highest road travel volume ever recorded for this holiday. AAA advises drivers to get routine maintenance and pack an emergency kit. Last year, the agency responded to nearly 700,000 roadside calls for issues like dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts.

Gas prices remain relatively low, the cheapest since 2021. Weather remains a key factor, with an active Atlantic hurricane season possibly affecting fuel supply.

Car rentals are also in high demand. Hertz reports July 3 as the busiest pick-up day, with top destinations including Orlando, Denver, Boston, Oahu, and Seattle. SUVs and midsize sedans are the most requested vehicle types.

Transportation analytics company INRIX predicts that Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, will be the busiest travel days on the road during the Independence Day holiday period. Traffic is expected to peak during the afternoon hours, so drivers are encouraged to travel in the morning to avoid heavy congestion. However, travel times may still be affected by construction, accidents, or severe weather. Motorists are urged to stay alert for stopped vehicles and follow the “Slow Down, Move Over” law to keep emergency responders safe.