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As the Fourth of July approaches, travel is in full swing, with today expected to be the busiest day of the holiday week for air travel. According to AAA, a record 72.2 million Americans are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day period ending Sunday.
About 85% of these travelers will be hitting the road, making today the most popular day for picking up rental cars. Hertz reports high demand in cities like Orlando, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City. Meanwhile, air travel is expected to see a slight increase, with 5.85 million passengers flying domestically.
Despite the record travel numbers, the increase over last year is just half a percent, as inflation impacts travel budgets. The national average for a gallon of gas stands at $3.83, a significant rise from last year.
Travelers are advised to plan ahead, as INRIX predicts heavy traffic throughout the weekend. For those flying, arriving at the airport early is recommended, especially during peak travel weeks.
As the holiday weekend coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the FIFA World Cup, travel hubs are expected to be crowded. Travelers are encouraged to stay calm and patient amid the hustle and bustle.
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