AAA Michigan: 1.4 Million Plan July 4th Travel

An estimated 1.4 million Michigan residents will travel on vacation during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, up some 16 percent from last year and the highest number of projected state traveler since 2008 according to AAA Michigan.

Nationally, AAA projects 42.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend, up 4.9 percent from last year. The Fourth of July Holiday period is from Tuesday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 8th.

Since July 4th falls on a Wednesday this year, the calendar plays a key role in driving holiday traffic volume. The mid-week holiday expands the travel period to six days and provides the option of including a weekend and two week days on wither side of the holiday.

"Travel will be up in Michigan thanks to a pent-up demand for travel, a mid-week holiday and stable gas prices," said AAA Michigan President Steve Wagner. "This is the second summer holiday this year where travelers indicated a determination to travel - but keeping an eye on economizing while they travel."

In Michigan, the July 4th holiday period is typically the busiest time of year for family auto travel. Those traveling by vehicle will find their gas on par with last year -$3.73 as of June 19th, compared to $3.74 last year.