Holiday travel is expected to rebound - big time - over the July 4 holiday weekend. That's according to Elizabeth Carey, of the AAA of Western and Central New York who said the auto club is projecting that travel will be up by 40% compared to a year ago.
``AAA expects 47.7 million people to travel for the Independence Day holiday weekend. So travel volume is expected to fully recover, just about to those pre-pandemic levels, Carey said."
And that likely means dealing with traffic jams in some of the typically busy cities and highways.
Triple-A spokesperson April Engram advises traveling outside peak times, such as early in the day or in the evening, or find alternate routes.
And pack some patience. ``Coming out of this pandemic we're seeing more cars on the road again and that's something we haven't experienced in a while so just (try) to remain calm and patient on the roads, " Engram said.
Triple-A's Dispatch Manager, Dan Fisher said that if you are stuck in a traffic jam, roll down the windows and turn off the air conditioner to help conserve as much fuel as you can.
But it appears the highest gas prices in 7 years aren't going to deter travelers this weekend. In the Rochester area, the Triple-A said the average price for regular unleaded is about $3.16 per gallon, compared to $2.21 a year ago.
The AAA said that demand for gasoline is on the rise as schools have wrapped up and summer travel is in full swing.
