AAA is forecasting another record-setting Independence Day holiday travel period, with more than 2.4 million Georgians expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5.
Georgia motorists are getting another break at the pump just as one of the busiest travel weeks of the year gets underway.
A record number of Americans are expected to hit the road, take to the skies, and set sail during the upcoming Independence Day holiday, according to a new travel forecast from AAA.
AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day holiday travel period running from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5. That surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.
The vast majority of travelers—about 61.4 million people, or 85 percent—are expected to drive to their destinations. Despite higher gasoline prices than last year, AAA says road trips remain the most affordable option for many families.
Nearly 5.9 million Americans are expected to fly, while another 4.9 million will travel by bus, train, or cruise ship, making cruises and other alternative travel options the fastest-growing segment this year.
For those traveling by car, AAA recommends leaving early in the day to avoid the heaviest traffic. The organization also encourages motorists to check their vehicle’s battery, tires, and fluids before departing. Last Independence Day week, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls, with towing, dead batteries, and flat tires among the most common problems.
AAA is also reminding travelers to drive safely during one of the busiest times of the year by avoiding impaired driving, slowing down around emergency vehicles, and always moving over for roadside workers.
Georgia drivers are getting some welcome relief at the pump just as one of the busiest travel periods of the year approaches.
Georgia gas prices have continued to decline in recent weeks, giving drivers some relief at the pump even as overall costs remain a concern.
Georgia gas prices are beginning to level off after recent declines slowed over the past week. According to AAA, the state average is now just one cent lower than last week, but still 25 cents higher than last month and 97 cents higher than this time last year.
Georgia drivers are seeing some relief at the pump as gas prices continue to fall across the state.
According to AAA, Georgia’s average price for regular gasoline is now $3.85 per gallon. That is 14 cents lower than last week, but still 10 cents higher than last month and 96 cents higher than this time last year.
AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters said lower crude oil prices, tied in part to reported Iran peace talks, are helping bring prices down. However, she cautioned that global uncertainty could cause prices to shift quickly.
For drivers filling up a standard 15-gallon tank, the current state average means a cost of about $57.75.
Nationally, the average price for gasoline has dropped to $4.33 per gallon, down 18 cents from a week ago.
In Georgia, the most expensive metro markets are Macon at $3.94, Atlanta at $3.90, and Athens at $3.87. The least expensive metro markets are Dalton at $3.71, Albany at $3.63, and Brunswick at $3.60.
Locally, Chattooga County is averaging $3.78 per gallon. Nearby averages include Walker, Floyd, and Gordon counties at $3.72. Across the state line in Alabama, DeKalb County is averaging $3.93, while Cherokee County is at $3.88.
Drivers are encouraged to compare prices, plan trips, combine errands, and use fuel-saving habits as summer travel increases.
A new AAA survey shows summer travel demand remains steady across Georgia, even as higher gas prices and inflation continue to influence how families plan their trips.
As Memorial Day weekend travel comes to a close, AAA says thousands of Georgia drivers are expected to crowd highways heading home, while gas prices continue putting pressure on family travel budgets.
AAA is warning Georgia drivers not to let higher gas prices lead to risky decisions behind the wheel this Memorial Day weekend.