The American Automobile Association (AAA) is forecasting record travel over the Independence Day holiday week this year.

An estimated 41.1 million Americans will take a vacation between June 28th and July 8th, 0.8 per cent more than last year, despite the fact that the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday.

Reflecting the American love of automobiles, 84 per cent of vacationers - that’s 34.7 million people - expect to travel to their destination by car. An additional 4.7 million will fly, and approximately 1.7 million will use other modes of transport, such as a train or bus.

Hotel prices and gasoline costs are reportedly higher than this time last year, though average airfares are significantly lower. Travel insurance prices remain reasonable and there is even more justification for investing in cover, as America prepares for a torrid hurricane season.

“This Fourth of July holiday is somewhat unique, in that it falls in the middle of the work week,” noted Betsy Sell, managing director of AAA Travel.

“Many are choosing to take a few more days off work” to enjoy a well-earned break, she added.

Contributed by J.Bevan