Despite higher fuel costs than last year, a record number of Americans are expected to travel this Independence Day weekend, according to AAA. The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.84, down from $4.29 a month ago.

Travel Forecast

AAA reports that 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between June 27 and July 5, surpassing last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers. Road trips continue to dominate holiday travel, with 61.4 million people—about 85% of all travelers—expected to drive to their destinations.

While gas prices remain above last year’s average of $3.17 per gallon, the downward trend since late May is welcome news during the busy summer driving season. Driving remains the most economical option for many travelers as airfare prices continue to climb.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.