(The Center Square) — A record-breaking number of Americans is expected to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, and that includes more than 1.5 million Arizonans.The estimate comes from American Automobile Association’s Independence Day Forecast, which said this year’s figure would mark an increase of nearly 182,000 from 2024 and over 615,000 in 2019.In a press release, AAA spokesperson Julian Paredes said summertime is one of the busiest times for travel, and July Fourth is among the most popular periods to get away from home.“Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week,” said Paredes. “With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”Nationwide, a record-breaking 61.6 million people will travel by car. That’s up 2.2 % from 2024. In Arizona, more than 1.2 million people will travel by car. When they do, those people can expect to see Arizona gas prices anywhere from $2.95 to $3.37 per gallon. That is above the statewide average of $3.24. Greelee, Yuma and Pima Counties have the cheapest prices. Santa Cruz, Pinal and Maricopa counties have the highest prices.“Arizona partially receives gas from California, which is expensive,” Paredes told The Center Square. “Arizona is also a bigger state with a larger proportion of drivers than other states, so demand is generally higher.”Meanwhile, AAA is not ruling out higher gas prices after July Fourth, due in part to the demand.“It is certainly possible gas prices will rise after July since tens of millions of people are going on vacation, leading to higher demand, but I would not expect a ‘spike,’ ” Paredes told The Center Square. “This is part of the seasonality of summer travel season and is not unexpected. And gas prices are still cheaper nationwide than the last few years.”Other popular modes of transportation this July Fourth include air travel. Nationwide, AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly somewhere. In Arizona, more than 179,000 residents are expected to board a plane. That would be about 24,000 more than in 2024.
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