AAA Predicts Busy Fourth of July as Gas Prices Rise

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but gas prices are steadily climbing as we approach the Fourth of July. And if AAA is right, that means a lot of people will be shelling out extra cash.

First, the bad news. The Associated Press reports that “retail prices for gasoline have climbed over the past week and are headed back toward a national average of $2.80 to $2.90 per gallon.” This represents a nearly 4-cent jump in the past week. Prices are actually below a month ago, but the recent trend is upward, and prices should rise to Memorial Day levels by the Fourth.

And speaking of the Fourth of July, AAA is predicting a whopping 17.4 percent spike in travel this year, with 34.9 million travelers taking a trip at least 50 miles away from home. Last year, just under 30 million travelers did so. 31.4 million people are expected to drive to their destination.

That said, it will be a more conservative holiday when it comes to spending. “Median spending is estimated to be $644 this Fourth of July,” says AAA, “nearly $50 less than last year.”

So, readers, what about you? What are your plans for the Fourth? Will you be driving, taking to the skies, or staying put? Leave a comment below with your plans.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.