Fourth of July Travel Expected to Drop

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."

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AAA is predicting a 1.9 percent drop in travel this Independence Day weekend, with 37.1 million people expected to travel 50 miles or more from home—despite the fact that gas is much cheaper this year compared to last. Current national gas prices stand at $2.64 per gallon, down from $4.09 a year ago. Still, road travel is expected to drop by 2.6 percent. Air traffic, though a small portion of total holiday travel, is expected to rise.

AAA’s July 4 prediction represents something of a shift in outlook, considering the association proclaimed a rise in Memorial Day travel just a month-and-a-half ago. However, gas prices have gone up roughly 40 cents per gallon since then, and that, coupled with the ongoing recession, may be keeping people home this weekend.

What about you? Are you traveling for the Fourth? If so, is it a longer getaway or a day at the beach? And if not, why? Leave a comment below and share your plans for the holiday weekend.

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