A new poll shows a majority of Utahns are planning to travel in the near future. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
SALT LAKE CITY– After being cooped up for over a year, people are ready to embrace the world. Triple A (AAA) says 40% more travelers are expected to take trips across the country this 4th of July compared to last year.
Over 47 million people appear ready to hit the roads and the skies, which is the second-highest number on record.
Aldo Vazquez, AAA spokesman for Utah, said only 297,000 travelers are projected to use trains or airplanes as transportation in the Mountain Region of the United States during the July 4 holiday. Just over 3,000,000 will be taking to the roads — even with higher gas prices.
“Crowding is expected in larger cities, which were in lockdown for the last year, and at beaches,” said Vazquez.
Be prepared for packed airports. “You’re going to need to take your patience with you,” Vazquez advised, “many airlines may need to cancel flights and you could be waiting for a while.”
However, road trips are expected to be the primary mode of transportation with 43.6 million people across the U.S. getting behind the wheel. Vazquez said this will bring close to nearly pre-pandemic levels of travel.