Arkansas drivers are among the 61.6 million expected to hit the roads for July 4

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – AAA officials announced Monday that a record-breaking 72.2 million people across the U.S. are expected to travel over the Independence Day holiday week.

The travel window stretches from Saturday, June 28, through Sunday, July 6, covering two weekends for the first time.

AAA officials said this year’s figure marks a 2.4% increase from last year and includes new highs in both road trips and air travel.

An estimated 61.6 million will travel by car, with Arkansas drivers among those contributing to the busiest Independence Day on record for road travel, according to AAA.

The agency advises motorists to prep vehicles in advance and avoid peak hours, as data forecasts July 2 and July 6 to be the most congested travel days.

Gas prices are around 40 cents cheaper than last summer, AAA officials noted, though hurricane season could cause price fluctuations along the Gulf Coast.

Officials said air travel is also expected to set a new record, with 5.84 million flying to holiday destinations, while 4.78 million plan to travel by cruise, bus, or train.

Top U.S. destinations include Orlando, Denver, Boston, Honolulu, and Seattle, with Anchorage and New York also ranking high due to peak cruise season and fireworks shows.