INDIANAPOLIS (WOWO): The coming Independence Day holiday week will be a busy one for travelers. AAA Hoosier Motor Club predicts 41 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from Wednesday, July 2 through Sunday, July 6th. That‘s up almost two percent from the same time period last year.



It‘s also five million more than this past Memorial Day weekend. 80% or nearly 35 million travelers will do so by car. Gas prices will likely be higher this July 4th weekend. Last year, regular unleaded averaged $3.48 a gallon nationwide. Currently, the national average is hovering around $3.66 a gallon.



Car rental rates will average about $58, the same as last year. AAA projects air travel will be down slightly even though airfares are five percent lower than the same time last year. However, hotel rates are up anywhere from nine to 15%.