AAA expects record-breaking July 4 car travel

Be prepared for traffic and delays if you're traveling during the Fourth of July holiday .

Why it matters: Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., are among the hottest destinations this time of year due to the popularity of Alaska cruises, per AAA Washington.

The big picture: AAA is expecting 71 million Americans to travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday stretch that includes both weekends surrounding July 4.

• That's a 5% increase from the 67.4 million Fourth of July travelers in 2023.
• A record 60.6 million people will drive, per AAA.
• Airports are expected to be packed as well, with a projected 5.7 million people flying, a 7% increase over last year.

Zoom in: Peak congestion in our region is expected on Interstate 90 westbound between Ellensburg and Seattle on the afternoon of July 7, per AAA, when the trip is forecast to take 35% longer than usual.

• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , the state Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries offer tips or maps for avoiding peak congestion.

Zoom out: Drivers in big cities can expect the worst traffic on Wednesday, July 3, as they leave town, and on Sunday, July 7, as they return, Inrix analyst Bob Pishue told AAA.

• "Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions," he said.