(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Summer travel is already in full swing and Independence Day will be no exception as AAA predicts 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4). This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019. The biggest surprise – car travel – will set a new record despite historically high gas prices with 42 million people hitting the road. With crowded roads and busy airports, AAA wants to prepare travelers so they can have a stress-free July 4^th celebration.

“AAA Travel Advisors continue to see a high demand for travel during the Independence Day holiday,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “The summer travel season is kicking into high gear and, despite higher gas prices, Americans are ready for a break and that much-needed vacation.”

Car travel volume, even with national gas prices averaging over $5 per gallon, will break previous records as 42 million opt to drive this Independence Day.

Mid-Atlantic Region Independence Day Forecast Highlights
*Region includes New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

This Summer, Travel Stress-Free

Independence Day will be the second busiest since 2000, as travel volumes continue to trend upwards with no sign of slowing down. It is important travelers are prepared and flexible to minimize stress and enjoy the holiday. AAA offers the following advice:

• Have a plan A, B and C. Flights, car rentals, accommodations, tours, cruises and other activities are in high demand and availability may be limited, which will impact pricing. It’s recommended travelers look for discounts and rewards, usually available through a membership like AAA. This is also another time when travel advisors are a great resource since they may know of a deal that may not be readily available to the public.
  • Air—AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 14% more than last year coming in at $201/ticket.
  • Hotels—Mid-range hotel rates have increased about 23%, with the average lowest nightly rates coming in at $244/night for AAA Approved Hotels.
  • Car Rentals— Since last year, the average daily rate for car rentals has continued to increase. With more people traveling, these prices remain on the rise due to continued supply chain issues coupled with growing demand. While daily car rental rates have decreased 34% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $110/day, rates are $40 more/day on average than in 2019.
• B-E-T on a breakdown-free trip. AAA expects to respond to over 446,000 calls for roadside assistance over the Independence Day holiday weekend. Make sure to get a full vehicle inspection ahead of any long trip but especially for components like a vehicle’s battery, engine and tires. Even a vehicle in top shape can run into an issue so it’s a good idea to pack a well-stocked emergency kit and have roadside assistance just in case.
• Beat the rush. Travel on off-peak times or days. Based on AAA booking data, Friday, July 1 is shaping up to be the busiest day for air travel during the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4) with Monday, July 4 being the lightest. For those hitting the road, the Thursday and Friday before the holiday are anticipated to be peak traffic days.

Top Destinations include Big Cities and International Favorites

AAA booking data reveals that big cities and international classics are top destinations this Independence Day. AAA data shows that bookings for air, car rentals, cruise, hotel, and tours are up 60% over last year for the top domestic Independence Day destinations and up 252% for international.

Road Trips are King this Independence Day

Drivers should expect the longest travel delays heading into the holiday weekend, particularly during the afternoons on Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1 as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers. Drivers in major U.S. metros could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip.

Remember – Be Kind and Patient

For those traveling this Independence Day, it’s important to keep safety in mind. It’s easy to lose patience but remember, everyone has a common goal – kicking off their summer vacation safely.

Forecast Methodology:

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence, a world-leading provider of financial information and solutions, developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from S&P Global Market Intelligence’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment; output; household net worth; asset prices including stock indices; interest rates; housing market indicators and variables related to travel and tourism, including prices of gasoline, airline travel and hotel stays. AAA and S&P Global Market Intelligence have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.

About INRIX
INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. INRIX’s partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.

About S&P Global

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence, enabling governments, businesses and individuals with the right data, expertise and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, S&P Global unlocks new opportunities, solves challenges and accelerates progress for the world. S&P Global is widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity and automotive markets. With every offering, S&P Global helps the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow, today. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com.

About DKSA

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 72 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

(File Photo)

Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio
(Hopewell Twp., Beaver County Pa.) Hopewell Township Commissioners approved a motion at Monday night’s meeting to change its wireless carrier to T-Mobile at a lesser cost than what they were paying for Verizon.

(File Photo)

(North Sewickley Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting that they were called to the scene of a one vehicle accident on the Pa Turnpike Westbound at mile marker 14.8 at 2:00 AM on Tuesday morning.
Troopers say upon arriving and investigating it was learned that 24-year-old David Bradley of Freedom struck a concrete median and lost control of the Chevrolet Malibu that he was driving westbound. Bradley’s vehicle then traveled across both lanes of travel after striking the median and struck the curbside median coming to a final rest facing westbound. Bradley was cited by Troopers for not driving properly on roadways laned for traffic. He was not injured in the accident.

Keystone State News Connection

Emily Scott

Older people in Pennsylvania are dying from drug overdoses at much higher rates now compared to a decade ago, according to the latest America’s Health Rankings Senior Report from UnitedHealthcare.

The report found in Pennsylvania, overdose deaths have increased 149% and frequent mental distress is up more than 16% in the last 10-12 years. It also found a 26% increase in the number of older adults who report getting insufficient sleep.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, said the physical distancing required during COVID has taken a particularly heavy toll on older people.

“The risk of social isolation is measuring a lack of meaningful social connectedness among seniors,” Randall explained. “Things that put you at risk are being never married, widowed, divorced, separated, living alone, living in poverty.”

Pennsylvania ranks 30th overall in the report. On the positive side, between 2016 and 2020, the state saw a 33% increase in the number of home health care workers, whose clients often are older adults.

The report found Pennsylvania is ranked first in the nation for helping older adults in the state access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or federal food benefits.

Susan Neff, supervisor of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s Education and Outreach Office, said in the pandemic, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration has expanded resources for older adults, including the Senior Food Box Program.

“Part of that program are the farmers market food vouchers,” Neff explained. “This is the season where farmers markets are prevalent. You get vouchers that can be used just like cash at any of your local farmers markets. So, you’d have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, which is very important for everyone. ”

Residents can apply for SNAP benefits using the online tool COMPASS, or they can file an application at a local county assistance office.

An estimated 8.3% of older Pennsylvanians are living in poverty, which is slightly below the national average.

(Official Photo of Josh Kail)

(HARRISBURG, PA)As efforts continue to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) announced his resolution to create the investigative Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order passed the House Judiciary Committee today.
“As the lawlessness continues in Philadelphia, we have heard many cries for help from Pennsylvanians, business owners and families victimized by the willful refusal of local elected officials—especially District Attorney Larry Krasner—to enforce the law,” said Kail. “The events transpiring in our Commonwealth’s biggest city are causing serious concern statewide, forcing the Legislature to step in to ensure the laws we have passed are enforced.”
According to House Resolution 216, the Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order will consist of five members selected by the Speaker of the House—three Republicans and two Democrats—and have subpoena power.
The Select Committee on Restoring Law and Order will examine the effect of Philadelphia’s failure to enforce criminal laws in Philadelphia, how state public safety funding for Philadelphia has been used, and the extent to which victims’ rights are properly enforced.
In addition to impeachment, the Select Committee is also empowered to recommend potential legislative or policy changes that could be made to ensure public safety in Philadelphia is guaranteed.
The resolution now heads to the full House for consideration.

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s state House of Representatives and Senate are back in the Capitol, as the Republican-controlled chambers work to get an agreement on a roughly $42 billion budget plan with Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf with just three days left in the fiscal year. No budget plan had been unveiled as of Tuesday. Closed-door talks were still going on as Senate Republicans warned that they were still “far apart” with Wolf’s office. The talks revolve around the amount of money Wolf is seeking for public schools. Without new budget legislation signed into law by Friday, the state will lose some of its spending authority.

(AP Photo/ Carolyn Kaster, File)
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A county judge in Williamsport will decide whether to force officials to provide voter-by-voter electronic election records after the state Office of Open Records ruled Pennsylvania law makes them confidential. A Lebanon County woman is seeking a digital copy of Lycoming County’s “cast vote record” for the 2020 General Election in which Democratic challenger Joe Biden unseated Republican President Donald Trump. Lycoming County claims what she wants is essentially the contents of ballot boxes and voting machines. That’s information the state Election Code declares off-limits for public inspection. The judge hasn’t indicated when he’ll rule in the case.