Typically, the Fourth of July holiday period isn’t seen as a big travel period. But record travel numbers are coming, according to AAA Kansas Manager of Public and Government Affairs Shawn Steward.
The holiday isn’t until Tuesday, but increased travel numbers may begin as soon as Thursday. For ground travel, AAA says the worst travel times through July 5 are 4-6 pm Thursday, 10 am to 5 pm Friday, early afternoon Saturday, 12-3 pm Tuesday and 3-6 pm July 5. Better travel times are before noon Thursday, before 10 am or after 6 pm Friday, before noon Saturday, before 11 am or after 6 pm Tuesday or before 2 pm July 5.
If there is good news for travelers, it’s that gas prices have been steady at $3.30 to $3.40 a gallon all summer, or well below where they were at this time last year.
Steward also says gas is least expensive in Kansas and parts of the Southern Plains, while it’s most expensive along the West Coast.
Despite the lower gas prices, air travelers are seeing a 40-50 percent increase in ticket prices this summer. Hotel prices are also up slightly.
