Record numbers as millions of Americans take to the skies and highways this 4th of July week

CHICAGO, Illinois (NBC News)- More than 70 million Americans are taking to the skies and highways this holiday week… and we’re right in the middle of it today!

This holiday travel week is expected to smash records, with AAA predicting a staggering 70 million Americans heading to their destinations. That means a lot of traffic, with 60 million travelers opting for road trips. Expect congestion to build quickly over the next week as people escape for the holidays.

For drivers, there’s some good news on the gas price front. Prices are expected to level off around the national average from last year, a significant drop from the $5 a gallon seen just two years ago. You might even find lower prices in the Northeast or other areas thanks to a recent government sell-off. The Biden administration released over 42 million gallons of oil from reserves, a move aimed at keeping prices down for consumers.

If you’re hitting the road this Tuesday afternoon, be prepared for the heaviest traffic between 2pm and 6pm. To avoid the worst of it, consider traveling before 10am on Wednesday or after 7pm in the evening. This advice holds true for the rest of the week: aim for earlier departures to beat the rush.