This upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend will bring out the highest number of travelers since 2010 as more than 4.8 million Californians are expected to travel 50 miles or more away from home for the first summer vacation of the year.

According to the latest AAA travel survey, this represents a 0.5-percent increase from 2014.

“Overall, Californians are traveling in record numbers, driven by a stronger economy and rising income,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “And despite recent spikes in fuel prices, this upcoming three-day weekend provides a welcomed pause for those planning a holiday road trip.”

AAA projects approximately 3.8 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. That’s a 0.4-percent increase when compared to travel figures from 2014. 

Air travel will increase by 1.8 percent with more than 573,000 travelers expected to take to the skies. More than 424,000 state residents plan to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, bus and watercraft. This represents a decrease of 0.4 percent when compared to travel figures from last year.

Nationally, AAA forecasts more than 41 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, representing a 0.7 percent increase compared to last year.

Independence Day holiday weekend airfares are expected to increase by 6 percent with the lowest round-trip rate averaging $227 ticket to the top 40 U.S. air routes, according to the AAA Leisure Travel Index.

Hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings are increasing by 9 percent this year, averaging $195 per night.   

AAA safety-behind-the-wheel tips:

· Stay alert: Avoid driving while tired.

· Belt it: Always wear seat belts and make sure children are buckled up in proper safety seats.

· Put down the phone: Focus on driving. Phone calls and texts can wait.

· Don’t stray: Stay on main roads and highways.

· Take a break: When stopping to rest, always lock vehicles doors, even if you are gone for a few minutes. Keep valuables in the trunk.

· Call a pro: Do not stop to help a disabled vehicle. It can be dangerous to be out on the road in traffic. Instead, call AAA for emergency road service.

As part of AAA's on-going commitment to keeping the roads safe on holidays, AAA's Tipsy Tow Program will offer a free tow for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on July 4 to 6 a.m. on July 5 in Northern California, Nevada and Utah. Members and non-members alike can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free tow of up to 10 miles.

“Just tell the AAA operator, ‘I need a Tipsy Tow,’ and a truck will be on its way,” said Harris. “Service is restricted to a one-way ride for the driver and his or her vehicle to the driver’s home.”

The free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android uses GPS navigation to help travelers map a route, find current gas prices and discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance. Members using the iPad version can access interactive Top Destinations travel guides at www.AAA.com/mobile .

On www.AAA.com , travelers can find thousands of AAA Approved and Diamond Rated hotels and restaurants using AAA’s TripTik Travel Planner guides at www.AAA.com/travel .

AAA travel projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Colorado-based business information provider teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during major holidays. 

AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. Visit the AAA NewsRoom for more information including an infographic for the AAA / IHS Global Insight 2014 Independence Day Travel Forecast.

AAA Travel is the nation’s largest leisure travel organization. AAA Travel offers trips, cruises, tours and vacation packages throughout the world. Call 888-937-5523 for more information or visit us at your local AAA Travel office or online at www.aaa.com/travel .