Independence Day is right around the corner, and AAA released its annual travel predictions. AAA Travel projects 40.8 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday, 0.8 percent less than the 41.1 million in 2012. A shorter holiday period accounts for the decline, with the Fourth of July landing on a Thursday this year. The travel period is defined as July 3 through July 7.

“Independence Day is typically the busiest holiday of the summer travel season with six million more Americans traveling than Memorial Day just two months ago. The Fourth of July benefits from the fact that all schools across the nation are out of session, making it truly a time for family fun,” said AAA President and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

Here are some highlights from the report:

• 84 percent of travelers (34.4 million) will travel by automobile
• Air travel is expected to increase slightly from 3.06 million in 2012 to 3.07 million for 2013
• 14 percent of travelers will journey more than 1,500 miles
• Most travelers (32 percent) will depart on Wednesday, July 3
• Top three activities for holiday travelers: visiting friends/relatives (57 percent), dining (49 percent) and shopping (44 percent)
• The average traveler is expected to travel 613 miles round trip and spend $747

My holiday plans are still up in the air. Weather permitting, I hope to spend some time at the New Jersey shore. What are you doing on the Fourth of July?

— Katie Skrzek, digital media manager