More Americans than ever made plans to get away for the Fourth of July this year.

According to a AAA study, 48.9 million Americans planned to take some kind of trip over the Independence Day travel period. This is almost 2 million more travelers than last year.

The biggest mode of transportation comes by way of road trips: 41.9 million people took to the road for the holiday, breaking the current record. INRIX, a global mobility analytics firm, predicted Wednesday, July 3, as the busiest day on the roads, with delays making commutes four times the length of a normal trip. Commute times also spiked on July 5, as travelers returned home.

AAA points to a number of differences from last summer that facilitated increased travel. Lower gas prices and a consistently strong economy encourage people to travel more this summer.

“This holiday builds on the strong travel demand seen for Memorial Day, and with schools now out of session across the country, families coast to coast are eager to travel,” said Nick Jarmusz, Midwest director, public affairs, AAA.

Compared to last year, the national average price of gas is down 23 cents and is expected to keep dropping as summer continues. While gas prices are dropping, the travel demand continues to force airfare and car rental prices ever higher, AAA said.

Finally, the top travel destinations for Independence Day included Orlando, Honolulu and Seattle.

Do you usually travel for the Fourth of July? Did you travel this year? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.