EMERYVILLE, Calif. – Not since 2002 has California experienced such a surge in Independence Day travel, with more than 4.9 state residents expected to head out of town for the  much anticipated beginning-of-summer holiday weekend.

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 1.3% increase from 2015.

“Economic growth, increased disposable income, and lower prices, have spurred many Californians to celebrate our Independence Day weekend by traveling,” said Cynthia Harris, AAA Northern California spokesperson. “We are well on our way for 2016 to be a record-breaking year for summertime travel.”

AAA projects approximately 3.9 million Californians will drive to reach their holiday destinations. That’s a 1-percent increase when compared to travel figures from 2015.

Air travel will increase by 3 percent with more than 600,000 travelers expected to take to the skies.

More than 428,000 state residents plan to travel by other modes of transportation, such as rail, bus and watercraft. This represents a increase of 1.5-percent when compared to travel figures from last year.

Nationally, AAA forecasts more than 43 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, representing a 1.3-percent increase compared to last year.

Nationally, this represents the highest July 4th travel volume on record with five million more travelers compared to Memorial Day of this year.

Independence Day holiday weekend airfares are expected to decrease by 9 percent with the lowest round-trip rate averaging $207 a ticket to the top 40 U.S. air routes, according to the AAA Leisure Travel Index.

Hotel rates at AAA Three Diamond lodgings have dipped slightly compared to July 4, 2015, averaging $144 per night. Are rental rates will average $75, six percent more than last year.                

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 ten 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.”

AAA International Travel Tips:

· When traveling abroad, AAA recommends reviewing the State Department traveler’s checklist for any country-specific travel advisory or warning. The State Department also provides helpful tips on appropriate documentation, packing and general travel advice.

· Before departing, AAA recommends making copies of all relevant travel documents and leaving one copy with a family member or friend. A photocopy will be helpful in case of emergency or if your documents are lost or stolen.

· Enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy or nearest Consulate to contact them in the case of an emergency.

· Planning a trip can be fun but also overwhelming.  AAA travel counselors can help plan an itinerary that fits your travel style.

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 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.

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 .