Stay WINK Smart: the best times to load up the car this 4th of July weekend

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Triple AAA is predicting a record-breaking 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home this Fourth of July weekend.

That number surpasses last year's record-breaking 71.8 million travelers, but the agency says the increase is smaller than recent year-over-year gains.

Higher gas prices are not stopping drivers this year either, with AAA predicting roughly 85% of people are driving to their destinations.

As for the skies, Triple AAA expects about 2% more air travelers this year than last. For those who decide to fly, the average domestic flight costs about $830 per ticket.

For those staying home this weekend, Florida is a popular destination. Triple AAA's top ten travel spots this Fourth of July include Seattle, Orlando, Anchorage, Miami, New York, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Fairbanks, Denver and Boston.

For those heading to load up the car this weekend, Triple-A expects the roads to be the busiest on Friday from noon to 7 p.m. The best bet to avoid traffic is to make the trip before 11 a.m.

Saturday, the worst time on the roads will be from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. After 3 p.m., things should be much clearer, according to the agency's forecast.

Those eyeing Sunday as a travel day should know the worst time to drive is noon to 6 p.m. Getting home before 11 a.m. is recommended.

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