AAA: Record number of travelers expected for Independence Day weekend

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- A record number travelers are expected for Independence Day weekend, according to AAA.

AAA estimates 43 million Americans will travel between Thursday, Jun 30, and Monday, July 4, including 36 million drivers.

In Illinois, 2.3 million are expected to travel, up one percent from last year.

Experts attribute the increase to lower gas prices. Airfares and hotel rates are also cheaper than last Independence Day, according to AAA.