Vacationers hit the road without a hit to the wallet

Wanderlust is back again, thanks to some relief at the pump.

Travel is spiking this July 4th with 42.3 million people taking a trip 50 miles or more from home during the holiday, AAA Chicago reports.

It's an increase of 5 percent from 2011, when 40.3 million Americans traveled, AAA officials said, reflecting cheaper gas and a pent-up desire to get away after several years of staycations.

How are people escaping? The car is still the predominant choice with about 35.5 million Americans hitting the road, representing 84 percent of all travelers.

In 2011, 34 million people drove to a vacation destination during the Independence Day holiday, which AAA defines this year as Tuesday, July 3, to Sunday.

The other popular mode of escape is flying. More than 3.2 million people will head to the airport this holiday compared to 2.9 million last year, AAA says.

Overall, this is the highest volume of vacationers since 2007, reflecting an “appetite for travel, a midweek holiday and lower gas prices,” AAA Regional President Brad Roeber said in a statement.

“This is the second holiday this year where travelers indicated a determination to travel while economizing by actively seeking value-added travel options and activities.”

Gas prices have declined steadily over the last month, with the average cost for a gallon of regular at $3.70 in June.

While not great, it's a break from painful rates of $4 and higher than the region's endured, experts said.

Here's a look at gas prices in the suburbs, according to AAA.

Ÿ In Cook County, the average cost for a gallon of regular is $3.95, a drop of 28 cents compared to 2011.

Ÿ In DuPage County, gas costs $3.79 a gallon on average, down by 24 cents from 2011.

Ÿ In Kane County, gas is $3.78 a gallon on average, 21 cents less than a year ago.

Ÿ In Lake County, gas is $3.79 a gallon on average, down 22 cents from 2011.

Ÿ In McHenry County, gas is averaging $3.78 a gallon, 23 cents lower than a year ago.

Ÿ In Will County, gas is $3.74 a gallon on average, down 25 cents from 2011.