Staycations on the outs this July Fourth

Nearly 35 million of us will pile into our cars or jump on planes, buses and trains this holiday weekend.

AAA Chicago reported that "staycations," the cheap alternative for cash-strapped Americans during the economic slump, are giving way to mobility this July Fourth weekend.

AAA Chicago Regional President Brad Roeber said the economy is "in a different place than it was one year ago," leading to 34.9 million people traveling over Independence Day compared to 29.8 million in 2009, a jump of 17 percent.

"I think people are definitely eager to get out and travel this summer," tripadvisor.com spokesman Brooke Ferencsik said. "It's possibly a result of the economy. Also, with Americans only getting two to three weeks of vacation - time is truly a premium for us."

Illinois beats the national trend with almost 2 million people taking a trip of more than 50 miles between Thursday and Monday. That represents an increase of 19.7 percent from a year ago when 1.6 million Illinoisans took off for July Fourth.

Of those Illinoisans, most - 1.8 million - will drive to their destinations and 48,000 will fly.

Where is everyone headed this holiday? AAA forecasts that 58 percent of travelers are visiting with family or friends. The average distance people will travel is 617 miles, about the equivalent of a round trip from the suburbs to St. Louis.

Gas prices are at least below $3 a gallon for regular - hovering around a $2.84 per gallon average in Illinois, while the national average is $2.76. In the Chicago region, we're not so lucky with the cost of a gallon at $2.94.

Tripadvisor experts recommend drivers avoid leaving at peak times on Friday afternoon or evening and returning Monday afternoon or night.

"If you're willing to go on Thursday instead of Friday, you'll be in much better shape," Ferencsik said.

And fliers should build an extra 30 minutes into their schedule because of expected crowds at airports, he noted.

And if you're hitting the road, state and local law enforcement is advising drivers to buckle up, follow speed limits and don't drive impaired. The Illinois State Police and area police will be out in force, conducting traffic stops over the holiday.

During the 2009 holiday, 13 people died in vehicle crashes, five of which involved a drunken driver. An additional 813 people were injured in accidents.

The Illinois tollway will suspend temporary lane closures during the holiday weekend, starting Friday.