Nearly 43 million Americans expected to travel this Fourth of July weekend

MILWAUKEE -- Brace yourself for a busy weekend on the road. AAA projects more people than ever before will take a trip this Fourth of July weekend.

Be prepared for traffic -- but enjoy the savings at the pump.

"It allows you to do a little bit more," said Rebecca Ayers, travelers.

Rebecca Ayers is driving from the Chicago suburbs to the northwoods. She's one of the 43 million Americans AAA expects to travel 50 miles or more this Fourth of July weekend.

36 million will drive, AAA says it's not just that people can afford the tank of gas, it's that the savings add up.

"The bill is probably about half of what it was filling up the tank," said Ayers.

"They've been saving a little bit at a time every time they filled up for past year, which is really when these lower prices began," said Nick Jarmusz, AAA.

Lower oil prices for the last two years are keeping prices at the pump down -- and more money in your bank account.

"We estimate the average American has saved at least $100 on fuel costs in the first part of this year compared to the first part of 2015," said Jarmusz.

Gas is almost 50 cents cheaper than this time last year. For some, that's enough money to spare for a weekend getaway.

"We`re all just going to go up there with the kids and play in the lake and fish, and kind of go off the grid for a little bit," said Ayers.

Gas prices have not been this low for the summer driving season over the last decade. The good news is AAA does not expect much change over the next few months.

Expect busy airports too. AAA projects 3.3 million Americans will fly this weekend.