GOING PLACES:

Group: 1.7 percent increase over 2014

Americans are expected to spend $15.8 billion this weekend on travel.

Americans continue to open their wallets wider for travel, with U.S. vacationers expected to spend $15.8 billion for the July 4 weekend, a 1.7 percent increase over last year’s holiday, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

The trade group for the country’s travel industry estimated that vacationers will spend an average of $378 each on holiday trips this year, up from $374 in 2014.

The U.S. Travel Association did not estimate the total number of travelers for the holiday weekend, but it cited a forecast by AAA that said 41.9 million Americans will travel for the Independence Day weekend, a 0.7 percent increase over last year.

A majority of holiday travelers, about 85 percent, will drive to their destinations, according to AAA estimates.

The good news for July 4 road warriors is that the national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.76, down from $3.67 per gallon a year ago.

The U.S. Travel Association used the annual July 4 forecast to press elected officials to invest more in maintaining and upgrading roads and airports.

“Barbecues, picnics and road trips are staples of American summer vacation, but it seems being stuck in traffic jams and delayed on the tarmac are becoming equally a part of the tradition,” said Roger Dow, president of the trade group.