A lot of people are planning trips this summer now that so many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

With the Independence Day holiday getting closer, AAA has some advice for people who will be hitting the road.

The agency says more than 91% of holiday travel is done by car. Road trips actually beat out flying as the most popular mode of travel.

AAA says to avoid the holiday crowd, try to plan ahead and leave a couple of days before July 4. If you have to drive on the holiday, leave as early as possible to steer clear of the afternoon traffic.

It's no secret that the cost of flying has gone up, and even though gas prices are higher now, too, AAA Communications Specialist April Engram says people are still choosing to take road trips within the state instead of flying this summer.

"You know again, national parks, people have been asking for trips to, for instance, the Adirondacks or national parks in the upstate area to again see nature," said Engram. "RVing is also very popular. People rent an RV, drive to national parks and camp. That was also very popular in the middle of the pandemic when people wanted to still travel but socially distance themselves from big groups of people."

Before you make that trip, Engram says first make sure your car is ready for a long drive.