Record July 4 travel forecast as millions prepare for holiday trips
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A record number of Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the July 4 holiday period, according to AAA. It anticipates 72.2 million travelers from Saturday, June 27, through Sunday, July 5.
What You Need To Know
AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles over the July 4 holiday period
In the East Central region, AAA projects 3.2 million travelers will drive to their destinations
Air travel and other travel modes are also expected to stay busy, with cruises helping fuel growth
AAA is urging drivers to plan ahead, avoid impaired driving and check their vehicles before leaving
That would top last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers. The year-over-year increase is smaller than in recent years. AAA says it sees the largest growth in travelers using other modes of transportation, such as buses, trains and cruises. The number of travelers driving and flying has remained flat.
“Holidays like July 4th present the perfect opportunity to travel for many Americans,” Jim Garrity, director of public affairs for AAA East Central, said in a statement. “The nine-day forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. AAA still expects record volumes this year, thanks to the popularity of other modes of travel, especially cruising.”
Most holiday travelers are still expected to drive. AAA projects 3.2 million people in the East Central region — Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi — will travel by car during the holiday period.
The travel organization said 85% of Independence Day travelers are expected to drive, even with gas prices higher than they were a year ago. AAA reported that the national average cost for a gallon of regular gas was $3.15 at this time last year. Even though prices are higher, they are still below the $4.80 average from Independence Day 2022.
Air travel is also expected to remain busy, with AAA forecasting 158,000 domestic flyers. Roundtrip domestic airfare is averaging about $830, according to AAA booking data, with ticket prices to some top destinations up about 5%.
Travel by other modes is expected to see the biggest gain. AAA projects 176,000 travelers in the East Central region will take buses, trains or cruises. AAA attributed much of that increase to continued demand for cruises.
With more travelers expected on the roads over the holiday period, AAA is flagging safety issues like drunk driving and more teens on the road in summer. AAA found that almost 30% of deadly summer car crashes happen when a driver is impaired. Working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving on the “100 Days of Safe Driving” campaign, the group reminded anyone planning to drink or use impairing substances to arrange a sober ride before heading out.
Before hitting the road, AAA also encourages drivers to check their vehicles. During last year’s holiday travel period, AAA responded to more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. About half required towing, while nearly 30% involved battery replacements or flat tires.
AAA also reminded drivers to slow down and move over for emergency responders and stranded motorists on the side of the road.
INRIX, a company that tracks travel, says the busiest road travel will be the second weekend of the holiday period, with traffic jams starting Thursday, July 2. To skip the worst traffic, AAA said drivers should leave earlier or travel Monday or Tuesday.
