If holiday traffic feels a little heavier this Independence Day, there’s a reason why.
According to AAA, a record 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Independence Day holiday travel period, which runs from June 27 through July 5. The projection surpasses last year’s record-setting figure of 71.8 million travelers and marks the highest July 4 travel volume ever recorded by the organization.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
The vast majority of travelers will be hitting the road. AAA projects 61.4 million people will travel by car during the holiday period, accounting for roughly 85 percent of all Independence Day travelers. While that figure is only slightly higher than last year’s total, it reflects the continued popularity of road trips despite rising fuel costs.
AAA notes that gas prices remain higher than they were a year ago, though still below the record levels seen in 2022.
Air travel is also expected to remain strong, with approximately 5.85 million Americans projected to fly to their destinations. According to AAA booking data, domestic airfare is averaging about $830 per ticket, roughly five percent higher than last year.
Meanwhile, travel by bus, train, and cruise ship is seeing the largest percentage increase. AAA expects nearly 4.93 million travelers to choose alternative transportation options, a 5.3 percent increase from last year. The surge is being driven largely by continued demand for cruise vacations, which remain popular because of their all-inclusive pricing and multiple destination options.
With millions expected to travel throughout the holiday week, AAA encourages travelers to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and prepare for heavier-than-normal traffic on major highways and at airports.
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