This year’s holiday falls perfectly for a long weekend from Thursday through Sunday, encouraging more travelers to unwind under the sun. However, with the extended break comes record-breaking travel activity.
AAA forecasts a staggering 70.9 million passengers will travel over 50 miles from home during the July 4th travel period (6/29-7/7). This marks a 5% increase from last year and an 8% surge compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Travelers are expected to take to the roads in droves, with 60.6 million traveling by car, a 2.8 million increase from last year.
Air travel is also on the rise, with 5.74 million passengers expected to fly, up 7% year-over-year.
Additionally, over 4.6 million people are projected to travel by trains, buses, and cruises, reflecting a 9% increase from 2023.
Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, highlighted the trend, noting, “With summer vacations and remote work flexibility, more Americans are opting for extended trips around Independence Day.”
She emphasized, “This year’s July 4th week is poised to be the busiest ever, surpassing 2019 by an additional 5.7 million travelers.”
Despite inflation in other sectors, travel-related expenses have shown some relief.
As of May, hotel costs were down by 1.2% compared to the previous year, and gas prices averaged a reasonable $3.43 per gallon, a decrease of 12 cents year-over-year.
For those planning to travel for Fourth of July, arriving at airports early and scheduling morning departures can help avoid holiday congestion.
Despite potential challenges, the allure of a long weekend getaway promises plenty of opportunities to celebrate and relax with loved ones.
Tags: Americans, holiday travel, Independence Day, July 4th, Tourism Travel Surge, Paula Twidale, AAA Travel
