The Busiest Independence Day Travel Ever Expected by AAA
Introduction
As the Independence Day holiday approaches, travel group AAA is projecting record-breaking numbers for travel this year. With more Americans eager to hit the road and take advantage of the summer season, the organization expects 70.9 million people to travel 50 miles or more from home during the July 4th week. This represents a 5% increase from last year and an impressive 8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Remote Work and Flexibility Drive Travel Increase
One of the key factors contributing to the surge in travel numbers is the flexibility of remote work. With many Americans now able to work from anywhere, more people are opting for extended trips around the Independence Day holiday. AAA Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale noted that summer vacations are in full swing, and this newfound flexibility is encouraging more individuals to explore new destinations.
Gas Prices Remain Manageable
Despite concerns about rising inflation and the impact on household budgets, gas prices have remained relatively stable. The average price of a gallon of unleaded gas is currently $3.50, slightly lower than the $3.56 seen a year ago. This favorable pricing has led to a record number of Americans choosing to travel by car, with 60.6 million expected to hit the road over the holiday period.
In an effort to further alleviate pressure on gas prices, the Biden Administration recently authorized the release of 42 million barrels of gasoline from the Northeast Gasoline Supply Reserve (NGSR) into the market. This strategic move aims to provide relief for consumers and ensure that travel remains accessible for all Americans.
Air Travel on the Rise
In addition to road trips, air travel is also expected to reach new heights this Independence Day. AAA forecasts that 5.74 million people will choose to fly to their destinations, marking a nearly 7% increase from last year and a significant 12% jump from 2019. Popular destinations for air travelers include Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, South Florida, Honolulu, Punta Cana, Barcelona, London, Rome, Dublin, and Paris.
Top Destinations for July 4th Travelers
According to AAA booking data, some of the top destinations for July 4th travelers include Seattle, Vancouver, and Anchorage for Alaskan cruises. Beach destinations like South Florida, Honolulu, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic are also popular choices. For those looking to explore Europe, cities like Barcelona, London, Rome, Dublin, and Paris are among the top picks.
Conclusion
With record-breaking numbers expected for Independence Day travel this year, Americans are gearing up for a summer of exploration and adventure. Whether hitting the road or taking to the skies, travelers are eager to make up for lost time and create lasting memories with friends and family. As gas prices remain manageable and remote work offers newfound flexibility, more individuals are seizing the opportunity to embark on exciting journeys across the country and around the world.
For more information on projected travel trends for Independence Day, please visit Investopedia.
