AAA projects that over 72 million Americans will travel during the Independence Day holiday period this year, marking a new record. The travel period runs from Saturday (June 27) to Sunday (July 5), with many Americans expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. Despite the record numbers, the increase is only a half-percent from last year due to rising inflationary pressures.
Most travelers will drive to their destinations, with more than 61 million people projected to hit the road. Air travel remains steady, with 5.85 million travelers expected to fly, a slight increase from last year. According to AAA, travel by other modes, including cruises, sees the strongest growth.
Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, noted, "For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition." She added that while the number of travelers appears to be plateauing, record volumes are still expected. The busiest travel days are anticipated to be Thursday (July 2) through the weekend, with July 2 expected to see the highest passenger volume at airports.
AAA advises travelers to prioritize car maintenance, including checking battery condition and tire pressure, to avoid roadside issues. Last year, AAA responded to over 687,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday week. The organization also urges drivers to "Slow Down, Move Over" for emergency responders and stranded motorists.
Top domestic destinations include Seattle, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, while international travelers are heading to Vancouver, Rome, and Paris. AAA's travel forecast, developed with S&P Global Market Intelligence, focuses on domestic leisure travel and projects total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected modes of transportation.