NATIONAL – The Independence Day holiday travel forecast for 2024 is setting new records, according to AAA. An estimated 70.9 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home between Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, July 7. This projection marks a 5% increase over 2023 and an 8% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Bevi Powell, senior vice president of AAA East Central, highlighted the enthusiasm for holiday travel, noting, “Americans are embracing the opportunity to travel over the Independence Day holiday in record-breaking numbers. Whether by car, plane, or train, we are seeing more people planning extended trips to celebrate with family and friends.”
Travel by Car A record 60.6 million people are expected to travel by car this Independence Day week, an increase of 2.8 million from last year and surpassing the 55.3 million car travelers in 2019. Popular car rental destinations include Dallas, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, with the busiest pick-up days projected for June 28, June 29, and July 3. Lower gas prices, averaging below last year’s $3.53 per gallon, are contributing to the surge in road trips. However, travelers should remain aware of potential price fluctuations due to hurricane season impacts on Gulf Coast oil production.
Air Travel Air travel is also expected to hit a record high, with 5.74 million people flying to their destinations, a 7% increase from 2023 and 12% higher than 2019. Domestic airfare is 2% cheaper than last year, with the average roundtrip ticket costing $800. Airports will be busy, and AAA advises travelers to arrive early, reserve parking in advance, and use carry-on luggage to save time and money.
Other Modes of Transportation More than 4.6 million people are anticipated to travel by buses, cruises, and trains, a 9% increase from last year but slightly below the 4.79 million in 2019. Cruises, particularly to Alaska, are in high demand, making Seattle and Anchorage top destinations. Some cruise lines are offering discounts to fill remaining cabins on older ships, providing additional opportunities for travelers.
Best and Worst Times to Drive INRIX, a transportation data provider, warns that the worst times to travel by car are between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. before and on July 4. To avoid delays, drivers should travel in the morning. Returning travelers on Monday, July 8, should avoid rush hour traffic. INRIX analyst Bob Pishue stated, “Road trips over the holiday week could take up to 67% longer than normal. Travelers should monitor 511 services, local news stations, and traffic apps for up-to-the-minute road conditions.”
Top Destinations Popular destinations for July 4th week include Seattle, Vancouver, Anchorage, South Florida beaches, Honolulu, Punta Cana, and European cities like London, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and Athens. AAA booking data shows these as top domestic and international destinations.
Family Road Trip Checklist AAA and Chicco offer safety tips for families with young children planning road trips:
- Check car seat fit: Ensure children are in the correct seat and mode of use.
- Double-check car seat installation: Use the “inch test” to ensure a secure fit.
- Secure loose items: Organize the vehicle to prevent projectiles during sudden stops.
- Prepare for the unexpected: Pack an emergency kit and keep phones charged.
- Map routes ahead of time: Plan for frequent stops and use AAA TripTik and Trip Canvas for planning.
- Bring entertainment: Ensure children have access to toys, books, and charged electronics.
Travel Forecast Methodology
AAA, in cooperation with S&P Global Market Intelligence, uses a proprietary methodology to forecast domestic travel volumes, considering economic factors such as employment, household net worth, and travel-related variables. Historical travel volume estimates are provided by DK SHIFFLET’s Travel Performance/MonitorSM.
About the Organizations
- S&P Global: Provides essential intelligence and data for decision-making across various sectors.
- DK SHIFFLET: Offers comprehensive data on U.S. resident travel.
- INRIX: Delivers mobility insights and data analytics.
- AAA East Central: A not-for-profit association serving 2.7 million members across several states.
For more information and updates, follow AAA East Central on Twitter and Facebook.
