Record 72 Million Americans Set to Travel for July 4th Independence Day Holiday
Despite economic pressures and soaring inflation, Americans are not giving up their holiday traditions. According to the latest report from the American Automobile Association (AAA), it is anticipated that 72.2 million people will be traveling during the Independence Day week.
The United States (US) is gearing up for a historic surge in travel during the 4th of July Independence Day holiday period.
According to data released by AAA, the number of Americans planning to travel at least 80 kilometers away from home during the 9-day holiday period from Saturday, June 27, to Sunday, July 5, is set to hit a new record of 72.2 million.
Despite a modest half-point increase in growth rate compared to last year due to rising inflation and escalating travel costs, consumer demand remains robust. Debbie Haas, Vice President of AAA Travel, encapsulated the motivation behind this demand, stating, 'For many families, the Independence Day holiday is more than just a trip, it's a tradition. Even if it means cutting back on other things, holidays are a category where consumers continue to spend.'
The overwhelming majority of holidaymakers are opting for road travel again this year.
Approximately 85% of travelers, which equates to about 61.4 million people, are expected to hit the road in their vehicles.
During this period, when drivers are closely monitoring fluctuations in pump prices, states with prices exceeding last year's national average of $3.15 are drawing attention. For instance, in South Carolina, the average price per gallon is hovering around $3.51, which is still below the historical peak of $4.80 in 2022.
According to transportation analytics company INRIX, the heaviest traffic is set to begin on the second Thursday. However, in metropolises such as Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, traffic is predicted to gridlock starting from Saturday, June 27. Experts are advising drivers to embark on their journeys in the early hours of the day.
When examining modes of transportation, the most striking growth is occurring in maritime and railway transport.
During the week of July 4th, over 5.8 million passengers (an 8% increase) are set to opt for domestic flights. While round-trip ticket prices to popular destinations like Chicago and Denver have seen a 5% rise, the average domestic ticket price has hit $830.
Moreover, the number of individuals choosing to travel by bus, train, and cruise ship has reached 4.93 million, marking a 5.3% increase from last year. In particular, the surge in cruise ship travel following the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed the record set in 2019. The ability of travelers to predict costs in advance, thanks to 'all-inclusive' packages, plays a significant role in this preference.
According to AAA data, with the surge in interest for Alaskan cruise tours domestically, Seattle, Anchorage, and Fairbanks have emerged among the most sought-after destinations.
Florida's theme parks and beaches, along with firework displays in New York, Chicago, and Boston, are once again set to draw in millions. Internationally, Vancouver, Rome, Dublin, Paris, and London top the list of destinations.
However, there's a catch: car rental prices have seen a 10% increase compared to last year. Industry giant Hertz predicts that the busiest day for car pick-ups will be Thursday, July 2nd.
The massive influx on the roads also brings along safety concerns. AAA reminds drivers that nearly a third of traffic fatalities during the summer months result from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Last year during the same holiday week, AAA received more than 687,000 roadside assistance calls. They emphasized the necessity for drivers to conduct battery, tire, and oil checks before hitting the road. Moreover, adherence to the 'Slow Down, Move Over' rule, which is in place for the safety of emergency crews, was stressed as being of vital importance.
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