AAA projects 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year’s domestic travel forecast is an increase of 1.7 million travelers compared with last year and 7 million more than in 2019.
AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” says Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
AAA estimates 61.6 million people will travel by car this 4th of July week, up 2.2% compared with last year, and the highest volume on record. This Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared with 2024.
The number of people traveling by air is also projected to set records — AAA expects 5.84 million travelers to fly to their destinations. AAA says this is a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers. Additionally, travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4% over last year with 4.78 million people traveling by bus, train or cruise. Cruising is driving the popularity in this category, particularly this time of year when Alaska cruise season is in full swing.
Top holiday destinations are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. AAA says cruises, beaches and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these domestic destinations. Alaska cruises are in peak season; Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for resorts and attractions; and New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation.
This year’s top domestic destinations for Independence Day week include:
- Orlando, Florida
- Seattle
- New York
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Honolulu
- Denver
- Miami
- Boston
- Atlanta
