AAA Predicts Record July 4th Travel

During the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, according to the “AAA Independence Day Travel Forecast,” a 2.9% increase of those people who traveled last year.

With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever, according to AAA. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday June 30 to Tuesday July 4.

Of those travelers, 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9% over last year, according to AAA.  For air travel, 3.44 million people will be flying to their destinations — an increase of 4.6% compared to last year.

"Combined, strong employment, rising incomes, and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend," said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, travel and publishing. "A historic 44.2 million Americans will travel to celebrate our nation's freedom this year, adding to an already bustling summer travel season."

When it comes to car rental, daily rates will average $65, which is 14% less than last Independence Day, according to AAA.

The national average gas price is four cents cheaper than the same time last year. The average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.28.

Click here for the complete “AAA/IHS Global Insight Independence Day Forecast.