Record 72 Million Americans Expected to Travel July 4th Holiday

AAA projects a record 72.2 million Americans will travel domestically during the Independence Day holiday period from June 28 to July 6, marking an increase of 1.7 million travelers from last year and 7 million more than in 2019. This surge includes historic travel levels in states like Wisconsin, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia, with a majority opting for road trips, while significant numbers will fly or use other transport modes such as buses, trains, and cruises. The holiday falling on a Friday allows travelers to extend their vacations over two weekends, contributing to the heightened travel volume. Drivers are advised to prepare for heavy congestion, especially on July 2 and July 6, and to remain cautious of construction, crashes, and severe weather, with experts warning of possible tropical downpours in some regions. Gas prices are currently lower than last year but may fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions, and AAA encourages motorists to check vehicle readiness to avoid breakdowns amid high travel demand. Overall, the combination of lower gas prices, extended holiday scheduling, and strong demand for varied travel modes is driving this record-breaking Independence Day travel forecast.