An estimated 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the nine-day Independence Day period, according to projections released this week. The number slightly exceeds last year’s record, though the increase is smaller than in recent years.
Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said the holiday has become a tradition for many families, whether they’re taking extended vacations or just escaping for the long weekend. “While the overall number of travelers appears to be leveling off, record volumes are still expected this year,” she said.
Most travelers—about 85%—will drive to their destinations. AAA projects 61.4 million people will take road trips, nearly matching the previous year’s total.
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Air travel will see a modest increase, with 5.85 million Americans projected to fly domestically.
The biggest growth comes from other transportation modes, including cruises, buses, and trains. AAA expects 4.93 million travelers to use these options, marking a 5.3% increase from last year and the highest since 2019. The post-COVID cruise boom plays a major role, with travelers drawn to all-inclusive pricing and multiple destinations.
Alaska cruises are in peak season, pushing Seattle, Anchorage, and Fairbanks into the top domestic destinations. Internationally, Vancouver leads the list, followed by European cities like Rome, Dublin, Paris, and London.
Safety concerns rise with more drivers on the road. AAA warns that nearly one in three summertime traffic deaths involves an impaired driver. The organization is partnering with MADD to encourage sober rides and has launched a 100 Days of Safe Driving campaign for the summer.
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Last year, AAA responded to over 687,000 roadside assistance calls during the Independence Day week. Half required towing, and nearly 30% were for battery replacements or flat tires. Drivers should check their vehicle’s battery, tire pressure, and oil levels before hitting the road.
Traffic congestion will vary by city.
INRIX, a transportation data provider, predicts the second weekend of the holiday period—starting July 2—will be the busiest nationwide.
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The nine-day travel period runs from June 27 to July 5. It was expanded in 2024 to accommodate more extended vacations. AAA’s forecast relies on economic indicators like employment, household net worth, and travel-related costs. The data comes from a partnership with S&P Global Market Intelligence and MMGY’s travel behavior studies.
INRIX’s traffic predictions use real-time vehicle data, roadside sensors, and historical patterns. Their models focus on high-impact routes and time-specific delays to help travelers plan ahead.
For those who prefer to avoid crowds, the quietest travel days are likely Tuesday and Wednesday before the holiday.