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This 4th of July Holiday Will be the Second Busiest for Travel Since 2000

Tuesday, June 28th, 2022 -- 12:01 PM

Independence Day will be the second busiest since 2000, as travel volumes continue to trend upwards with no sign of slowing down.

AAA predicts 1 million Wisconsinites will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday weekend (June 30 – July 4). That’s just over 4% more than last year’s holiday, and just shy of those seen in 2019.

While all modes of transportation are forecast to be stronger than last year, the biggest surprise is auto travel. Despite record high gas prices, AAA forecasts 960,000 Wisconsinites will take a holiday road trip, the most on record, dating back to 2001.

Although air travel is forecasted to be 3% stronger than last year, domestic traveler volumes are expected to remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancelations and delays are likely the catalyst.

Nationwide, travel volumes follow similar trends. AAA forecasts 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend. This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019.

Nationally, auto travel is also forecast to set new records. Travel Prices are Higher than Last Year. AAA finds that the average lowest airfare is 14% more than last year coming in at $201/ticket.

Mid-range hotel rates are about 23% more than last year, with the average lowest nightly rates coming in at $244/night for AAA Approved Hotels. Independence Day gas prices are forecast to be the most expensive for the holiday in history.

Pump prices are approximately 64% more expensive than a year ago. Since last year, the average daily rate for car rentals have continued to increase. With more people traveling, these prices remain on the rise due to continued supply chain issues coupled with growing demand.

While daily car rental rates have decreased 34% compared to last year, with the average lowest rate coming in at $110/day, rates are $40 more/day on average than in 2019.

With crowded roads and busy airports, AAA wants to help prepare travelers so they can have a stress-free July 4th celebration. It is important travelers are prepared and flexible to minimize stress and enjoy the holiday.

AAA offers the following advice:

  • Have a plan A, B and C;
  • B-E-T (battery, engine, tires) on a breakdown-free trip;
  • And avoid the rush.

AAA booking data reveals that big cities and international classics are top destinations this Independence Day. AAA data shows that bookings for air, car rentals, cruise, hotel, and tours are up 60% over last year for the top domestic Independence Day destinations and up 252% for international.

Drivers should expect the longest travel delays heading into the holiday weekend, particularly during the afternoons on Thursday, June 30 and Friday, July 1 as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers.

Drivers in major U.S. metros could experience double the travel times compared to a normal trip.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.