42 Million Americans to Travel During July Fourth Holiday, Most Since 2007

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According to AAA projections, over 41.9 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home this Independence Day, the most since 2007 and a 0.7 percent increase from the 41.6 million people who traveled last year. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday, July 1 to Sunday, July 5, 2015.

"This Independence Day, more people will get in their cars, board airplanes, and take buses, trains and cruise ships to celebrate our nation's freedom with friends and family," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA President. "Students all across the nation are also celebrating freedom from homework, making this an ideal time for a family vacation. Independence Day is typically the busiest summer travel holiday for this reason, and more Americans are planning a holiday getaway than any year since 2007."

Rising income, driven by a strong employment market, is prompting more Americans to take a holiday trip this year. Despite recent seasonal increases, gas prices remain well below year-ago levels, which has helped boost Americans' disposable income.

"Although some consumers are using their recent savings on gas to pay down debt and save, overall, Americans are planning to travel in record numbers," continued Doney. "Independence Day gas prices are expected to be the lowest in at least five years, a welcome sign for the 35.5 million people planning a holiday road trip."

All-American road trips remain popular for Independence Day

Nearly 85 percent of travelers (35.5 million) will drive to their holiday destinations, an increase of 0.7 percent. Holiday air travel is expected to increase 1.5 percent to 3.21 million leisure travelers. Travel by other modes of transportation including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 0.5 percent this Independence Day, to 3.2 million.

Lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years expected

Despite recent seasonal increases in the price of gas, travelers continue to benefit from substantially lower prices compared to recent years. Most drivers will likely pay the lowest Independence Day gas prices in at least five years. Today's national average price for a gallon of gasoline is $2.78, 88 cents less than the average price on Independence Day last year.

Holiday travel expenses on the rise

Travelers will encounter moderately higher lodging rates and airfares this Independence Day.  According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, the average nightly stay in a Two Diamond hotel is six percent higher this year at $145, while Three Diamond hotels will cost nine percent more, averaging $195. Average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes are six percent higher this Independence Day, climbing to $227.