Historic 44.2 Million People to Travel July Fourth Weekend in U.S.

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Orlando Top Summer Vacation Destination in 2017
 
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), this Independence Day a record-breaking 44.2 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more away from home, taking to the nation's roads, skies, rails and waterways to honor the red, white and blue. With 1.25 million more travelers than last year, 2017 will be marked as the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever, and will create a boon for the U.S. hotel industry at the same time.
 
"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."

By the Numbers: 2017 Independence Day Travel Forecast

• Overall, 44.2 million travelers are expected to travel this Independence Day, a 2.9 percent increase over 2016.

• 37.5 million Americans will drive to their destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year.

• 3.44 million people are taking to the skies this Independence Day, increasing air travel by 4.6 percent over last year.

• 3.27 million travelers, an increase of 1.4 percent from 2016, will look to other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses.

 
Gas prices cheaper than one year ago

The national average gas price is four cents cheaper than this same time last year and a contributing factor to the increase in travelers on the roads this Independence Day. With today's national average price for a gallon of gas at $2.28, prices remain historically low for the summer travel season. However, consumers may see prices increase, albeit by pennies, closer to the holiday weekend, similar to the Memorial Day gas price trend.

More people will drive, fly and use other modes of travel

The vast majority of travelers--37.5 million Americans--will drive to their Independence Day destinations, an increase of 2.9 percent over last year. Air travel is expected to increase 4.6 percent over last year, with 3.44 million Americans taking to the skies this Independence Day. Travel by other modes of transportation, including cruises, trains and buses, will increase 1.4 percent, to 3.27 million travelers.

Airfares and car rental rates lower this Independence Day

Travelers can expect lower prices for airfares and car rentals this Independence Day weekend. According to AAA's Leisure Travel Index, average airfares for the top 40 domestic flight routes will be 10 percent lower this year, with an average round trip ticket landing at $186. Daily car rental rates will average $65, which is 14 percent less than last Independence Day. Hotel costs are the same as last year, with the average AAA Three Diamond Rated hotel costing $185 per night.

Orlando remains top destination for summer travel

With new attractions debuting at popular theme parks, Orlando claims the number one spot on the list of most-visited locales for 2017 summer travel based on AAA's summer travel bookings:

1.     Orlando, Florida
2.     Vancouver, Canada
3.     Cancun, Mexico
4.     Seattle, Washington
5.     Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
6.     Honolulu, Hawaii
7.     Anaheim, California
8.     Anchorage, Alaska
9.     Las Vegas, Nevada
10.  Montego Bay, Jamaica
 
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined by the AAA as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4, 2017.