• Home
  • About Evelyn Kanter
  • Evelyn Kanter’s Books & Apps
  • Evelyn Kanter In The News
  • Workshops
  • NYC Travel Guru

Evelyn Kanter ecoXplorer

smarter traveling, driving and spending

  • Green Hotels
  • Green Cars
    • Best Cars under $20,000
    • Test Drives
    • Diesel Cars
    • Electric Cars
    • Hybrid Cars
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell
    • Luxury Drives
  • Travel Deals
    • Free
    • Budget Travel
    • Discount Tickets
  • Xplore More
    • Safety and Health
    • How To
    • Five Best
    • Travel Pioneers
    • Motorcycles
    • Vintage Cars
  • Scam Alert
  • Where to Go Next
    • Historic Travel
    • Epic Adventures
    • National Parks
Home » 4th of July Travel Outlook

4th of July Travel Outlook

Leave a Comment

holiday trafficThe AAA predicts more than 47 million of us will be on the road and in the air over the 4th of July holiday weekend, which matches pre-Pandemic levels.  In other words, expect crowded roads, airports and trains, and delays wherever you are going.  Also expect higher prices for gas, hotels, car rentals and airfare.

While all modes of travel will be up significantly over 2020, road trips continue to dominate this summer.  Despite the highest gas prices in seven years, the AAA predicts more than 91% of holiday travel will be by car.

An expected 43.6 million Americans will drive to their destinations, the highest on record for this holiday and 5% more than the previous record set in 2019. With 3.5 million people planning to fly, air travel volumes this Independence Day will reach 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and increase 164% compared to last year.

Another 620,000 Americans are expected to travel by other modes, including air travel and cruises, which have resumed.  That’s an an increase of more than  72% compared to last year, but 83% lower than in 2019.

This includes travel by bus and train, and also the return of cruising.

ecoxplorer tip:

  • If you are traveling by air or ship, be sure you know cancellation and change policies along with travel insurance options, to help protect your health and travel investment before and during your vacation.
  • When booking a hotel, look for AAA’s Best of Housekeeping badge for peace of mind. Prior to any hotel stay, call ahead to ensure your hotel is open and ask what precautions they are taking to protect guests.

 AAA 4th of July Travel Statistics

TotalAutomobileAirOther

(Bus, Train, Cruise)

2021 (Forecast)47.7M43.6M3.5M620,000
2020 (Actual)*34.2M32.5M1.3M359,000
2019 (Actual)48.9M41.5M3.9M3.5M
Change (2019 to 2021)−2.5%+5.1%−10.3%−82.5%
Change (2020 to 2021)+39.6%+34.1%+163.8%+72.7%

how to take photos of fireworksTop Destinations for 4th of July

Theme parks in Orlando and southern California, as well destinations including Denver, Las Vegas and Seattle are topping the list of Independence Day destinations this year, according to AAA Travel advance air and tour bookings.

  1. Orlando, FL
  2. Anaheim, CA
  3. Denver, CO
  4. Las Vegas, NV
  5. Seattle, WA
  6. Chicago, IL
  7. New York, NY
  8. Atlanta, GA
  9. Boston, MA
  10. Kahului, Maui, HI

Long Delays Expected for Drivers

INRIX, in collaboration with AAA, predicts drivers will experience the worst congestion heading into the holiday weekend as commuters leave work early and mix with holiday travelers, along with the return trip on Monday mid-day.

Major metro areas across the U.S. could see nearly double the delays verses typical drive times, with drivers in Boston and San Francisco likely to experience nearly three-times the delays.

“With travelers eager to hit the road this summer, we’re expecting nationwide traffic volumes to increase about 15% over normal this holiday weekend. Drivers around major metro areas must be prepared for significantly more delay,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst, INRIX.

“Knowing when and where congestion will build can help drivers avoid the stress of sitting in traffic. Our advice is to avoid traveling on Thursday and Friday afternoon, along with Monday mid-day.”

Worst Corridors and Times to Travel

Metro AreaCorridorPeak Congestion% over Normal
AtlantaI-75 N, Jodeco Road to Jenkinsburg RoadFriday, 1:00–3:00PM50%
BostonI-95 S, MA-10 to Sanford RoadMonday, 3:00–5:00PM330%
ChicagoI-90 E, W Roosevelt Road to I-294Friday, 4:00–6:00PM50%
DetroitI-75 N, 12 Mile Road to Oakland StFriday, 3:00–6:00PM50%
HoustonI-10 W, Bernardo Road to Pin Oak RoadSaturday, 8:00–10:00AM50%
Los AngelesI-405 N, I-5 to Jefferson BlvdFriday, 3:00–5:00PM10%
New YorkI-278 E, Bronx River to Williamsburg StThursday, 3:00–5:00PM30%
San FranciscoCA-17 N, Lark Ave to Mt Hermon RoadMonday, 6:00–8:00PM340%
SeattleI-5 S, Capitol Blvd (Olympia) to JBLMFriday, 1:00–3:00PM20%
Washington DCI-95 S, Route 3 to Dumfries RoadThursday, 2:00–4:00PM30%
Source: INRIX

Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel

DateWorst TimeBest Time
Thursday3:00 – 5:00PMAfter 7:00PM
Friday4:00 – 5:00PMBefore 12:00PM
Saturday11:00AM – 1:00PMAfter 2:00PM
SundayFree flow expected
Monday4:00 – 5:00PMBefore 1:00PM
Source: INRIX

Real ID deadlinePrepare for Higher Prices

While AAA found average airfares have declined 2% compared to last Independence Day, travelers can expect to find higher prices for hotels and car rentals as demand climbs.

Mid-range hotel rates have increased between 32% and 35%, with average nightly rates ranging between $156 and $398 for AAA Two Diamond and AAA Three Diamond hotels, respectively.

Daily car rental rates have increased 86% compared to last Independence Day, topping out at $166. Consumers have experienced high costs and limited availability of rental cars in some markets, due to the chip shortage impacting auto manufacturers. This production delay has presented a domino effect as rental car companies work to increase their inventory of new vehicles in time to meet the increased demand for domestic road travel.

The 43.6 million Americans expected to travel by car this Independence Day can expect gas prices to be the most expensive since 2014 with the national average likely to remain above $3 per gallon.

“Higher gas prices won’t deter road trippers this summer. In fact, we’re expecting record-breaking levels of car travel this July Fourth,” said Jeanette C. McGee, AAA spokesperson. “Though prices will remain above $3 a gallon, travelers are likely to look for more free activities or eat out less, but still take their vacations as planned.”

AAA members can save on gas by joining the Fuel Rewards at Shell program. Save 30 cents per gallon on your first fill-up at Shell when you join between July 1 and August 31, 2021. Join now at AAA.com/Shell.

More Tips for Travelers

While many aspects of daily life start to return closer to a pre-pandemic normal, AAA cautions that the travel landscape has changed. Remember to exercise caution while traveling, and consider working with a travel agent to plan your trip. They can help if you need to make any last-minute changes to travel plans, explore travel insurance options and help you plan a vacation that meets your needs and comfort-level this summer.

Although the CDC advises that fully vaccinated people can travel domestically at low risk to themselves, it’s important to keep in mind that some local and state travel restrictions may still remain in place.

Travelers can refer to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restrictions Map and TripTik.AAA.com for the latest information to help plan their trip.

For travelers who are not vaccinated but choose to travel, CDC recommends that you practice social distancing, wear a mask, wash your hands and get tested for COVID-19 before and after travel.

Regardless of your vaccination status, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

About AAA:
AAA provides more than 62 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 30 motor clubs and more than 1,000 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

About INRIX:
INRIX is the global leader in connected car services and transportation analytics. Leveraging big data and the cloud, INRIX delivers comprehensive services and solutions to help move people, cities and businesses forward. INRIX’s partners are automakers, governments, mobile operators, developers, advertisers, as well as enterprises large and small.

About IHS Markit:
Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is a world leader in critical information, analytics and solutions for the major industries and markets that drive economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information, analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has more than 50,000 business and government customers, including 80 percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world’s leading financial institutions.

Thanks for visiting ecoXplorer. Stay up to date with the latest news about green travel, green cars, smart spending and frugal living by subscribing. It's free. RSS feed.
Welcome back to exoXplorer. Stay up to date with the latest news about green travel, green cars and smart spending by subscribing. It's free. RSS feed.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

Related Posts:

  • Holiday Travel Expected to Set Records
  • AAA travel forecast for July 4th: fewer of us on road than…
  • Thanksgiving Holiday Travel Forecast
  • Where to Watch Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks
  • Best USA Scenic Train Trips
  • What's New in Colorado Ski Country This Season

Filed Under: Green Travel

What do you think? We value your comments and love hearing from you. Cancel reply

ecoXplorer is your guide to smart spending and eco-friendly living

Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and guidebook and smartphone app author – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.

Evelyn currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), and is a past Board Member of a prestigious professional group for travel journalists.

Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.

Most Popular Recent Posts

  • Scam Alert: Kars4Kids Car Donation Charity
    Scam Alert: Kars4Kids Car Donation Charity
  • 2 Reasons to Avoid Jimmy John's
    2 Reasons to Avoid Jimmy John's
  • Where to Eat in Times Square & Theater District at Local Restaurants Not National Chains
    Where to Eat in Times Square & Theater District at Local Restaurants Not National Chains
  • How to Help Victims of Earthquake in Turkey & Syria
    How to Help Victims of Earthquake in Turkey & Syria
  • Scam Alert: Mideast Peace Charities
    Scam Alert: Mideast Peace Charities
  • Donating Your Car to Charity Pros & Cons
    Donating Your Car to Charity Pros & Cons
  • Free Hotel Rooms for Cancer Patients
    Free Hotel Rooms for Cancer Patients
  • Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies & Discounts
    Veterans Day Restaurant Freebies & Discounts
  • NYC Guide: Airport Transportation
    NYC Guide: Airport Transportation
  • Caribbean Resort Update After Hurricane Irma
    Caribbean Resort Update After Hurricane Irma

Search ecoXplorer by category

© 2010-2022 EcoXplorer by Evelyn Kanter. All the stories and photos on our site are protected by US (C) Copyright laws. Any unauthorized copying is strictly prohibited. Plus, it’s just not nice.

  • Home
  • About Evelyn Kanter
  • Evelyn Kanter’s Books & Apps
  • Evelyn Kanter In The News
  • Workshops
  • NYC Travel Guru

ecoXplorer.com is an independent information service which is compensated by advertisers and sponsors. This site includes some links to other websites which are compensated for by our sponsors when you click them.

 

Loading Comments...