AAA projects a record 72.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles or more from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This represents an increase of 1.7 million domestic travelers compared to last year and 7 million more than in 2019. More than 8.9 million Californians are expected to travel for the holiday, marking an increase of nearly 182,000 compared to 2024 and over 615,000 from than in 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers. “Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson Doug Johnson. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
Independence Day Travelers by Mode of Transportation
By Car: AAA projects 61.6 million people will travel by car, a 2.2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. This Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024. In California, more than 7 million people will be traveling by car throughout the Golden State.
By Air: Air travel is also projected to set a new record. AAA expects 5.84 million travelers will fly to their destinations; that’s 8% of all Independence Day travelers. This year’s projection is a 1.4% increase over the previous record set last Independence Day week of 5.76 million air travelers. In California, more than 1.2 Million residents will be flying this holiday weekend, about 24,000more than in 2024.
By Other Modes: AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise, a 7.4% increase over 2024. This year’s number is just shy of the 2019 record of 4.79 million. Cruising is driving the popularity of this category, particularly this time of year, when Alaska cruise season is in full swing. About 593 thousand Californians are expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise.
Recliner, doesn’t travel well . . . . .
Blah blah blah youre traveling big deal. I used to talk to someone and all they had to talk about is where they travel too. I dont care.
My mode of transportation will be by Sketchers Slip Ins.
The farthest I’ll travel is from the kitchen to my BBQ on the deck on July 3rd. to smoke the ribs & watch the Hilton Fireworks with friends and family.
I’ll spend the 4th at home too, keeping watch for illegal fireworks and stray bullets.