AAA Says Record Number of Americans Will Hit the Road Over July 4 Holiday

From BodyShop Business

AAA announced that car travel volume, even with national average gas prices going over the $5 mark, will break previous records as 42 million people opt to drive this Independence Day. Recent issues with air travel and ongoing concerns of cancelations and delays may be driving this increase. In fact, the share of people traveling by air will be the lowest since 2011.

AAA predicts 47.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday weekend (June 30-July 4). This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021, bringing travel volumes just shy of those seen in 2019. The biggest surprise — car travel — will set a new record despite historically high gas prices with 42 million people hitting the road.

“The volume of travelers we expect to see over Independence Day is a definite sign that summer travel is kicking into high gear,” said Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel. “Earlier this year, we started seeing the demand for travel increase and it’s not tapering off. People are ready for a break and despite things costing more, they are finding ways to still take that much needed vacation.”