The number of Americans traveling this July 4 holiday weekend is expected to jump 17.1 percent from last year, according to AAA’s annual report.
This year, approximately 34.9 million Americans are projected to take a trip at least 50 miles away from home between July 1 and July 5, compared to 29.8 million travelers in the same period last year.
The non-profit organization, which boasts more than 50 million members, reports that it has seen an increase in both driving vacations and bookings for cruises, vacation packages and hotels through AAA travel.
Despite the oil and tar balls that are now washing up on beaches in Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi, the domestic study, which was conducted by IHS Global Insight, is including Gulf Coast states in its projection of increased travel. It cites the fact that most beaches are still open and that travelers will continue to visit the Gulf Coast for reasons other than beach vacations, such as visiting family and friends, golfing and shopping.
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The study also projects the average of self-serve regular gas to be between $2.70 and $2.80 per gallon this holiday weekend. That’s comparable to last year’s prices, but a vast improvement over 2008 when gas rose more than $4 a gallon.
Automobile travel will account for 90 percent of transportation this year.
Air travel is expected to represent only about 4 percent of overall travel over Independence Day weekend, but will rise about 8.2 percent compared to last year. Most major airlines are implementing peak air travel surcharges through August 22, but July 4 itself is actually one of the lightest flying days of the year, so travelers on that day will avoid those $10-$30 fees.
Other modes of transport, such as trains and watercraft, will represent about 6 percent of travel this holiday weekend.
By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com.
Related link: AAA July Forecast [pdf]
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