AAA expects record-breaking travel for the Independence Day holiday, surpassing the previous record set in 2019. AAA projects 50.7 million Americans (15.1% of the population) including 587,000 Oregonians will take a trip a trip 50 miles or more from home. This is 4.3% higher than last year and 3.7% higher than in 2019. In all, 2.1 million more people will travel for the holiday compared to last year.
The number of Americans traveling by car and air over the holiday are projected to be the highest on record. AAA expects 43.2 million people including 460,000 Oregonians will drive to their destinations. For air travel, AAA projects 4.17 million Americans including 84,000 Oregonians will fly to their destinations. Find more details and tips for travelers below.
In the Pacific Region, Region (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA), 7.4 million people (13.9% of the population) are expected to travel, a 4.7% increase compared to 2022. In Oregon, about 587,000 will travel over the long weekend. The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as Friday, June 30 to Tuesday, July 4.
“This year will set records with Americans eager to travel for fireworks and fun this Independence Day. Despite some higher prices and limited availability, travel volumes will be higher than ever before. Many took our advice and booked their trips early, another sign of very robust travel this summer,” says Doreen Loofburrow, Senior Vice President of Travel at AAA Oregon/Idaho.
AAA Travel Advice
With AAA projecting record travel for Independence Day, it’s important that travelers plan ahead and be flexible.
“Plan your trip in advance and expect the unexpected. Things can and will change. Flights, accommodations, attractions, rental cars are all in very high demand, and availability is limited. Airlines continue to have issues with flight cancellations and delays as well as pilot and staff shortages. Finding last-minute deals is unlikely, so book everything as early as possible. Use your AAA membership to find discounts and rewards, work with a travel agent, and consider travel insurance as well as medical travel insurance,” says Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho.
AAA recommends working with a travel agent and considering travel insurance options. “A travel agent is a travel expert and can help you plan a trip that meets your needs and budget. And if something goes wrong—from a flight cancellation to a medical emergency—or you need to make last-minute changes, your travel agent becomes your advocate,” says Loofburrow. “Travel agents can help you get the most out of your travel dollars as they know of special offers and rates that aren’t always available to the general public.”
AAA strongly recommends travel insurance to cover unexpected delays or trip interruptions. Travel insurance provides a safety net should something unexpected happen ahead of or during your trip. Medical travel insurance can provide coverage for illness and injuries and that may not be included in your regular health insurance plan. Travel agents can also advise on what travel insurance policy makes the most sense for your trip.
AAA data shows demand for travel insurance is up more than 100% over last year, as more travelers now see the need to prepare for the unexpected.
Visit AAA.com/travel or call (800) 529-3222 to reach a AAA travel agent.
Road Trips: highest on record for Independence Day
Car travel is expected to set a record this 4th of July as 43.2 million Americans (85.2% of travelers) drive to their destinations. This is an increase of one million car travelers over last year, up 2.4% over 2022, and 4% higher than 2019.
In Oregon, more than 460,000 will drive to their Independence Day destinations.
“Most travelers will take a good old American road trip over the 4th of July holiday. Traveling by car tends to provide the greatest flexibility and predictability, and can often be cheaper than traveling by other modes.” says Dodds.
AAA offers an entire library of digital resources to make your trip more enjoyable and it’s all available in one convenient spot at AAA.com/TripCanvas. If you are looking for maps or our Digital TourBooks, visit AAA.com/maps. You can download entire books or print the pages you’d like to bring with you. The TripTik Travel Planner provides turn-by-turn directions to keep you on the best route. With the AAA mobile app, you can request emergency road service, book a last-minute hotel, and even find the cheapest fuel and closest EV charging stations along the way. Download it at AAA.com/mobile or visit the App Store or Google Play.
