Monday, June 23, 2025

With Independence Day around the corner, AAA forecasted its travel volume for 72.2 million Americans taking to the roads, skies, and rails during the 2025 Independence Day holiday period spanning from Saturday, June 28, through Sunday, July 6. This represents a 2.4% increase, or 1.7 million more individuals, compared to last year and a staggering 7 million more Americans on roads than in 2019. Helping to fuel the travel rise is the nine-day longer period that now falls on two weekends and promises longer breaks and vacations for Americans.

The forecast reflects growing demand for both domestic and international travel. With the holiday falling on a Friday, families and travelers have the perfect opportunity to extend their vacations. As a result, AAA’s data reveals that more Americans are opting for road trips, flights, and cruises, seeking to make the most of their time off. The biggest contributor to this surge is the increase in travelers choosing road trips, which continues to dominate travel trends for this holiday.

Tennessee is expected to see a historic surge in travel, with an estimated 1.6 million residents expected to travel during the Independence Day period. This marks a 1.9% increase from last year and continues a growing trend of increased travel in the state. More Tennesseans are taking to the roads, skies, and rails, and this surge is particularly noticeable in three key modes of travel:

AAA’s booking data highlights the most popular destinations this Independence Day, with Orlando, Florida, and Seattle, Washington, topping the domestic list. Both cities are known for their vibrant attractions, such as Walt Disney World and the Space Needle, making them major draws for vacationers. Other domestic hot spots include New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Anchorage, and Honolulu, all offering a unique blend of cultural, scenic, and family-friendly attractions.

On the international front, Vancouver, Canada, stands out as the most sought-after destination, offering travelers a perfect mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. Following closely behind are European cities like Rome, Paris, and London, all drawing visitors with their historical significance and romantic allure. The rise in international travel is evident, as tourists flock to iconic destinations during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

This year, air travel is expected to hit record-breaking levels, with 5.84 million Americans flying domestically, marking a 1.4% increase from last year’s record-breaking numbers. While AAA’s forecast only includes domestic leisure travel, this still indicates strong demand for flights, with travelers opting for the convenience and speed of air travel to reach their holiday destinations.

Despite the record number of travelers, airline tickets are also seeing an uptick in prices. Round-trip domestic flights are averaging $810, up 4% from last year. For those seeking a better deal, AAA advises booking flights midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) to avoid the last-minute price hikes.

Cruising continues to be a favorite among American travelers, with nearly 4.78 million people expected to travel by bus, train, or cruise. This represents a 7.4% increase from last year. Alaska cruises are particularly popular during this time, with travelers flocking to the scenic coastline to take advantage of the region’s summer peak season. Cruise bookings, especially in the Caribbean and Alaska, continue to see strong demand.

For road travelers, AAA offers some crucial tips for navigating the busiest travel days. According to INRIX, the best times to drive are early in the morning, before the roads become congested. However, travelers can expect heavy traffic on Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6, with afternoons being the peak travel times. Drivers should remain vigilant for construction delays, accidents, and severe weather conditions, as summer storms are common during the holiday season.

With millions of travelers on the road, AAA urges drivers to prepare their vehicles in advance to avoid common roadside issues. Last year, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 roadside assistance calls during the holiday period. Dead batteries, flat tires, and empty gas tanks were among the most common problems faced by travelers.

Fuel prices are likely to fluctuate leading up to the holiday, with the national average currently at $3.21 per gallon, approximately 24 cents less than last year’s price. Gas prices have seen recent volatility due to oil price surges linked to geopolitical tensions, and AAA advises travelers to monitor gas prices and plan their refueling stops accordingly.

Travel disruptions can quickly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. AAA’s Debbie Haas encourages all travelers to consider purchasing travel insurance for peace of mind. Whether it’s a flight delay, lost luggage, or a medical emergency, travel insurance ensures that travelers are protected, allowing them to enjoy their holiday with confidence.

Lastly, the 2025 Independence Day travel period is set to be a record-breaker, with millions of Americans crossing domestic and international frontiers. Tennessee’s record travel boom reflects the overall trend itself, with more and more folks opting for road trips, air travel, and cruise vacations. As vacation plans are being chalked out by people, preparation itself is the mantra for a trouble-free holiday travel experience—whether it’s keeping cars in good condition, tracking fuel prices, or booking travel insurance for a smooth vacation. This vacation period holds promises of being an unforgettable one, with millions of Americans creating indelible memories with their families.

References: AAA Travel Forecast