Independence Day travel soundbites from Auto Club Spokesperson Gianella Ghiglino
The Auto Club of Southern California projects a record number - 5.5 million Southern Californians - will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Independence Day holiday period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. This year’s Southern California travel forecast is a 2.1% increase compared to last year and a 7.4% increase from 2019. AAA’s Independence Day forecast includes two weekends instead of one to better reflect the flow of holiday travelers.
“Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons, and Independence Day consistently ranks among the most popular times for a getaway,” said Jena Miller, the Auto Club’s vice president of travel products and services. “Following a record-setting Memorial Day forecast, the Auto Club is seeing continued strong demand for both road trips and air travel during the July Fourth holiday period. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, many travelers are planning extended weekends or full-week vacations to spend quality time with family and friends.”
Busy Roadways
The Auto Club projects 4.3 million Southern Californians and 61.6 million Americans will travel by car, which is about a 2% increase over last year, and the highest volume on record. Across the country, this Independence Day holiday period is expected to see an additional 1.3 million road travelers compared to 2024.
Roadside Emergencies
AAA recommends getting routine vehicle maintenance ahead of your trip and packing an emergency kit. Last July 4th week, AAA responded to nearly 700,000 emergency roadside assistance calls for issues like dead batteries and flat tires, plus people locking themselves out of their car or running out of gas.
Gas Prices
Southern California drivers are paying the lowest prices at the pump for this time of year since 2021, although recent world events could cause an increase in oil and gasoline prices. So far this year, the price of crude oil has kept gas prices on the lower side, and local drivers are paying about 20 to 40 cents less a gallon than they were this time last year.
Rental Car Demand
For travelers who are renting cars, AAA car rental partner Hertz says Thursday, July 3rd is expected to be the busiest day to pick up vehicles. Some of the top destinations based on advanced bookings are also on AAA’s list of most popular places to visit over July 4th: Orlando, Denver, Boston, Oahu, and Seattle. Hertz says most drivers are looking to rent SUVs and midsize sedans.
Busy Airports
The number of people traveling by air 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.
Air Travel Costs
According to AAA data, which is based on what travelers paid when they booked their July 4th trips, a roundtrip domestic flight is averaging $810, 4% more expensive than last year. When booking last-minute flights for summer trips, consider flying on weekdays like Tuesdays or Wednesdays for the best deals.
Busy Cruise Ports
Travel by other modes is expected to grow by 7.4% over last year. AAA projects 4.78 million people will travel by bus, train, or cruise. 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.
Top Independence Day Destinations
Locally, the top destinations for Southern Californians are expected to be popular driving-distance locations such as San Diego, Las Vegas, the Central Coast and nearby national parks. The top holiday destinations nationally listed below are based on AAA booking data for the Independence Day travel period. Cruises, beaches, and fireworks are the main motivators for travelers heading to these cities. Alaska cruises are in peak season, Florida is in high demand for their resorts and attractions, and New York hosts one of the most popular fireworks shows in the nation. Internationally, Vancouver tops the list followed by Europe’s most in-demand cities during the summer.
Top Domestic Destinations
- Orlando, FL
- Seattle, WA
- New York, NY
- Anchorage, AK
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
Top International Destinations
- Vancouver, Canada
- Rome, Italy
- Paris, France
- London, England
- Barcelona, Spain
Best/Worst Times to Drive
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, expects Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 to be the busiest days on the road. Afternoon hours will be the most congested. For Southern Californians, the most congested holiday travel routes are expected to be:
- I-5 South from Los Angeles to San Diego on Saturday, June 28 at about 5 p.m.
- I-15 South from Las Vegas to Los Angeles at about 5 p.m. Sunday, July 6
- I-15 North from San Diego to Palm Springs at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 2
Drivers should hit the road in the morning to avoid the worst traffic, but keep in mind construction, crashes, or severe weather could impact travel times. Watch for stopped vehicles and Slow Down, Move Over for emergency responders.
Independence Day Holiday Travel Period
The Independence Day holiday travel period is defined as the nine-day period from Saturday, June 28 to Sunday, July 6. Historically, this holiday period included only one weekend. The expanded travel window was instituted starting in 2024 with historical results calculated back to 2019 using the new nine-day period.
About AAA
Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA delivers exceptional roadside assistance, helps travelers plan their dream vacations and adventures, offers exclusive member discounts and benefits, and provides trusted financial and insurance services – all to enhance the life journey of our 65+ million members across North America, including nearly 58 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.